The Riga Jurmala Music Festival announces the withdrawal of bass-baritone Bryn Terfel from his scheduled recital on Sunday 29 August at 7pm at the Dzintari Concert Hall following medical advice to recover from health issues. Latvian soprano and leading international opera performer Kristīne Opolais has graciously accepted to offer a recital in collaboration with pianist Agnese Egliņa at the same date, time and venue.
“Some of the greatest opportunities in my life have come from unexpected events,” says Kristīne Opolais, “from the last-minute Metropolitan Opera broadcast in 2014 to this completely unplanned re-encounter with Latvian audiences. My good friend Sir Sir Bryn Terfel asked me to replace him for the recital tomorrow evening; I would have preferred to enjoy my dear colleague’s concert from the audience but, if I must step in for him, I will do it with immense honour and pleasure. I sincerely look forward to this opportunity to perform again for the Latvian public in a wonderful programme of works that are dear to me.”
“We regret Bryn’s cancellation but without a doubt his health is the priority,” says Artistic Director Martin T:son Engstroem. “We wish Bryn a speedy recovery and look forward to finding an opportunity for him to make his debut at the Riga Jurmala Music Festival very soon. I am immensely grateful to Kristīne Opolais, who has most generously accepted to step in to replace Bryn Terfel. She happened to be in Latvia after three performances of Puccini’s Tosca alongside the Cavaradossi of renowned tenor Jonas Kaufmann; her collegial spirit overruled her well-deserved need for rest. I am sincerely looking forward to her performance on Sunday evening.”
Kristīne Opolais will offer a wide-ranging programme inspired by the roles she interprets around the world as well as works that have a special meaning to her. It will include songs and opera arias by Puccini, Verdi, Cilea, Dvořák and Tchaikovsky. Sunday’s performance will make Kristīne’s first featured performance in Latvia since 2018.
Festival visitors who had planned to go to Brin Tervel’s concert will be able to use the existing tickets for the concert of soprano Kristīne Opolais and pianist Agnese Egliņa on August 29 at 19.00 in Dzintari Concert Hall.
More information about ticket availability, exchange of tickets and refund, or other related information by writing to [email protected] or on the festival website www.riga-jurmala.com
