A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG VOCALISTS!
Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition in Riga offers a unique opportunity to perform on the same stage with the great American conductor, Maestro Gregory Buchalter and the Operetta Theatre Symphony Orchestra!
Such experiences in vocal competitions are rare and precious! Maestro Buchalter, who has worked at the Metropolitan Opera, directed the Florida Grand Opera and is currently Music Director of the Varna International Music Academy Festival, will conduct the semi-finals and finals of the competition in Riga in August. He has given world premieres such as The Great Gatsby and Mozart's Requiem with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.
"The conductor is the one who holds the whole production together, and Gregory Buchalter's attention to details makes the production unforgettable. His interpretation is distinguished by its dynamic tempo, mounting tension and finely nuanced expressiveness." (Opera Today, USA 2019)
Applications are open until 31 May 2025 - vocalists aged 18-35 from all over the world are welcome! First round - remotely, second round and final - in person in Riga. Tickets for the concerts are already available at Biļešu Paradīze!
Let us remember that in 2023 Maestro Gregory Buchalter already charmed Latvian audiences by conducting the Gala Concert Ad Astra in Latvia. It starred opera diva Liene Kinča and soloists from Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and the JVLMA Student Symphony Orchestra. This summer, G. Buchalter returns to create unforgettable moments for all of us together with young talents!
Let's meet at the Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition - let's enjoy the magic of music!
Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition in Riga offers a unique opportunity to perform on the same stage with the great American conductor, Maestro Gregory Buchalter and the Operetta Theatre Symphony Orchestra!
Such experiences in vocal competitions are rare and precious! Maestro Buchalter, who has worked at the Metropolitan Opera, directed the Florida Grand Opera and is currently Music Director of the Varna International Music Academy Festival, will conduct the semi-finals and finals of the competition in Riga in August. He has given world premieres such as The Great Gatsby and Mozart's Requiem with the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra.
"The conductor is the one who holds the whole production together, and Gregory Buchalter's attention to details makes the production unforgettable. His interpretation is distinguished by its dynamic tempo, mounting tension and finely nuanced expressiveness." (Opera Today, USA 2019)
Applications are open until 31 May 2025 - vocalists aged 18-35 from all over the world are welcome! First round - remotely, second round and final - in person in Riga. Tickets for the concerts are already available at Biļešu Paradīze!
Let us remember that in 2023 Maestro Gregory Buchalter already charmed Latvian audiences by conducting the Gala Concert Ad Astra in Latvia. It starred opera diva Liene Kinča and soloists from Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and the JVLMA Student Symphony Orchestra. This summer, G. Buchalter returns to create unforgettable moments for all of us together with young talents!
Let's meet at the Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition - let's enjoy the magic of music!
Riga, 16.04.2025. April
Information for media
Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition to unveil talents of musical theatre
Operetta Theatre together with the family of Latvian operetta star Marina Zirdzina, in collaboration with Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA) announces the First Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition to introduce operetta and musical theatre talents to the public on an international scale and to develop the potential of musical theatre genre variety in Latvia. Young singers from all over the world are invited to apply until 31 May to shine with orchestra on the international stage in Riga.
The International Vocal Competition celebrates the legendary operetta diva Marina Zirdzina (1912-1990), whose brilliant talent and passion brought Latvian operetta to the world stage. The organisers invite vocalists aged 18-35 to compete in the operetta/opera/musical theatre categories to show diversity of these genres, inspire the younger generation and promote the future of musical theatre.
“The International Vocal Competition is a bridge between the golden age of Latvian operetta and its future, while giving vocalists the opportunity to see the global context of musical theatre's potential,” says Agija Ozoliņa-Kozlovska, Chair of the Operetta Theatre Board, Creative Director and Artistic Director of the competition. "This competition celebrates the contribution of Marina Zirdziņa's talent by highlighting the interconnection of professional qualities and personal values. Passionate, cheerful, with a sense of humour and love for her family, a personality with a clear understanding of friendship and openly intolerant against falsehood and deceitful, always cherishing her faith in Latvia's freedom – that was Zirdziņa."
The first round will take place online, while the second round or the final will take place in person on 12th August at the JVLMA Great Hall in Riga, where the contestants will have a great opportunity to perform together with the Symphony Orchestra of the Operetta Theatre conducted by Gregory Buchhalter (USA).
The winners will receive cash prizes donated by the family of Marina Zirdziņa. The youngest winners will be awarded by the VIVAT Future Charity Foundation. Other prizes and special prizes will be awarded, including the Audience Choice Award and the opportunity to perform in concerts organised by the Operetta Theatre.
The competition will be judged by a highly professional and distinguished international jury chaired by Deividas Staponkus (Lithuania). The jury will also include Heli Veskus (Estonia), Sonora Vaice (Latvia) and Gregory Buchalter (USA).
Marina Zirdziņa's name stands for excellence – her 25-year career at the Musical Comedy Theatre in Riga, her diverse roles and her responsible attitude to work are just part of her inspiring legacy. As musicologist Vija Briede notes in the introduction to Gundega Saulīte's book about Marina Zirdziņa: “Her characters had musical and acting intelligence, the ability to transform into new roles, expressing the wide range of a woman's soul.”
The official announcement of the results of the First Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition, the Award ceremony and the Winners' Gala Concert will take place on August 12 at 19.00 in the Great Hall of the JVLMA. Tickets for the concert are available at https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/lv/custompage/5265 .
For detailed information about the competition, rules, regulations, prizes, as well as to learn more about the personalities of the jury and the legendary operetta diva Marina Zirdzina, visit the Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition website: https://www.vocalcompetition.lv and https://www.facebook.com/MarinaZirdzinaInternationalVocalCompetition
By diversifying the Latvian cultural landscape through excellence in operetta and musical theatre, society as a whole benefits in addition, the International Vocal Competition opens up more opportunities for Latvia to be part of the international musical theatre scene.
About Marina Zirdziņa
In 1931, when she was 19 years old, the outstanding Latvian performing artist Marina Zirdziņa (born Marianna Rasnača, 27.06.1912 - 08.11.1990) wins a competition and is awarded the title of the most beautiful woman in Riga and a golden wristwatch. In 1936 Marina started singing in Theodor Reiter's choir and music became a very important part of her life. During the German occupation, Marina becomes involved in the People's Theatre, where she meets the young actor Vsevolods Zirdziņš and soon becomes Marina Zirdziņa. After the Second World War, the Musical Comedy Theatre is founded in Riga. Both Marina and Vsevolods Zirdziņš began working there as soloists. Marina spent 25 successful years there. Marina Zirdziņa can be called the prima donna of the Operetta Theatre - she sang the leading roles in almost all operettas, and she has the dignity and aristocratic bearing of a true lady. She was Rosemary and Wanda in Friml and Stothart's Rosemary, Silva in Kalman's Silva, Rosalinde in Strauss's The Bat, Ninon in Kalman's The Violin of Montmartre, Hana Glavari in Lehár's The Merry Widow and many more. In the early 1970s, at the height of her fame, the singer left the stage, but continued to give concerts on the stages of many Latvian cultural centres. Relatives say that Marina was a real family person, a wonderful hostess, an intelligent companion, and a dear grandmother to her grandchildren.
About the organisers: Operetta Theatre and the Professional Creative Organisation Operetta and Musical Theatre Society work to strengthen and develop the genres of operetta and musical theatre in Latvia.
The family of operetta star Marina Zirdzina is the competition's Patron and money prize provider.
The cooperation partner JVLMA provides the premises for the practical running of the competition.
The International Vocal Competition is supported by the European Union, the National Development Plan and Altum, the State Culture Capital Foundation, the VIVAT Future Charity Fund and the project is organised with the financial support of BAFF - Baltic-American Freedom Foundation www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org.
As a non-governmental professional musical theatre with a broad genre spectrum, Operetta Theatre has been operating for 12 years and fully produces the best of musical theatre, as well as following paths of innovation and creative discovery.
For more information on the Operetta Theatre's 2025 repertoire, calendar and news, please visit the theatre's website: www.operetesteatris.lv .
Information provided by Guntis Rozenbergs,
Head of Public Relations
Operetta Theatre
E-mail: [email protected],
Mob. phone +371 29250467, +371 25123145
www.operetesteatris.lv
FB: https://www.facebook.com/OperetesTeatris
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MarinaZirdzinaInternationalVocalCompetition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/operetesteatris/
Information for media
Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition to unveil talents of musical theatre
Operetta Theatre together with the family of Latvian operetta star Marina Zirdzina, in collaboration with Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA) announces the First Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition to introduce operetta and musical theatre talents to the public on an international scale and to develop the potential of musical theatre genre variety in Latvia. Young singers from all over the world are invited to apply until 31 May to shine with orchestra on the international stage in Riga.
The International Vocal Competition celebrates the legendary operetta diva Marina Zirdzina (1912-1990), whose brilliant talent and passion brought Latvian operetta to the world stage. The organisers invite vocalists aged 18-35 to compete in the operetta/opera/musical theatre categories to show diversity of these genres, inspire the younger generation and promote the future of musical theatre.
“The International Vocal Competition is a bridge between the golden age of Latvian operetta and its future, while giving vocalists the opportunity to see the global context of musical theatre's potential,” says Agija Ozoliņa-Kozlovska, Chair of the Operetta Theatre Board, Creative Director and Artistic Director of the competition. "This competition celebrates the contribution of Marina Zirdziņa's talent by highlighting the interconnection of professional qualities and personal values. Passionate, cheerful, with a sense of humour and love for her family, a personality with a clear understanding of friendship and openly intolerant against falsehood and deceitful, always cherishing her faith in Latvia's freedom – that was Zirdziņa."
The first round will take place online, while the second round or the final will take place in person on 12th August at the JVLMA Great Hall in Riga, where the contestants will have a great opportunity to perform together with the Symphony Orchestra of the Operetta Theatre conducted by Gregory Buchhalter (USA).
The winners will receive cash prizes donated by the family of Marina Zirdziņa. The youngest winners will be awarded by the VIVAT Future Charity Foundation. Other prizes and special prizes will be awarded, including the Audience Choice Award and the opportunity to perform in concerts organised by the Operetta Theatre.
The competition will be judged by a highly professional and distinguished international jury chaired by Deividas Staponkus (Lithuania). The jury will also include Heli Veskus (Estonia), Sonora Vaice (Latvia) and Gregory Buchalter (USA).
Marina Zirdziņa's name stands for excellence – her 25-year career at the Musical Comedy Theatre in Riga, her diverse roles and her responsible attitude to work are just part of her inspiring legacy. As musicologist Vija Briede notes in the introduction to Gundega Saulīte's book about Marina Zirdziņa: “Her characters had musical and acting intelligence, the ability to transform into new roles, expressing the wide range of a woman's soul.”
The official announcement of the results of the First Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition, the Award ceremony and the Winners' Gala Concert will take place on August 12 at 19.00 in the Great Hall of the JVLMA. Tickets for the concert are available at https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/lv/custompage/5265 .
For detailed information about the competition, rules, regulations, prizes, as well as to learn more about the personalities of the jury and the legendary operetta diva Marina Zirdzina, visit the Marina Zirdzina International Vocal Competition website: https://www.vocalcompetition.lv and https://www.facebook.com/MarinaZirdzinaInternationalVocalCompetition
By diversifying the Latvian cultural landscape through excellence in operetta and musical theatre, society as a whole benefits in addition, the International Vocal Competition opens up more opportunities for Latvia to be part of the international musical theatre scene.
About Marina Zirdziņa
In 1931, when she was 19 years old, the outstanding Latvian performing artist Marina Zirdziņa (born Marianna Rasnača, 27.06.1912 - 08.11.1990) wins a competition and is awarded the title of the most beautiful woman in Riga and a golden wristwatch. In 1936 Marina started singing in Theodor Reiter's choir and music became a very important part of her life. During the German occupation, Marina becomes involved in the People's Theatre, where she meets the young actor Vsevolods Zirdziņš and soon becomes Marina Zirdziņa. After the Second World War, the Musical Comedy Theatre is founded in Riga. Both Marina and Vsevolods Zirdziņš began working there as soloists. Marina spent 25 successful years there. Marina Zirdziņa can be called the prima donna of the Operetta Theatre - she sang the leading roles in almost all operettas, and she has the dignity and aristocratic bearing of a true lady. She was Rosemary and Wanda in Friml and Stothart's Rosemary, Silva in Kalman's Silva, Rosalinde in Strauss's The Bat, Ninon in Kalman's The Violin of Montmartre, Hana Glavari in Lehár's The Merry Widow and many more. In the early 1970s, at the height of her fame, the singer left the stage, but continued to give concerts on the stages of many Latvian cultural centres. Relatives say that Marina was a real family person, a wonderful hostess, an intelligent companion, and a dear grandmother to her grandchildren.
About the organisers: Operetta Theatre and the Professional Creative Organisation Operetta and Musical Theatre Society work to strengthen and develop the genres of operetta and musical theatre in Latvia.
The family of operetta star Marina Zirdzina is the competition's Patron and money prize provider.
The cooperation partner JVLMA provides the premises for the practical running of the competition.
The International Vocal Competition is supported by the European Union, the National Development Plan and Altum, the State Culture Capital Foundation, the VIVAT Future Charity Fund and the project is organised with the financial support of BAFF - Baltic-American Freedom Foundation www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org.
As a non-governmental professional musical theatre with a broad genre spectrum, Operetta Theatre has been operating for 12 years and fully produces the best of musical theatre, as well as following paths of innovation and creative discovery.
For more information on the Operetta Theatre's 2025 repertoire, calendar and news, please visit the theatre's website: www.operetesteatris.lv .
Information provided by Guntis Rozenbergs,
Head of Public Relations
Operetta Theatre
E-mail: [email protected],
Mob. phone +371 29250467, +371 25123145
www.operetesteatris.lv
FB: https://www.facebook.com/OperetesTeatris
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MarinaZirdzinaInternationalVocalCompetition
IG: https://www.instagram.com/operetesteatris/
