Emilija D'Andželo's 'Pleasantly Haunted' concert stands out in Riga's summer cultural programme
On 18 July, Canadian mezzo-soprano Emilija D'Andželo performed at Hanzas Perons with 'Pleasantly Haunted', an event described by a review as almost paradoxical within the summer cultural landscape.
Latvia's summer cultural scene has traditionally been shaped by open-air concerts, festivals and star appearances of varying scale. In such a busy environment, audiences often divide their attention between the music, the summer evening and a shared cultural entertainment experience. It was against this backdrop that the concert by Canadian mezzo-soprano Emilija D'Andželo took place on 18 July at Hanzas Perons.
The programme, named 'Pleasantly Haunted' and translated into Latvian as 'Rēgu rokās', was described in a review as an almost paradoxical event. Instead of following the familiar pattern of large-scale summer entertainment, the performance seemed to invite listeners to focus more deeply on the music itself. The review suggested that the concert offered a way to capture the spirit of music beyond the usual boundaries of time and style.
In a season filled with outdoor activities, this evening at Hanzas Perons provided a contrast to the typical summer event. The choice of venue and the character of the programme created a distinct atmosphere, emphasising the more reflective side of musical experience. It was a reminder that even during the busiest part of the cultural season, there is room for attentive listening and artistic depth.
