Writer slams Dzintari concert hall organizers over handling of storm

Writer Mērija A. Kalniņa has publicly criticized how the Inese Galante Foundation handled a concert at the Dzintari Concert Hall while a red storm warning was in effect. According to her account, the storm began during the first part of the concert when the lights inside the hall went out, and by the second half at least two trees had fallen on the concert hall grounds. Kalniņa says the strong wind and rain caused a number of attendees to leave the event before it ended.

She says the danger did not end with the concert — a loud noise from the roof was heard afterward, possibly caused by another falling tree. Walking home along Jomas Street after the show, a tree fell across the road, narrowly missing her and her mother. Kalniņa believes the audience was rushed out of the venue quickly so organizers could avoid legal responsibility for anything happening on the concert hall's own grounds.

Calls for ticket refunds

Kalniņa says she supports people who decided to stay home because of the red warning and believes they are entitled to a refund. After contacting the foundation, she was told everything was legally in order and that the weather conditions were considered merely unfavorable rather than dangerous to public safety, so refunds would not be issued. She is now asking the foundation for a legal explanation of why the concert was not cancelled despite a red warning that put attendees' health and lives at risk.

In comments below the story, several concert-goers confirmed that travel to and from the venue was hazardous, with broken tree branches and cancelled trains toward Riga. Opinions among commenters are divided: some agree organizers bear responsibility, while others argue each attendee made their own choice to risk attending despite the warnings.