Riga to host two cultural events — Arsenāls preview and opera star's solo concert

On September 17, a warm-up program will begin at Independence Square near the Art Museum Arsenāls, gradually introducing visitors to the future museum's identity, values and plans ahead of its opening in 2028. Visitors will be able to view installations and performances, including "Mode," a piece drawing on references to 1990s fashion shows once held at Arsenāls. Admission is free, and further details are available on the museum's website.

Opera star's solo concert

The following day, September 18, South African soprano Pretty Yende — described as one of today's brightest opera stars — will perform a solo concert at the Latvian National Opera. She will be accompanied by the opera orchestra under Spanish conductor Pablo Mielgo. The program includes excerpts from several well-known works, among them Verdi's operas, Bellini's "Norma," Offenbach's operetta "La Vie Parisienne," Gounod's "Faust," Dvořák's "Rusalka" and Strauss's operetta "Die Fledermaus." Ticket prices range from 28 to 100 euros and can be purchased via the opera's website.

Both events form part of Riga's autumn cultural offerings, combining contemporary visual art with classical music traditions.