Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Fairhaven Singers vibrant chamber choir May June 2013

Don't miss this ! 

Riga -- Friday, May 31st, 6pm -- Saturday, June 1st, 5pm 

-- The Fairhaven Singers  are a vibrant chamber choir from Cambridge. They have performed all over Europe, given a number of broadcasts and released three CDs. Their performances of a wide range of repertoire are characterized by warmth, vitality and a sense of atmosphere. They are thrilled to be making their first appearances in Latvia.


Concerts:

Friday, May 31st, 6pm
St Peter's Church, Riga
Fairhaven Singers (Cambridge, England)
Conductor Ralph Woodward
English, German, Russian and Latvian music
Contact is Amrita Zarina Amrita.Zarina@riga.lv
Saturday, June 1st, 5pm
St John's Church, Riga
Fairhaven Singers (Cambridge, England)
Conductor Ralph Woodward
English, German, Russian and Latvian music
Contact is Ilze Reine ilzereine@gmail.com

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Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Christmas Market Riga - When is it Open

The Riga Christmas Market


traditionally opens on the First Sunday Advent
2 December 2012

The lighting of the First Christmas Tree


normally takes place on the same day about dusk 16:00 to 17:00 in Town Hall Square close to the River and next to Riga's City hall.


The Market in the Dome Square in Old City should stay open through New Years Eve day and then close for the Celebration of New Years Eve.


However, other Christmas Markets will be open around Riga's Old City Center and Old City and they should be open through the Russian Orthodox Christmas on 10 January 2013.

Photos of Riga at Christmas Time











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Monday, August 27, 2012

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Riga City Festival 2012 -- August 17, 18 & 19

Information from Live Riga

Riga City Festival 2012

2012-08-17 - 2012-08-19
Riga

The Riga City Festival is the main annual event in Rīga. It is a kaleidoscope of musical, artistic, theatrical and dance performances, sports events and attractions. The festival also offers a wonderful opportunity to have a good time and gain new, unforgettable impressions.
Various events are held on the city's streets and squares, on the water and in the air, in museums, concert halls and cultural centres.
The festival lasts three days, during which Rīga is filled with joy. Numerous concerts, dances, athletic competitions, an air show and a channel regatta, fairs, taste-testing and magnificent fireworks take place throughout the city.

17th August
The Center of Riga
4pm – 6.30pm
Small Guild
MAYOR’S RECEPTION IN HONOUR OF THOSE CELEBRATING GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
For the ninth year now the Rīga Mayor’s reception in honour of those celebrating their golden wedding anniversary is taking place during the Rīga Festival. This is to honour those couples who have been married for 50 years.
The Rīga City Council Mayor Nils Ušakovs and his wife will greet those celebrating their wedding anniversary at the function and will bestow Certificates of Honour and other mementoes. The event will be hosted by actor Intars Rešetins, the Rīga “Ave Sol” choir led by conductor Uldis Kokars will sing, and an instrumental trio led by Jānis Stafeckis will perform. Entry for invited guests only.
4pm – 6pm
Bastejkalns
BIRTHDAY IN THE MAGIC WARDROBE
A concert for children with great songs, fun and interesting adventures for the main heroes.
Dear children, wash your faces and open your ears, as Kaķītis Laķītis birthday will be celebrated in the Magic Wardrobe with songs, dances, games and poems!

7pm – 8.15pm
Rīga Dom Cathederal
mUSIC FOR HORNS and ORGAN PIPES
The Rīga Festival will echo in the vaults of the Rīga Dom. The sparkling “5-atā“ brass quintet
and the mighty Rīga Dom organ is a great combination for creating that festive feeling for every listener. Music for horns and organ pipes from different centuries in the very heart of Rīga! The programme contains music by Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Marģeris Zariņš and Pauls Dambis.
Tickets at the Rīga Dom booking office and at the Rīga Tourism Information Centre at Rātslaukums 6. Tickets cost Ls 5.00 – Ls 10.00

5pm – 6pm
Rātslaukums
TREVELING Youth orchestra’s concert
The European Commission’s “Culture Programme (2007-2013)” project “Traveling Youth Orchestra” is the joint work of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and France. The idea for the project was to link up young musicians from these countries from the ages of 18 to 30 years, to stage a concert programme together, which is dedicated to an eternal theme – love. Listeners at the concert are also invited to arrive at the concert dressed as if they were on their first date. Arrangements of popular compositions about the theme of love from all participating nations – Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and France are included in the concert programme, using folklore music instruments which are characteristic of each country. Valts Pūce has arranged the Latvian composition, and our well known kokle (a Latvian traditional instrument) playing virtuoso and interpreter of various musical styles Laima Jansone will take part in its performance. Prior to the concerts in France, EstoniaLithuania and Latvia, the young musicians worked jointly on the development of this concert programme in Nantes, France for three weeks.Mauricio Arancibia from Bolivia, the orchestra’s conductor is currently living in Nantes where he is pursuing his musical life and career. The recording of this orchestra programme will take place at the Sound Division Recording Studio in Rīga. As the culmination of the project, this year’s concert tour’s closing concerts are planned as part of the Rīga Festival, but next year a month long concert tour around Europe is planned for the orchestra and in November 2013, its participation in the 5th World Forum on Human Rights at Nantes.

6pm – 9pm
Jēkaba Barracks Torņu Street 4
Performance of “Minhauzena precības” [Munchausen’S MARRIAGE]
and CREATIVE WORKSHOPS IN A BAROQUE ATMOSPHERE
The “Minhauzena precības” comedy will be staged as an exuberant event in a baroque era atmosphere, where the mood is cheerful and jokes and music abound. During intermission the venue will transform into a market plaza, where auctions, creative workshops and other surprises are in store. Anyone bringing cameras along to the performance will definitely be able to use them creatively. The "Opā, opā” youth creative association will stage the performance.
The “Opā, opā” association was formed 10 years ago to help children, who have suffered from violence, to recover. Young people from foster families and the “Apīte” Children’s Home will also take part in the performance with the budding actors and directors.

9pm – 10.30pm
Rātslaukums
Carl Orff’s “CARMINA BURANA”
Carmina burana translated from the Latin means "Bavarian Songs". Carl Orff’s scenic cantata is based on a mediaeval collection of poems and texts Carmina Burana: Cantiones profanæ cantoribus et choris cantandæ comitantibus instrumentis atque imaginibus magicis, which was discovered in a Bavarian Benedictine cloister in the early 19th century. The texts are in both High German as well in the Latin language and were written in the 11th – 12th century. In them one can find love songs, as well as lines which are rich in bawdy mediaeval humour; in the collection, hymn-like texts are mixed with descriptions of gambling and feasting and amorous and erotic poems. That’s why the Carmina burana collection is considered a real reflection of its time as it conjures up scenes from daily life in the Hansa period, by introducing mediaeval mores, eating customs and the passage of the year.
Composer Carl Orff created the scenic Carmina burana cantata from 1935-1936 and it became one of the most popular vocal-instrumental works of its time in the world. Orff used 24 poems from the ancient Carmina burana collection.
Listeners smile on hearing the well-loved melodies of this music, as well as admiring the composer’s genius, while at the same time revering the wheel of time which is sung about in this work, which never stops turning, reminding one of the insignificance of humans, as well as of great possibilities.
ELSEWHERE IN RIGA
10am – 7pm
Strazdumuiža Park Pāles Street 14/3
LatviaN BLIND ASSOCIATION Strazdumuiža VILLAGE FESTIVAL
Anybody who is interested can take part in this festival. The “Emburgas zēni” ensemble will perform at 5pm. From 11am to 3pm a creative workshop for children will be operating. Prior to the festival there will be a board game (domino, draughts, chess and tennis) championship at the Day Centre with winners to be announced at the festival. One can also try one’s hand at the basketball foul shooting championship etc.
Village residents have been preparing for the festival for some time now. The announcement of the most diligent gardener during the festival has now become a tradition. The winner is the one who has the best decorated balcony or flower box under their windows. New-born children and residents who have reached the ripe old age of 80 will also be feted at the festival.
The Strazdumuiža Village Festival is funded by the Rīga City Council Education, Culture and Sports Department. Entry to the event for residents is free.

1pm – 3pm
Augusta Deglava Street 24,
Augusta Deglava and Pērnava Street Square
WRITER AUGUSTS DEGLAVS – 150
Augusts Deglavs, a writer and author of the novel “Rīga”, celebrates his 150th birthday anniversary in 2012. His novel “Rīga” is one of the most outstanding cultural historic works in the history of Latvian literature, a significant source of information which reveals the cultural environment of 19th century Rīga.
During the Rīga Festival, a memorial plaque will be unveiled on this significant anniversary on the building on Augusta Deglava Street 24, where the writer lived from 1912 to 1922, while at the A. Deglava Street and Pērnava Street Square – there will be the unveiling of a sculpture by Ģirts Burvis called “Rīdzinieki” [Rīgans].
The sculpture consists of a group of silhouettes, with its surface being covered by fragments from the text of the novel “Rīga”. These are connected with each of the visible and recognizable silhouettes, making them come alive in our imagination. Organized by Rīga Eastern Executive Board. Supported by: “Rietumu banka Charity Foundation” and Dina and Jānis Zuzāns

3pm - 7.15pm
Biķernieki Complex Sport Base S. Eizenšteina Street 2
RIGA SUMMER RACE 2012
The Riga Summer Race 2012 is the largest motor sports championship in the Baltics for 2012. Participants from the Baltic States, Russia Finland and England will be taking part.
The formal opening to the championships will take place at 11am with a parade of vintage vehicles and 
extensive drift show demonstrations. It is expected that there will be about 300 participants in the parade of vintage vehicles with their unique cars and motorcycles. The first race of the championships is expected to take place at 12 midday. A total of 8 championship races are planned with 12 laps in each.
As part of the 
Riga Summer Race 2012 championships, the Baltic Championship stage of the Kumho Challenge class will be taking place, the Latvian Championship stage in the National class, the Estonian Championship stage in the BMW 325 class, as well as the battle for the Open Championship Riga Summer Race Cup in the Open class (Baltic GT), with participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, England and Russia taking part.
As well as watching the championships, spectators will be able to visit an exhibition of various motor sports equipment as part of the 
Riga Summer Race 2012 championships, while children will have inflatable sideshow attractions. Delicious food will also be available at the event site.
Championship programme:
17th August
10am – 2.30pm Registration of participants
3pm – 7.15pm Practice and qualifications sessions
18th August
11am – 12 midday Championship opening
12 midday – 6.30pm Championship races
7pm – 7.30 pm Awards ceremony
Entry fee to the championships Ls 3.00 (ticket valid for both days)

17th and 18th August
On the AB Dambis [AB Dam], near the “Betanovuss” floating art centre
9pm – midnight
Ūdensgabali” International video and contemporary art festival
For more than ten years now “Ūdensgabali” has provided open air video shows, performances and art expositions for viewers, the uniting elements of which are moving images and searches for innovation in art.
From 16th – 18th August, brilliant selections from the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival archive, the CologneOff Nomadic Video Festival and Japan’s Media Art Festival, as well as the British video archive Onedotzero – adventures-in-motion, will be shown on the AB Dambis.
Festival programme during the Rīga Festival:
17th August
9pm CologneOFF video art in the global context programme – Mexican Visions;
10.30pm video works from the International Short Film Festival archive
18th August
9pm Selection of the best works from the 15th Japan Media Art Festival;
10.30pm Selection from the Onedotzero – adventures-in-motion urban video work “Citystates’10
The closing day of the festival will have a performance by $Kodek&TV Moscow
August 18
The Center of Riga
Vecrīga Hansa Market
The Vecrīga Hansa Market awaits visitors on 18th August at Rātslaukums (12 midday – 11pm),by Saint Peter’s Church (12 midday – 11pm) and at Dom Square (10am – 10pm). 
18th and 19th August at Rātslaukums, from 12 midday to 6pm, the Hanseatic League’s member states’ presentation tents will be open. This year Rostock, Tallinn, Tartu, Kaunas, Vitebsk, Velikiy Novgorod, Kingisepp, Valmiera, Koknese, Straupe, Ventspils and Limbaži are visiting Rīga. Visitors to the guest delegations’ presentation tents will be able to find out more about these cities of the Hanseatic League, and look at and evaluate the work of their best craftsmen.
Square next to St. Peter’s Church
On 18th August, from 12 midday – 11pm and on 19th August from12 midday – 9pm, an authentic mediaeval market will be operating, with craftsmen from Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Estonia taking part. There won’t just be trading going on here, but also demonstrations of old crafts, mediaeval costumes, and armour and we’ll be told about the daily customs of mediaeval Rīga, while a playground will be open for children’s activities.
Dom Square
On 18th August, a market will be open on Dom Square from 10am – 10pm and 150 traders from the ranks of Latvia’s craftsmen will be offering their products and artefacts and demonstrating the skills of their craft.
On 18th August, from 12 midday – 11pm and 19th August from 12 midday – 9pm, local artists and guests from other countries will perform on the stage at the Rātslaukums in a broad and diverse cultural programme:
  • William Byrd Consort ancient music ensemble led by Andris Veismanis
  • A Latvian ethno group led by Kristīne Puriņa-Kārkle will be performing Liv songs and dances, as well as ones from Latgale and Vidzeme;
  • Mimes will be performing the mediaeval mystery “The Miracles of St. Mauritius";
  • A puppet theatre will be bringing a smile to everyone’s faces with a performance of “Casanova";
  • The Liepāja Travelling Circus will show a mediaeval circus;
  • The Skutelnieki group of players from Koknese, magician Juris Garvrilovs, the Ventspils Women’s Ethnographic Ensemble, and the Slavjanskij dvor folkloric group from Velikiy Novgorod, plus some others will entertain visitors;
  • People will be able to enjoy a diverse trip to a historical cultural space in
“Opera Ficta", a joint work by Uģis Prauliņš and Ivars Cinkuss;
  • Mediaeval armour, costumes and the skills of battle between knights will be shown on stage all day between performances;
  • The first performance of composer Imants Mežaraups’ vocal-instrumental eulogy “Ode to Rīga" will take place.
    The Vecrīga Hansa Market will finish off on 19th August with a fiery show performed by percussion group Pulsa Efekts
11am – 6pm
Esplanāde
FOOD MASTERS’ STREET
As part of the Rīga Festival there is an open invitation to visit the “Food Masters’ Street” event organized by the Rīga City Council’s City Development Department under the international 4CITIES4DEV Project, where it will be possible to try and buy delicious, healthy and high quality food, which has been grown in accordance with the principles of saving natural resources and sustainable development. At the “Food Masters’ Street”, it will be possible to come into contact with the growers and producers of the high quality, clean, local and tasty food, as well as restaurants which will be preparing these products right there on the spot and the consumers who remember to preserve the environment and promote sustainable development in their daily lives.

FESTIVAL IN THE VĒRMANES GARDEN
12 midday – 6pm
Vērmanes Garden
Es Tu RTU” [ME YOU RTU] EVENT
If you think that Rīga has become one of the most developed and beautiful European cities just by some fortuitous circumstances, then you’re mistaken!
To a large degree the Rīga Technical University (formerly the Rīga Polytechnical Institute) has guided progress in the City of Rīga and undoubtedly throughout Latvia as well for 150 years already, preparing architects, building engineers, chemists, electricians, mechanics and surveyors, who have untiringly, literally and figuratively, created the face of Rīga through the centuries.
The University’s anniversary and the Rīga Festival is a time to appraise this perennial collaboration. The RTU invites the people of Rīga and visitors to the city to the joint celebrations at the festival at Vērmanes Garden. In honour of Rīga and the University’s 150th anniversary, RTU amateur groups will provide dancing, singing and theatre performances throughout the day, while students will invite people to participate in various workshops, sporting activities, side-shows, as well as offering the opportunity to find out about experimental objects that they’ve made and to try them out.

6pm – 10pm
Vērmanes Garden Stage
Rīga gavilē” [Rīga Reoices] Post-folklorE grOup Concert
Culture will live on if, respecting the wisdom of our ancestors, we continually add new “spice” to it. Our ability and talents can only be expressed in activity. That’s the thinking of seven post-folklore groups as well. They will perform folk songs in the Vērmanes Garden which they arrange themselves and songs created by authors which have been influenced by folk music. The world’s most recognizable Baltic representatives in this genre, “Iļģi”, as well as “Trio Šmite, Kārkle, Cinkuss”, formed of well known Latvian musicians – ethno singer Zane Šmite, ethno violinist and singer Kristīne Kārkle Puriņa and conductor Ivars Cinkuss, will perform at this concert. Lesser known groups such as “Miglas asni”, “sulA”, “Folkvakars”, “Vējam kabatā” and “Vecpilsētas dziedātāji” will also perform. All of the groups mentioned took part in the first post-folklore group festival “Gaviles” organized by the Rīga Technical University in April this year. The wider public will be able to see their performances at the concert in the Vērmanes Garden. The concert will be hosted by Ivars Cinkuss. May Rīga rejoice!

12 midday – 1pm
Biķernieki Complex Sports Base,
Kalpaka Boulevard
INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUE MOTOR VEHICLE PARADE “RĪGA RETRO 2012”
The parade this year is dedicated to the Latvian Antique Automobile Club’s 40th Anniversary. The event is planned as a three day gathering of antique motor vehicles with various activities in Rīga – an antique motor vehicle parade from the Rīga Motormuseum, a parade from the Biķernieki Sports Base and an exhibition on Kalpaka Boulevard. “Rīga Retro” is a traditional antique motor vehicle gathering, which is taking place for the eighth year now and is the largest event of its kind in Latvia. It attracts antique motor vehicle enthusiasts from many nations and is popular with the people of Rīga, visitors to the city and among the participants themselves. Each year “Rīga Retro” brings together more than a hundred different vehicles.
Parade Timetable:
9am – 11am Participant registration and lining up of vehicles next to the Rīga Motormuseum
11am – Parade by participants at the Biķernieki Complex Sports Base
11.30am – Parade along Eizenšteina Street – Šmerļa Street - Brīvības Boulevard – Brīvības Street – Raiņa Boulevard – 13. janvāra Street – 11. novembra krastmala – Eksporta Street – Elizabetes Street – Kalpaka Boulevard
12 midday – 1pm Exhibition of vehicles on Kalpaka Boulevard
1pm Parade along Kalpaka Boulevard – Valdemāra Street – Raiņa Boulevard – Brīvības Street – Brīvības Gatve
12 midday – 6pm
Rīga City Canal and its shores in the section from Bastejkalns to the Latvian National Opera
CANAL REGATTA 2012 – FREEPORT OF RĪGA CUP
The Canal Regatta traditionally takes place as part of the Rīga Festival and the Port of Rīga Festival. This year teams from 30 popular Latvian companies will participate in the carnival-like competition with water bikes and will compete for the titles “Fastest Canal Driver”, “Most Elegant Crew”, “Sad Water-Grinder” and “Media Duck”. New water bikes are being especially made for this event.
Everything will take place just like 11 years ago – The Regatta will be opened at 12 midday, with a team parade from the top of Bastejkalns, and then the fun competition will begin with attractive team performances. Various activities for supporters, including new Rīga Festival traditions – performances by street music festival participants are planned in the event area.
12 midday – 6pm
Alberta Street
100 YEARS AGO IN ALBERTA STREET IN THE IMAGE OF AN ART NOUVEAU WATER LILY
The Festival in Alberta Street has become a traditional and long awaited event. Each year, not only the festival organizers, but also the residents of Alberta iela and the businesses which are located there, take part with their ideas and performances. This year the motto of the festival event is Art Nouveau Water Lily, which is the Latvian, national Art Nouveau symbol. Art Nouveau specialists will help festival visitors to see the characteristic Art Nouveau elements – water lilies in the décor of buildings, in furniture and interior design, in design items, and in hat and costume decorations. One can take part in various master workshops, learn dances, as well as enjoy the Albertīne buffet’s delicacies and other delights.
11am – 6pm
Square next to the Rīga Congress Hall
ART SPACE 2012” YOUTH FESTIVAL
The Art Space 2012 Festival is a joint project by the young people of Rīga, Tallinn and Stockholm. The event is being organized under the framework of the Central Baltic Sea Region INTERREG IV A Youth Space Project. It involves collaboration between three partner cities – Rīga, Tallinn and Stockholm, to create a unique inclusive informal educative and cooperative environment for young people. As part of the project, a youth centre in Rīga, a mobile web application, informal education programmes and creative inspiration are being created.
On the day of the festival, ten creative workshops led and organized by young people will be operating in the square opposite the central entrance to the Congress Hall. The people of Rīga will be able to try out dancing, needlework, drama, circus and other creative methods in an informal teaching and self-expression framework.
From 1pm on 18th August
until 3pm on 19th August
Courtyard by the Latvian National Opera
MATCH OF THE RIVERBANKS” 24 HOUR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
The traditional twenty-four hour basketball marathon right in the heart of Rīga is now the largest open-air basketball event inin the Baltics.The participants are made up of two teams – the residents of the right and left banks of the Daugava.
The first twenty-four hour basketball tournaments took place in 2010 and 2011 as part of the Rīga Festival and the Port of Rīga Festival with the aim of promoting basketball, a healthy lifestyle and Rīga as a sporting city.
The first tournament finished with a victory by the Daugava left bank (1417:1326), whereas last year the right bank avenged itself with a result of 1311:1155.
The “Match of the Riverbanks” is not only a sporting, but also a recreational cultural event, where Rīga’s best DJ’s will perform, and other activities associated with basketball culture will take place all day and all night during the basketball game – cheer girls, street gymnasts, BMX and trial shows, football freestyle and other performances.

1pm – 3pm
Līvu Square
MAGIC OF THE Rīdzene” Concert
The magic of the river... Nowadays only through fantasizing can one imagine what the residents of mediaeval Rīga felt, when they came out to the banks of the now buried Rīdzene River behind the city’s walls as the bird-cherry was flowering and the nightingales were singing.
During the Rīga Festival it will be possible to experience these feelings in Līvu Square, where the banks of the ancient river were once located – at the site where the waters of the Rīdzene River once flowed, symbolically marked in the square’s cobblestones. The "Canto" ancient music ensemble, the "Freska" vocal group, "Putnu dārzs", "Assembly Singers" and "Harmonija Rīgai", the "Dancis" men’s vocal ensemble and "Jauna nianse" youth vocal ensemble will help in creating this experience. Without the magic of the Rīdzene, you won’t understand the magic of Rīga!

2pm – 9pm
In Vecrīga, in the centre of the city, in Pārdaugava
STREET MUSIC DAY
Street Music day in Rīga this year will take place for the second time after a successful start at the 2011 Rīga Festival – at the 810th year celebrations. Amateur and professional musicians from Latvia (like “Triānas parks” and Xylem Trio) took part in it a year ago, but also those from Lithuania, the Netherlands, Czech Republic and Germany. This year, as well, many Lithuanian musicians are ready to swell the numbers of participants at the Rīga Festival after participating in Lithuania’s Street Music Day on 19th May (it attracted about 6,000 participants this year!). The idea is simple – irrespective of your age, status, nationality, professional skills and qualifications, professionals and music lovers are invited to fill the City of Rīga with music, song, sounds. In this way a festival will be created for the participants in Rīga, who will be able to use the opportunity to perform at an accessible place and time. Anyone who can play, sing or make a noise in some other way, is invited to join in – it’s not important what sort of musical instrument gets played – a saxophone, guitar, threestick or a comb... There’s music within us all, everyone is invited to take part.
Applications may be made from 1st July until 10th August by writing to info@ielumuzika.lv or ringing phone.: +371 29256830 
Further information: www.ielumuzika.lv

2pm; 4pm; 6pm
Galerija Centrs” in Rīdzene Street
MOS MISTERIUM TREMENDUM” FASHION AND COSTUME SHOW
Rīga long ago – a Hanseatic League city in mediaeval times. Rīga today – within the European Union.
Fashion which developed in mediaeval times is still a reflection of society.
The show will conjure up the romantic side of people’s lives – knights, merchants, young wannabes – fellows and servant girls, seamen and pirates as well, and, of course, a mythical mysterious extraordinary lady dressed in a Gothic style. Inmediaeval times, due to the boom in trade, new fabrics spread rapidly, the design and construction of new costumes developed, and clothing was made in unusually bright colours. Women’s costumes were characterized by décolleté layers, unusual hats and embellishments. Men’s clothing traits were peculiar shoes, knight’s attire – something from one’s favourite clothing... You’ll be surprised on seeing how much of the beauty of the Gothic era is reflected in today’s fashion.

12.30pm – 1.30pm and 4pm – 10pm
MUSIC AND DANCE IN THE DOM GARDEN
12.30pm – 1.30pm TREVELING Youth orchestra’s concert
4pm – 6.30pm HANseatic cities’ TRoUBADour Tournament
7.30pm – 9pm “SERGEJS JĒGERS AND A PORTRAIT OF FARINELLI” CONCERT
9pm – 10pm “Es runāšu par…” contemporary dance performance
The Dom Garden invites you to a diverse and rich programme, the unifying motif of which is – love. There will be compositions dedicated to the theme of love as interpreted by the talented musicians of the Touring Youth Orchestra and love songs and ballads by Latvia’s bards. In addition, the sounds of opera music from the baroque era as performed by outstanding counter tenor Sergejs Jēgers, young promising soprano Maija Tutova, the Collegium Musicum Riga baroque orchestra and the Collegium Choro Musici Riga baroque choir will, at the conclusion, provide a sense of fulfilment to everyone at the Dom Garden.
TREVELING Youth orchestra’s concert
The European Commission’s “Culture Programme (2007-2013)” project “Traveling Youth Orchestra” is the joint work of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and France. The idea for the project was to link up young musicians from these countries from the ages of 18 to 30 years, to stage a concert programme together, which is dedicated to an eternal theme – love. Listeners at the concert are also invited to arrive at the concert dressed as if they were on their first date. Arrangements of popular compositions about the theme of love from all participating nations – Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and France are included in the concert programme, using folklore music instruments which are characteristic of each country. Valts Pūce has arranged the Latvian composition, and our well known kokle (a Latvian traditional instrument) playing virtuoso and interpreter of various musical styles Laima Jansone will take part in its performance. Prior to the concerts in France, EstoniaLithuania and Latvia, the young musicians worked jointly on the development of this concert programme in Nantes, France for three weeks.Mauricio Arancibia from Bolivia, the orchestra’s conductor is currently living in Nantes where he is pursuing his musical life and career. The recording of this orchestra programme will take place at the Sound Division Recording Studio in Rīga. As the culmination of the project, this year’s concert tour’s closing concerts are planned as part of the Rīga Festival, but next year a month long concert tour around Europe is planned for the orchestra and in November 2013, its participation in the 5th World Forum on Human Rights at Nantes.
THE TrOubadOUR tOurnAMENT will gather singers from Hanseatic cities throughout Latvia –Druvis Andriksons from Koknese, Ingus Ulmanis from Limbaži, Valdis Atāls from Cēsis, Mārtiņš Liepa from Valmiera, Kārlis Kazāks from Straupe, Roberts Pētersons from Ventspils, Haralds Sīmanis from Kuldīga and Uldis Kākulis from Rīga will compete for the hearts of the young ladies of Rīga.
The tournament’s host will be Juris Hiršs, and he will be assisted by young ladies from Rīga, dressed in costumes from the Middle Ages – muses for the troubadours. Each participant will be given 20 minutes to showcase their singing ability, skill and to reveal their personal charm. The young ladies of Rīga will give each troubadour a title and at the conclusion of the tournament-concert, the song which has been rated the most highly by the young ladies of Rīga and listeners, will be nominated as the MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE SONG.
“SERGEJS JĒGERS AND A PORTRAIT OF FARINELLI” Concert
As part of the Rīga Festival, Latvia’s brilliant counter tenor Sergejs Jēgers and conductor Māris Kupčs will be offering the people of Rīga and visitors to the city an opportunity to hear the sound of the most beautiful baroque opera music, which, it seems is best embodied in Farinelli – a singer, the tone of whose voice was able to enchant thousands of listeners in his time, aristocratic countesses and duchesses, as well as the womenfolk of the city. Bitter-sweet sighs and enthusiastic applause was at that time considered as frivolous, and ill-mannered unrestrained behaviour, but that didn’t stop the admirers of the great Italian singer from expressing their enthusiasm in this way. You’ll have the opportunity to hear colourful renditions of Farinelli and other opera legends of that era in a captivating presentation by conductor Māris Kupčs, outstanding Latvian counter tenor Sergejs Jēgers, young promising soprano Maija Tutova, the Collegium Musicum Riga baroque orchestra, Collegium Choro Musici Riga baroque choir and baroque dance groups.
“Es runāšu par…” [I’ll Talk About ….] CONTEMPORARY DANCE PERFORMANCE
The “Es runāšu par” contemporary dance performance is a story about the moment we live in. Accompanied by baroque music, using body language and movement, the dancers will describe events around us, about people’s internal world and their experiences. The performance combines all aspects of contemporary dance – movement, concept, form and content.
Its choreographer Dmitrijs Gaitjukevičs is a professional choreographer and dancer, having regularly participated in various dance projects both in Latvia, as well as beyond, and has represented Latvia in international festivals.
The performance has come about as the first serious stage work by 1st Year students of the Latvian Academy of Culture’s “Contemporary Dance Choreography” study programme. Ivars Broņičs, Valērijs Bušujevs, Jānis Putniņš, Modris Opelts, Klāvs Liepiņš, Mārtiņš Sprūds, Sandra Lapiņa and Karīna Lapšina are taking part in the performance.
4pm – 5pm
St. Pēter’s Church
RĪGA MUSIC SCHOOLS JOINT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT
The Rīga Music Schools Joint Symphony Orchestra led by its conductor Andris Veismanis began its activities in 2002. The Orchestra unites students from all of the Rīga City Council’s music schools, as well as school graduates.
The Orchestra actively participates in Rīga concert life, preparing interesting musical programmes for both the Rīga Festival as well as for the 18th November National Celebratory events. It has taken part in a number of educational joint projects – in the staging of productions of Benjamin Britten’s “Noah’s Ark” and Gian Carlo Menotti’s “Amahl and the Night Visitors” at the Latvian National Opera. Music created by Latvian authors always has a special place in the orchestra’s repertoire, which plays the compositions of Imants Kalniņs, Arturs Maskats and Pēters Plakidis with real fervour. This year the orchestra will play George Pelēcis’ “London Symphony” in honour of the Rīga Festival and the composer’s anniversary.
The Rīga Music Schools Joint Symphony Orchestra has taken part in the European Commission’s “Culture Programme (2007-2013)” project financed concerts in Italy and France called “The European Festivals Experience for Travelling Youth Orchestras”.
10pm – 11.15pm
Rīga’s St. John’s Church
ORgan recital evening At St. John’s Church
During the Rīga Festival, Rīga’s St. John’s Church is inviting everyone to an unusual concert, “Organ Recital Evening at St. John’s Church”. The ancient church will open its doors to let people hear and see a mystery – how an organ sings and perhaps even dances in the dark of night. Organist Ilze Reine and organist duo Iveta and Jānis Pelše will take you on a colourful musical journey through the centuries from ancient renaissance dances to the temperament of Ravel’s “Bolero”. This time the colours of the night will reveal what is not visible at other times – one will be able to observe the musicians playing on a screen. This concert continues the “Let’s Save St. John’s Church” charity project commenced in spring, inviting visitors to donate funds for the restoration of the church’s façade.
ELSEWHERE IN RIGA
10am – 8pm
“Spilve” Airport
AVIATION FESTIVAL AT “SPILVE” AIRPORT
RĪGA FREESTYLE AEROBATIC MASTER CUP
During the Rīga Festival, the people of Rīga and visitors to the city are invited to the Aviation Festival at the Spilve Airport and the “Riga Freestyle Aerobatic Master Cup" Air Show, with the world’s best pilots taking part.
On 18th August, the “Riga Freestyle Aerobatic Master Cup" Air Show will take place from 12 midday until 5pm at the Spilve Airport. The Air Show is being provided by the “Flights Unlimited" company. On 19th August, the “Riga Freestyle Aerobatic Master Cup" Air Show will take place from 3.15pm until 3.45pm above the Daugava in the section between the Vanšu and the Akmens bridges. 
A visit to the nascent Aviation Museum’s historical building will also be possible, where anyone who is interested will be able to watch a film and take a look at an exposition about the history of aviation, the Spilve Development Plans etc.
To get to the Spilve Airport and the nascent Aviation Museum (Daugavgrīvas Street 140) one should take the No.3 Bus to the “Māju celtniecības kombināts” bus stop. During the Festival, there will be a free bus from the avenue which is located before the airport, which will deliver visitors to the Spilve Airport building.
Car parking costs Ls 1.00
10am – 11pm
Kalnciema Quarter, Kalnciema Street 35
DO IT YOURSELF – INVENTION FESTIVAL AND MARKET
The “Do It Yourself!” invention and experiment festival will be an event for all the family, where one can do, show, learn and teach, invent, think up, construct, prepare, play, be inspired and create art oneself, as well as to experiment with the environment, physics, engineering, science, technology and multi-media.
The following people are invited to take part: those working with rockets and robots, technological marvels, microcircuits, radio, art, craft, unusual bicycles and other forms of transport, sustainable lifestyles, improving the environment, woodwork, healthy food, innovative needlework, alternative energy devices, fire art, experimental music, photography, the circus, Tesla coils, kites, chemical experiments, films and other things.
Audio and video performances, robotics demonstrations, musical experiments, as well as activities directly associated with the mediaeval era will take place during the festival.
Throughout the day there’ll be a farmers’ and craftsmen’s market.
10am – 6pm
Uzvaras Park – by the “Arkādija” Sports Complex
Rīga’s extreme sports competition
Competitions in skateboard, slalom and skateboard “game of skate’’, demonstrations of slalom on roller skates, as well as a high jumping competition with roller skates are included in the Extreme Sports Competition programme. As part of the competition, competitions in bike riding and in skate rolling for children will take place. Registration for the championships will take place at the competition venue from 9am on 18th August. Registration for the bike riding championships will take place from 2pm.
11am – 2pm
Uzvaras Park in the section between Slokas Street and Bāriņu Street
MĀRUPĪTE” PEOPLE’S RUN
The “Mārupīte” People’s Run is inviting both adults and children to join them. People who run every day as well as those who would just like to try it out can take part. Each participant, depending on their level of preparation, will run a corresponding distance, which will vary from 500 metres right up to 6 kilometres. The first such run around Māras Pond took place in 1965. Registration for the competition can be done electronically on the www.sportlat.lv home page in the “Sacensību kalendārs” [Competition Calendar] section
from 13th August to 7pm on 17th August, or at the starting line on the day of the competition up until 10.30am.
August 11am – 7.30pm
Biķernieki Complex Sport Base S. Eizenšteina Street 2
RIGA SUMMER RACE 2012
The Riga Summer Race 2012 is the largest motor sports championship in the Baltics for 2012. Participants from the Baltic States, Russia Finland and England will be taking part.
The formal opening to the championships will take place at 11am with a parade of vintage vehicles and 
extensive drift show demonstrations. It is expected that there will be about 300 participants in the parade of vintage vehicles with their unique cars and motorcycles. The first race of the championships is expected to take place at 12 midday. A total of 8 championship races are planned with 12 laps in each.
As part of the 
Riga Summer Race 2012 championships, the Baltic Championship stage of the Kumho Challenge class will be taking place, the Latvian Championship stage in the National class, the Estonian Championship stage in the BMW 325 class, as well as the battle for the Open Championship Riga Summer Race Cup in the Open class (Baltic GT), with participants from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, England and Russia taking part.
As well as watching the championships, spectators will be able to visit an exhibition of various motor sports equipment as part of the 
Riga Summer Race 2012 championships, while children will have inflatable sideshow attractions. Delicious food will also be available at the event site.
Championship programme:
18th August
11am – 12 midday Championship opening
12 midday – 6.30pm Championship races
7pm – 7.30 pm Awards ceremony
Entry fee to the championships Ls 3.00 (ticket valid for both days)
4pm – 11pm
by the “Imanta” Culture and Recreation Centre
IMANTA – A PLACE WITH A NAME”
Just like every year, families with children, young people, as well as the older generation will be able to spend their time well at the Imanta suburb as part of its names-day celebrations.
The celebrations will commence at 4pm with a concert for children. At the evening concert at 6pm you’ll hear the “Fanfara” Brass Band, soloist Madara Dziedātāja and students from Aleksandrs Tarasovs’ vocal studio as well as seeing performances by the “Kaprīze” dance school and the “Jaunība” circus studio. The evening concert will be hosted by Normunds Rutulis. At 8pm, everybody is invited to the ball, where the “6.jūdze” group will get your feet dancing.
2pm – 6pm
Ziedoņdārzs
GIFT FOR RĪGA” EVENT
At the event the territory will create an original reflection of a map of Latvia, where the system of paths in the park with “dry land and water paths” will link up the 8 Hanseatic League period’s mediaeval towns in Latvia, with the main accent being focussed on Rīga. Families with children are particularly encouraged to come. For the youngest ones there will be an inflatable amusement area, where a variety of attractive characters will play with them, and there will also be a chance to see performances for children, a sand cinema and to take a ride in a horse and cart. Parallel to these activities, everyone will be able to enjoy a diverse musically theatrical programme on the stage. From 2pm till 4pm there’ll be a performance for children called “Manfred’s Adventure”, circus acts, dances and performances by children’s musical ensembles, as well as a concert by the following groups: “Vēstniecība”, “Normunds Piesis Jazz quartet”, “1:16 Kliķe” and “Jorspeis”.
The event is being organized by the “Prieka Vēsts” Christian Congregation.
17th and 18th August
On the AB Dambis [AB Dam], near the “Betanovuss” floating art centre
9pm – midnight
Ūdensgabali” International video and contemporary art festival
For more than ten years now “Ūdensgabali” has provided open air video shows, performances and art expositions for viewers, the uniting elements of which are moving images and searches for innovation in art.
From 16th – 18th August, brilliant selections from the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival archive, the CologneOff Nomadic Video Festival and Japan’s Media Art Festival, as well as the British video archive Onedotzero – adventures-in-motion, will be shown on the AB Dambis.
Festival programme during the Rīga Festival:
18th August
9pm Selection of the best works from the 15th Japan Media Art Festival;
10.30pm Selection from the Onedotzero – adventures-in-motion urban video work “Citystates’10
The closing day of the festival will have a performance by $Kodek&TV Moscow
19 August
The Center of Riga
11am – 5pm
Museum of the History of Rīga and of Navigation
Hansa city Rīga’s stories from the centuries: facts, legends, dance and music
The Museum of the History of Rīga and of Navigation is one of the oldest public museums in Europe, the richest repository of Rīga’s centuries old heritage, where one can find out about the period when Rīga was an active member of the Hanseatic League.
During the festival the museum will be offering the people of Rīga from all generations, and visitors to Rīga, an opportunity to relax, find out, learn and to be happy. In the concert programme in the Column Hall the “Ballare”, “Magnolija”, “Galms” and “Kalendula” ensembles will dance and play music form past centuries and show ancient dance steps to everyone interested. Museum guides will invite visitors on “Hansa Rīga’s Stories from the Centuries: Facts and Legends” excursions in the Latvian, Russian and English languages at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
For the most enthusiastic history lovers there will be a game called “Travel from Rīga to Hanseatic League Cities”, as well asingenuity and erudition testing lightning tournaments “Hansa City Rīga – Rīgans, Traditions and Events”.
Only during the Rīga Festival will one be able to attend the special exhibitions “Hanseatic League Cities”, “Testimony about Rīga’s Hansa Centuries from the Museum’s Collections”, as well as the express exhibition “Hansa’s Century Signs in my Rīga” which will be created by visitors on the spot. A theatrical historic photo salon
I am a Rīgan from the Hanseatic League’s Centuries” will also be operating.
Vecrīga Hansa Market
The Vecrīga Hansa Market awaits visitors on 19th August at Rātslaukums (12 midday – 9pm), by Saint Peter’s Church (12 midday – 9pm). 
18th and 19th August at Rātslaukums, from 12 midday to 6pm, the Hanseatic League’s member states’ presentation tents will be open. This year Rostock, Tallinn, Tartu, Kaunas, Vitebsk, Velikiy Novgorod, Kingisepp, Valmiera, Koknese, Straupe, Ventspils and Limbaži are visiting Rīga. Visitors to the guest delegations’ presentation tents will be able to find out more about these cities of the Hanseatic League, and look at and evaluate the work of their best craftsmen.
Square next to St. Peter’s Church
On 19th August from 12 midday – 9pm, an authentic mediaeval market will be operating, with craftsmen from Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Estonia taking part. There won’t just be trading going on here, but also demonstrations of old crafts, mediaeval costumes, and armour and we’ll be told about the daily customs of mediaeval Rīga, while a playground will be open for children’s activities.
On 19th August from 12 midday – 9pm, local artists and guests from other countries will perform on the stage at the Rātslaukums in a broad and diverse cultural programme:
  • William Byrd Consort ancient music ensemble led by Andris Veismanis
  • A Latvian ethno group led by Kristīne Puriņa-Kārkle will be performing Liv songs and dances, as well as ones from Latgale and Vidzeme;
  • Mimes will be performing the mediaeval mystery “The Miracles of St. Mauritius";
  • A puppet theatre will be bringing a smile to everyone’s faces with a performance of “Casanova";
  • The Liepāja Travelling Circus will show a mediaeval circus;
  • The Skutelnieki group of players from Koknese, magician Juris Garvrilovs, the Ventspils Women’s Ethnographic Ensemble, and the Slavjanskij dvor folkloric group from Velikiy Novgorod, plus some others will entertain visitors;
  • People will be able to enjoy a diverse trip to a historical cultural space in
“Opera Ficta", a joint work by Uģis Prauliņš and Ivars Cinkuss;
  • Mediaeval armour, costumes and the skills of battle between knights will be shown on stage all day between performances;
  • The first performance of composer Imants Mežaraups’ vocal-instrumental eulogy “Ode to Rīga" will take place.
    The Vecrīga Hansa Market will finish off on 19th August with a fiery show performed by percussion group Pulsa Efekts
12 midday – 9pm
Skārņu Street
BREAD FESTIVAL
The baker’s trade has been a respectable and honourable trade for ages. In the 14th-15th centuries, initially small, and then larger bakeries, which operated all day and night were established to provide the city’s residents with bread.
As the popularity of the baker’s trade grew, associations of bakers or guilds developed. The first Rīga bakers who joined the associations were Germans. The guild’s main task was to organize commercial production, to protect the interests of the producers and to provide assistance to their brothers in the trade.
Artisans usually didn’t work on Sundays and on holidays, but bakers were an exception. City dwellers needed fresh bread in the morning. That’s why during the Rīga Festival members of the Latvian Bakers Association will offer their products to Rīgans and visitors.
During the event it will be possible to purchase a choice of diverse bread products. It will also be possible to buy bread baked for special ancient Latvian occasions and important moments in life for a special price at auction.
12 midday – 11pm
11. novembra krastmala
“RĪGA’S GAMES AND REJOICING” FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
3pm, 6.15pm, 9.15pm
The Dream Engine Heliosphere Performance
3.15pm – 3.45pm
Riga Freestyle Aerobatic Master Cup Aviation Show
9.30pm “Rīga, mana baltā Rīga” [Rīga, My White Rīga] Concert Performance
10.45pm Festival Fireworks
The “Rīga’s Games and Rejoicing” festival programme will commence with a parade from Dom Square to 11. novembra krastmala. The culmination of the parade will be a parade of flags by the cities of the Hanseatic League and a viewing of a promenade by the Key to Rīga in a specially built cart. The festival programme will start with the Canto and Ludus ancient music ensembles, the Ballare ancient dance group will conjure up a mediaeval mood, while knights from Latvia and Belarus will show their battling skills.
On the stage during the day there’ll be Ainārs Paukšēns’ meditative group “Kopējā izteiksme”, the exquisite ladies’ saxophone quartet n[ex]t, while in the skies above Rīga Dream Engine’s air balloon and acrobatic association’s show from Great Britain will shine. When the show in the air finishes, jazz and chanson master Rolands Beļēvičs will sit down at the piano.
One of the highlights of the programme on the banks of the river will definitely be the “Rīga and Rhythm” show created by percussionist Nils Īle, in which at least 60 drummers, more than 300 choir singers, the “Laiksne” folk music group, as well as salsa and belly dancers will take part. When DJ Andris Gailis comes up on stage, the width of the banks will be filled with skaters, free runners and circus jugglers – in this way Rīga will show its equilibrist skills. Following them closely will be the stylish antique tweed riders, as well as the extreme and strange “Apokalipses jātnieki” [Riders of the Apocalypse] with previously unseen riding contraptions and all of this colourful activity will be accompanied by a performance by the rock group “Dzelzs vilks”.
In the continuation to the programme, on stage we’ll be able to watch Latvian National Opera soloist Evita Zālīte, one of the best guitarists in Latvia Kaspars Zemītis and cellist Ainārs Paukšēns, Kaunas rock group Hansanova, the female septet Latvian Voices which was the overall champion at the World Choir Olympics which took place in mid July in Cincinnati (USA) and super virtuoso with the mouth drum Lytos, as well as the energizing “Auļi” bagpipe and drum group.
Dusk on this August evening will be ushered in by the “Rīga, my White Rīga” concert performance, with music by Uģis Prauliņš. The concert performance will merge into the festival fireworks show which will be accompanied by music composed especially for this occasion by Uģis Prauliņš. Rīga’s games will be ending but the rejoicing will resound for a long time in the skies above our one and only Rīga!

FESTIVAL IN VĒRMANES GARDEN
12 midday – 6pm
Vērmanes Garden
INVENT RĪGA!” EVENT FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
“Invent Rīga!” offers a story-like return to the legendary Middle Ages! Vērmanes Garden will become a stylized Hansa city with colourfully dressed residents in the streets, performances by artists, concerts, creative workshops and competitions for children and youth.
There’ll be a diverse and interesting concert programme on the stage – a theatre performance of “Sprīdītis” for children, performances by authentic Middle Ages jesters and the “Firebirds” Circus Troupe (Hungary), Genādijs Paļčevskis’ magical tricks,Schola Cantorum Riga and Richard Zaļupe’s concert, but as the closing act – the world famous “Terem Quartet” (Saint Petersburg, Russia).
During the Hanseatic period, valuable goods as well as news about the newest inventions came together with the ships from distant lands. The inventions from the Middle Ages theme will weave all of the performances and activities into a combined fascinating day’s experience at Vērmanes Graden.
A TRIP IN TIME” CREATIVE WORKSHOP
The “A Trip in Time“ creative workshop is a series of games and challenges about the Hanseatic period in Rīga, where each person will be able to find the game most suited to them. Little ones will be able to complete drawings with the main symbols of Rīga, as a Hanseatic city – for example, drawing ships which entered Rīga’s port, or the defenders of the city who protected Rīga behind its walls and others.
Everyone interested will have the opportunity to play various memory/knowledge games about life and culture in Rīga during the Hanseatic period. One of them – a board game “Rīga Traveller” – where on starting the game at the city gates, and correctly answering questions, there’ll be a chance of getting to the heart of the city – to the Rātslaukums. It should be added that each incorrect answer will move the participant back to the exit point.
Those who like to engage their minds will have an opportunity to try their hand at various coded challenges about Rīga as a Hanseatic city.
SPRĪDĪTIS’ SCHOOL” SCENES FROM THE MIDDLE AGES ON THE SHORES OF THE KALNA SPEĶUPE
The scenes from the Middle Ages will tell of a farmstead from the Middle Ages at the place where the Speķupe [Speķu River] was once located, but now – the Vērmanes Garden, much loved by Rigans. At the farmstead one will be able to meet sages – clever activity leaders: ethnographer Indra Čekstere, who will introduce people to wild plants and the life of the ancient farmstead and biologist Andrejs Svilāns, who will introduce one to the plant of the year – the crab-apple. At this event the public will be able to participate in Latvian traditional games, dances, music making, as well as making straw puppets and an interactive puppet theatre performance. The straw theatre will be a creative group’s interpretation of a possible straw puppet theatre at a farmstead in ancient times.
HANSA HANDWRITING
Calligraphy is an ancient art, based on beautiful and refined handwriting. It is an ancient profession which was also at a high level in the Hanseatic city of Rīga, as significant and important documents in Rīga’s history were written with a feather and Indian ink.
During the festival anyone who wants to will be able to try their “Hansa Handwriting”, by taking part in one of the calligraphy activities:
pencraft, writing with a feather and Indian ink or writing letters – young children will be able to learn to write letters on blackboard with chalk. There will be demonstrations of calligraphy, and a written confirmation of participation in the Rīga Festival 2012 will be provided by a calligraphist, which one will be able to seal with hot wax or an inked stamp.
There will be a photo corner called “By the Ancient Calligraphist”, as well as an opportunity to try one’s hand at throwing a sack of salt and tying knots – learning basic skills in tying knots of varying levels of difficulty.
7pm – 10pm
Vērmanes Garden Stage
Jazz Evening at Vērmanes Garden
The subtle sound of jazz music will be sounding at the Rīga Festival evening concert in Vērmanes Garden. The musicians of the “Rīga” professional brass band, soloists Inga Bērziņa and Daumants Kalniņš will be playing jazz music themes which are popular around the world. The musicians of Brass&Jazz, which brings together Latvian jazz performers and outstanding performers of this genre from other nations – the Netherlands, Lithuania, Estonia, Switzerland and Sweden will share in musically creative experiments with listeners in the project.
The Mirage Jazz Orchestra and outstanding soloist, jazz interpreter Laimja Rācenāja and Jolanta Gulbe will perform the last part of the concert.
13 midday – 4pm
In the square by the Rīga Congress Hall
BALTCOM CARTOON RALLY 2012
The Cartoon Rally has become a great Rīga Festival tradition. This year it will be taking place for the seventh time already. Viewers could watch driving beds and casino tables as well as a yellow submarine in previous summers at the home-made driving contraptions festival. Shrek and his friends and the three little pigs with the wolf emerged from their storybooks. Rīga’s most lively, attractive and bravest work groups thought up everything mentioned and brought it to life.
In summing up all of the experience from previous years, the organizers have concluded that:
  • The Cartoon Rally is not an ordinary sporting competition. It’s a lively event where participants have to show that they don’t just have strength and speed, but also imagination and looks. It is an exhibition/show which lasts for many hours.
  • These are teams with determination and attractive ideas.
  • These are people, who aren’t afraid to show their ideas to others.
  • This is a competition which can attract thousands of spectators.
  • It is a friendly battle both on the track and away from it.
  • Rīga is a city of inspiration! The Cartoon Rally proves this.
This year the Baltcom Cartoon Rally has adapted itself to the Rīga Festival theme - the spirit of the Middle Ages and the Hanseatic League. That’s why all teams have to think of how to combine 21st century paraphernalia to the atmosphere, costumes and personalities of the Middle Ages.
Organize a work group or friends for the festival!
Applications for the competition by the 10th August on the www.parstipru.lv home page in the Baltcom Cartoon Rallysection, or by telephone on 28686117.
15.00 – 19.30
On the Origo Summer stage next to the "Origo" Department Store
MANY VOICED RĪGA” CONCERT PROGRAMME
The concert at our city’s historic crossroads in the Station Square will bring together representatives from a variety of cultures which live in Rīga: Latvian, Liv, Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian, German, Jewish and other nationalities’ vocal and dance ensembles, and folk music instrument orchestras. Overall, 20 artistic groups will take part in the more than four hour long folk music “marathon", among which there will also be guests form other Latvian and European Hanseatic League cities.
4pm – 7pm
Rīga Canal
By the Latvian National Opera
COME AND ROW!” ROWING FESTIVAL
The Rowing Festival is a competition where one can watch rowing performances not only by professionals and veterans in one and two seat canoes, but also take part oneself – come and row! All you need is the desire to try, some courage and a competitive streak.
The rowing competition will be a part of the Rīga Festival for the second year now and sportsmen and women from Latvia and Lithuania will take part in it – among them such outstanding people like Olympic champion Ivans Klementjevs, World champion Jefimijs Klementjevs and Aleksandra Klementjeva. In the People’s Class – anyone can apply to take part in a 12-place Dragon Boat 200 metre race by writing an email to Klementjevi@inbox.lv.
In 2011, 25 teams took part in the rowing competition on the Riga City Canal during the Rīga Festival.
5pm – 7pm
Arēna Rīga
"Мумий Тролль" Group’S concert
The Мумий Тролль group (Russia) will play a concert on 19th August at Arēna Rīga. The warm-up groups for the concert will be Run Run Run (USA) and Losers (Great Britain).
The hearty rebels, Мумий Тролль are undoubtedly the most colourful contemporary Russian rock group – they are known for their unusual vocals, and their energetic performances at concerts and festivals and, obviously, Мумий Тролль’s special unique musical style – rock pop!
The Мумий Тролль group consists of four members – Iļja Lagutenko, Jurijs Cālers, Jevgēņijis Zviģonijs and Oļegs Pungins.Мумий Тролль has released eight studio albums, and received innumerable music awards and titles and have performed at huge concerts within Russia, and elsewhere including Rīga.
In May 2012, Мумий Тролль headed off around the world on board the “Sedovs” sailing ship, where they are working on a new album. The group are performing at concerts at port cities along the way in Finland, Germany, France and in other countries. They will also sail into Latvia to perform at the Rīga Festival.
20.00 – 21.00
On the Origo Summer stage next to the "Origo" Department Store
Traveling youth orchestra concert
The European Commission’s “Culture Programme (2007-2013)” project “Traveling Youth Orchestra” is the joint work of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and France. The idea for the project was to link up young musicians from these countries from the ages of 18 to 30 years, to stage a concert programme together, which is dedicated to an eternal theme – love. Listeners at the concert are also invited to arrive at the concert dressed as if they were on their first date. Arrangements of popular compositions about the theme of love from all participating nations – Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and France are included in the concert programme, using folklore music instruments which are characteristic of each country. Valts Pūce has arranged the Latvian composition, and our well known kokle (a Latvian traditional instrument) playing virtuoso and interpreter of various musical styles Laima Jansone will take part in its performance. Prior to the concerts in France, EstoniaLithuania and Latvia, the young musicians worked jointly on the development of this concert programme in Nantes, France for three weeks.Mauricio Arancibia from Bolivia, the orchestra’s conductor is currently living in Nantes where he is pursuing his musical life and career. The recording of this orchestra programme will take place at the Sound Division Recording Studio in Rīga. As the culmination of the project, this year’s concert tour’s closing concerts are planned as part of the Rīga Festival, but next year a month long concert tour around Europe is planned for the orchestra and in November 2013, its participation in the 5th World Forum on Human Rights at Nantes.
ELSEWHERE IN RIGA
10am – 6pm
“Spilve” Airport
AVIATION FESTIVAL AT “SPILVE” AIRPORT
RĪGA FREESTYLE AEROBATIC MASTER CUP
During the Rīga Festival, the people of Rīga and visitors to the city are invited to the Aviation Festival at the Spilve Airport and the “Riga Freestyle Aerobatic Master Cup" Air Show, with the world’s best pilots taking part.
On 19th August, the “Riga Freestyle Aerobatic Master Cup" Air Show will take place from 3.15pm until 3.45pm above the Daugava in the section between the Vanšu and the Akmens bridges. 
A visit to the nascent Aviation Museum’s historical building will also be possible, where anyone who is interested will be able to watch a film and take a look at an exposition about the history of aviation, the Spilve Development Plans etc.
To get to the Spilve Airport and the nascent Aviation Museum (Daugavgrīvas Street 140) one should take the No.3 Bus to the “Māju celtniecības kombināts” bus stop. During the Festival, there will be a free bus from the avenue which is located before the airport, which will deliver visitors to the Spilve Airport building.
Car parking costs Ls 1.00
12 midday – 4pm
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum
BLACKSMITH’S DAY
Every year at the end of summer a meeting of Latvia’s and its neighbours’ blacksmiths takes place at the Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum. Visitors find out about both the master works exhibited, as well as the attractive blacksmith masters themselves who come from from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. It will be possible to observe not only demonstrations of the blacksmith’s trade, but to also actively participate in the work process. Daredevils will have an opportunity to test their own skills and strength in forging coins, horseshoes and nails. Folklore groups will play music and teach the Blacksmith’s dance to visitors.
Entry fee is Ls 2.50 for adults, Ls 1.50, Ls 1.00 for students and pensioners. Family ticket Ls 5 (2 adults and 2 – 4 children or a large family with many children)
EXHIBITIONS
17th, 18th and 19th August
11am – 4pm
Rīga Congress Hall
4CITIES4DEV” PROJECT TRAVELLING EXHIBITION
The travelling exhibition will give people information about the possibilities and the necessity of buying healthy and high quality food, which has been grown in accordance with the principles of saving natural resources and sustainable development. As part of the exhibition, visitors will be able to see a photo exhibition about the life and work of the African community, as well as watching this in documentaries shown in the video hall. This will allow viewers to look into the food groups consumed daily, creating a responsible attitude in viewers to local and seasonal food. In the exhibition space an interactive five senses table will also be availablewhere one will be able to research food, using all the five senses. There will also be “Food Stories”, informative exhibits where the history and origins of food etc. will be explained. Entry to the exhibition is free.

18th and 19th August
11am – 6pm
"Riga Art Space" Exhibition Hall
WHERE IS MY PLANE?” EXHIBITION
An artist, in the process of creation, is flying. When an artist creates, then he/she is flying. When a flier is writing signs in the sky, he is creating – that is art. The question "Where is my plane?" is just as great as the question "Where am I? What’s the point of my life? Where is the flight, which lifts me with its wings?" Scientists have proven that chemical reactions in the brain are similar – fans of extreme sports and artists are of the same ilk. The exhibition provides a thematically unified, and chronologically extended range of art works – the works of Zenta Logina, Ilmārs Blumbergs, Pēters Līdaka, Anatolijs Rudenko, Aija Bley, Jana Brike and others, as well as real models of real aeroplanes. The exhibition will join the Aviation Festival at Spilve Airport on 18th and 19th August. Entry fee Ls 1.00

18th and 19th August
11am – 6pm
"Riga Art Space" Exhibition Hall
Sigita Daugule’s "FaCAdes AnD struCtURES" Exhibition
Sigita Daugule’s (1971) paintings’ “symphonic” texture comes from the structure of the painting, which the artist constructs, in an enviable exactness following the form’s own movement. Daugule’s paintings paradoxically have an effect on a person’s perception, like music does. The walls, windows and doors of Pārdaugava are the archive of Daugule’s story motifs. The artist will meet with visitors at the Rīga Art Space’s Late Breakfast on 9th September at 12 midday. Entry fee Ls 1.00
All days
17th, 18th and 19th August
10am – 7.30pm
Rīga Zoological Garden
Striped dAYS 2012
On entering the Rīga National Zoological Garden by the gates built in 1912, we enter a completely different world, which is hidden away in the shade of the Mežaparks pines on the shores of Ķīšezers. Along with its older buildings, the zoo currently is proud of its new contemporary buildings – the Giraffe house, the Tropical house, the rural courtyard, Tiger dwelling and other buildings. In its collection, it currently has 3,200 animals from 420 species, with more than 90 species being included in the Red Data Book30 species have international species books maintained on them.
The Striped Days in August at the Zoological Garden have become a tradition. During these days anyone who feels the weight of curiosity weighing them down, is invited to get involved in various activities – searching, guessing, finding out, observing, solving, painting and creating.
This year, the programme to celebrate the Rīga Zoological Garden’s centenary, from 17th to the 19th August is:
11.30am – 2.15pm Animal feeding demonstrations and interesting stories;
10am – 4pm Orientation game “How do Stripes Help Animals?” – Visitors can obtain a map from the ticket office with the Striped Days’ trail routes, to find 6 animals, complete a task and receive surprise prizes;
12midday – 4pm Creative Workshop “At the Tiger” – there’ll be a bustle of inquiry to reveal the meaning of stripes and patterns in the animal world;
11am and 1pm – those interested are asked to gather at the Flamingo enclosure, to take part in the “Colours and Patterns” excursion. During the excursion, participants will have the opportunity to find out how the form and colour of an animal’s body helps animals hide, hunt or attract attention.
During the Striped Days, entry tickets to the Rīga Zoological Garden will be cheaper!
Further information: www.rigazoo.lv
17th, 18th and 19th August
10am – 10pm
Splendid Palace Cinema
Rīga story begins at “Splendid Palace” cinema
Rīgas nami” Ltd.’s event centre, Splendid Palace Cinema, will provide an informative and educative event during the Rīga Festival – “Rīga Story” will be shown at Splendid Palace Cinema. Throughout the day, from 10am till 10pm everyone who is interested will have a great opportunity to watch a film about Rīga “Riga Story”. The film provides informative material and a stimulus for a further look at Rīga’s cultural historical monuments, encouraging one to get to know Rīga close up.
In addition, anyone can take a look at the “Born in Rīga – Famous around the World” exhibition, which tells of talented people from Rīga who have become famous not only in Latvia, but also in Europe and in the wider world.
Sessions of the film “Rīga Story” will be shown every hour from 10am to 10pm in all of the theatre’s auditoriums, giving viewers the chance to watch the film in three different languages – Latvian, Russian and English.
Entry fee Ls 1.00  

Gallery


Included events

Striped days in the Riga Zoo
Riga Zoo
2012-08-17; 2012-08-18; [..]
International antique car rally Riga Retro
Riga Motor Museum
2012-08-18 - 2012-08-19
Blacksmiths Day 2012
Latvian Ethnographic Open-air Museum
2012-08-19
Rowing Competition
Riga
2012-08-19
Riga Festival “Cartoon Rally”
11th November Embankment
2012-08-19