The International Marina Zirdzina Vocal Competition in Riga offers a unique opportunity to perform on the same stage with the great American conductor, Maestro Gregory Buchhalter and the Opera Theatre Symphony Orchestra!

Such experience in vocal competitions is rare and valuable! Maestro Buchhalter, 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 Buchhalter’s attention to detail makes the production unforgettable. His interpretation is distinguished by its dynamic pace, 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 Buchhalter already enchanted Latvian audiences by conducting the Ad Astra Gala Concert in Ogre. It featured opera diva Liene Kinča, the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music Vocal Department and the JVLMA Student Symphony Orchestra. This summer, G. Bukhalters returns to create unforgettable moments for all of us together with young talents!

Let’s meet at the International Marina Zirdzina Vocal Competition – let’s enjoy the magic of music!