In order to promote professional quality operetta in the spectrum of musical theatre genres, to introduce international talent to the public and to develop the potential of musical theatre genres in Latvia, the Marina Zirdzina International Vocalist Competition was launched this spring. Twelve finalists were selected by a jury of experts from the Baltic States and the USA in a tough contest of 18-35 year old performers. Vocal contest in operetta, opera, musical/musical theatre categories, many professionally impressive entries, a wide geographical range – the second round of the competition is expected to be an exciting musical adventure and a tough competition!
“We received applications from 14 countries in the first round: China, Republic of Korea, South Korea, USA, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Turkey! The level of competition is remarkably high. All the participants have shown a truly high artistic level and excellent professional skills. So it was not easy for the jury to make a choice. I can confirm that the competition is very tough. ” says Agija Ozoliņa-Kozlovska, Artistic Director of the competition, Chair of the Board of the Operetta & Musical Theatre, “We are delighted with the overwhelming interest and international recognition, especially considering that this is the first time such a competition has taken place.”
Twelve contestants are selected for Round 2, and all of them are awarded the title of Finalist: Felicia Brembeck (Germany), Edgaras Davidovičius (Lithuania), Oleksandra Diachenko (Ukrain), Anastasija Dolgoņenko (Latvia), Serena Hart (Germany), Xinzi Hou (China), Antonia Modes (Germany), Inmārs Sikle (Latvia), Renārs Tomašickis (Latvia) Chen Xu (China), Heain Youn (Korea), Anastasija Zujeva (Latvia).
The entries were judged by a highly experienced and respected international jury, including Deividas Staponkus (Lithuania), Heli Veskus (Estonia), Sonora Vaice (Latvia) and Gregory Buchalter (USA).
The finalists will perform in the second round on 12. August 12, 2025 at. 12:00 Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in Riga with pianist. The finalists’ concert with the Operetta Theatre Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gregory Buchhalter (USA), the announcement of the competition results and the award ceremony will take place later in the evening at 19.00. The special guest of the concert will be Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča, soloist of the Latvian National Philharmonic Orchestra.
The competition winners will receive cash prizes, including the Grand Prix of €1,200, awarded by the family of Marina Zirdziņa. As there were no applications from 18-year-old vocalists, the cash prizes planned by the VIVAT Future Charity Foundation for this age group will not be awarded. The participants will also receive other prizes, including the Audience Choice Award, which will be determined by audience vote on the competition website www.vocalcompetition.lv, including the opportunity to perform in concerts or shows organised by the Operetta Theatre.
The International Vocal Competition pays tribute to the legendary operetta diva Marina Zirdzina (1912-1990), whose brilliant talent and dedication to her art brought Latvian operetta to the world stage. Musicologist Vija Briede writes: “Her portrayals had musical and acting intelligence, the ability to transform into new roles, expressing the wide range of a woman’s soul.”
The family of operetta star Marina Zirdzina is the main Patron of the competition and the money award provider. The competition is organised by the Operetta and Musical Theatre in collaboration with the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy and the Society of Operetta and Musical Theatre.
The International Vocal Competition is supported by the European Union, the National Development Plan and Altum, the State Culture Capital Foundation, Riga City Council, VIVAT Future Charity Foundation, and is organised with the financial support of BAFF – Baltic-American Freedom Foundation: www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org.
Tickets are on sale now at Biļešu Paradize box offices and on-line www.bilesuparadize.lv.
Read more at: www.vocalcompetition.lv and www.facebook.com/MarinaZirdzinaInternationalVocalCompetition
