Riga Named European Capital of Culture 2014!
Riga has officially been revealed as the European Capital of Culture for 2014! This means that this is the perfect time to choose to study Russian at our centre in Riga, as the city is buzzing with atmosphere and activities.
The whole year will be a celebration of culture with many events taking place across the city, including a yearlong series of concerts by Latvian superstars!
Creative Quarters are being set up in Riga, each with its own charm and activities. Throughout the year, the Creative Quarters will offer a programme, giving a very personal and diverse insight into the city of Riga.
The Latvian National Opera will be celebrating Richard Wagner during the Riga Opera Festival including a production of Rienzi, which Wagner wrote in Riga. There will also be two brand new operas performed: one about the brilliant Riga-born chess player Mikhail Tal and one about a key figure in the cultural history of Riga and Europe. If you like operas, this is the year to visit Riga!
If you prefer history to opera, there’s something for you too! As 2014 marks 100 years since the start of World War I, the Latvian National Museum of Art has planned a 1914 exhibition, lasting several months, to show a view of World War I as seen by famous European artists. With the whole world reflecting at this time, this exhibition will be particularly moving.
There are totally unique events planned as well! At the Museum of Fateful Objects, Rigans are invited to show objects that have changed their fate or have been witness to their life so far. The World Choir Games will also be held in Riga this year in July, where 20,000 singers from 90 countries compete to be the best! If you want something a bit different to tell your friends about, these events are for you!
To find out more about the events happening in Riga, visit:
http://www.latvia.travel/en/article/riga-will-become-european-capital-culture-2014
Jade Mitchell-Ross is an English student, currently on an internship while studying Russian at Liden & Denz
