Media release

German public gives LNO guest performance of “Valentina” enthusiastic reception

Scene from Arturs Maskats' opera "Valentina". Photo: Gunārs Janaitis, LNO publicity photo
22 May 2015

On Tuesday 19 May, the guest performance by the Latvian National Opera (LNO) of Arturs Maskats’ opera Valentina hosted by the Deutsche Oper Berlin earned rapturous applause from the German audience.

This guest performance was the main event of the Latvian EU Council Presidency's cultural programme in Germany and took place under the joint patronage of the German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, and the Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Edgars Rinkēvičs. The patronage of these two ministers accentuated the political significance of the performance both in terms of Latvian-German bilateral relations and in the context of European history 70 years after the end of World War II, since the opera depicts tragic historical events.

The opera was inspired by the life story of a Latvian cultural legend – film historian Valentīna Freimane – and reflects the tragic chapters of Latvian history from 1939 to 1944 when the country suffered under two totalitarian regimes.

“This opera and the life of Valentīna Freimane remind us that peace and democracy in Europe are not self-evident and that constant efforts must be made to protect them. I am truly delighted that one of the major events in the Latvian Presidency cultural programme is taking place in Berlin. Considering our history, this was not an obvious choice, so this is a great honour that underscores the friendly ties between our countries,” emphasised Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier in his address.

The message of the opera expressed in music confirms that Latvia is a reliable and stable partner committed to safeguarding a united and free Europe. “We must fight all manifestations of intolerance, racism and anti-Semitism, and we must continue to strengthen democracy, freedom and stability. The crimes of National Socialism and Stalinism must never be allowed to happen again,” said Edgars Rinkēvičs, emphasising the importance of European values in the current international situation.

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From left to right: Edgars Rinkēvičs, Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs; Elita Kuzma, Latvian Ambassador to Germany; Dr. Frank-Walter Steienmeier, German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs. Photo: Marcus Lieberenz/bildbuehne.de

The guest performance was attended by a broad spectrum of society, including representatives of the International Auschwitz Committee, the Foundation Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Jewish Museum Berlin, the Riga Committee and other organisations engaged in Holocaust remembrance and education, Members of the Bundestag and representatives of the Federal Foreign Office, the Ambassador of Israel to Germany and other members of the diplomatic corps, journalists, public figures and representatives of the Latvian diaspora. In order to preserve the memory of the Holocaust among young people, students from the Heinz–Berggün–Gymnasium also attended the performance. At the invitation of the Latvian Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Georgian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tamar Beruchashvili, was also present.

The opera is based on the memoirs of Valentīna Freimane, Adieu, Atlantis, which was published in German this spring. Her life story and the events of World War II depicted in the opera have aroused great interest in Germany. Valentīna Freimane honoured the guest performance in Berlin with her presence.

On 27 April, a promotional event for the performance took place at the Jewish Museum Berlin, Europe's largest museum dedicated to the history and traditions of the Jewish people. The 200 guests had the opportunity to enjoy fragments from the opera performed by the soloist Inga Kalna and the composer Arturs Maskats. Valentīna Freimane, who spoke at the event, applauded Europe's approach to dealing with its tragic and controversial historic legacy, and was also appreciative of Latvia’s achievements in remembering Holocaust victims and those who rescued Jews during that period.

The guest performance by the Latvian National Opera in Berlin formed part of the Latvian EU Council Presidency cultural programme which has contemporaneity, uniqueness and excellence as its core values. 

For press contacts:

The Embassy of the Republic of Latvia to Germany
Reinerzstrasse 40/41, 14193 Berlin
Phone: +49 (0) 30 826 002 22
E-Mail: embassy.germany@mfa.gov.lv

Contact
Linda Jākobsone
Head of Presidency Communications and Public Relations Department