Egils Siliņš, bass-baritone

Georgijs Osokins, piano

Dorottya Láng (Hungary), mezzo-soprano

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor: Andris Poga

Cēsis Concert Hall invites audiences to a special evening of music, bringing together Egils Siliņš, Georgijs Osokins and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra on one stage. The first half will feature Franz Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 1, while the second offers an opportunity to experience one of the most original operas of the 20th century – Béla Bartók’s one-act opera Bluebeard’s Castle.

Georgijs Osokins is one of the most outstanding pianists of his generation. In 2025, he became the first pianist from the Baltic states to sign an exclusive multi-album agreement with Deutsche Grammophon. His debut album For Arvo, dedicated to Arvo Pärt, has received considerable international acclaim, earning a place among Apple Music’s ten best albums of the month and Mezzo TV’s top five. Critics describe Osokins’ playing as unpredictable, revolutionary and deeply personal, while pianist Garrick Ohlsson has recognised in his artistry a connection to the pianistic tradition of Vladimir Horowitz’s era.

In the second half, Egils Siliņš will invite listeners into the mysterious world of Béla Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle. The work has long occupied a special place in the artist’s thoughts.

“Béla Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle is a highly distinctive one-act opera with a mysterious, chilling and compelling story. I am particularly drawn to the composer’s rich musical language and vivid orchestral sound, which differ significantly from conventional operatic aesthetics. One of the greatest challenges is singing the text in Hungarian. For some time, I had wanted to take on something new and interesting ahead of my next birthday milestone, and I am grateful to Cēsis Concert Hall for the opportunity to bring this idea to life. I invite listeners to immerse themselves in the colourful world of this original music,” says Egils Siliņš.

First performed in 1918, Béla Bartók’s opera is regarded as one of the most significant works of operatic modernism. At its heart are Duke Bluebeard and his new wife Judith, portrayed by Hungarian mezzo-soprano Dorottya Láng. Judith gradually opens the castle’s mysterious doors, uncovering ever darker and more symbolic secrets. Combining psychological tension, rich orchestration and a unique musical language, the work offers an unforgettable experience for seasoned opera lovers and newcomers alike.

The evening’s programme brings together Liszt’s Romantic virtuosity and Bartók’s dramatic intensity, revealing two striking facets of Hungarian music. It promises an encounter with outstanding Latvian artists, world-class pianism and one of the most enigmatic operas in music history.

Preschool-age children will not be admitted to the concert.

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