Lohengrin – Johan Krogius (Finland)
Elsa – Vida Miknevičiūtė (Lithuania)
State Choir LATVIJA (Artistic Director Māris Sirmais)
Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI
The Cēsis Art Festival and the Cēsis Concert Hall continue the now traditional Cēsis Wagneriana series with a concert performance of the powerful opera Lohengrin by the great German opera composer Richard Wagner. As always, the stage will bring together an outstanding cast of soloists, the State Choir LATVIJA, and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the brilliant Finnish conductor and passionate Wagner interpreter Tarmo Peltokoski.
Alongside opera diva Vida Miknevičiūtė as Elsa, the concert performance will feature the young Finnish opera star Johan Krogius, making his debut in the demanding role of Lohengrin.
Elsa, daughter of the Count of Brabant, stands accused of murdering her brother Gottfried. Though her beauty and sincerity cast doubt on her guilt, King Heinrich decrees that the truth will be determined by a duel. But who will have enough faith and courage to raise a sword in her defence? Elsa entrusts her salvation to a mysterious knight seen in a dream. Then comes a miracle – a boat drawn by a swan in golden chains appears upon the lake, carrying the knight. He promises to defend Elsa and asks her hand in marriage, should he be victorious. There is only one condition: the girl must never ask his name or where he comes from. Elsa agrees. In the ensuing duel, the knight defeats Count Friedrich with a single sword strike. The couple prepare for the wedding and even get married, yet the evil Ortrud sows doubt in Elsa’s heart. Unable to resist, the girl breaks her vow and asks the forbidden questions. Betrayed by his beloved, the knight reveals himself as Lohengrin, son of Parsifal, and Knight of the Holy Grail. Now that his secret is exposed, he must depart. Before he leaves, Ortrud confesses that she transformed Elsa’s brother Gottfried into the swan. The bird’s golden chains break, Gottfried is restored and will become the new leader. Elsa rejoices at her brother’s return, but the love of her life Lohengrin is already gone…