9/3/2007 The Opera House

My Grandfather Arthur Karklins was the director of this Opera House before the war.When they came to the U.S. he continued with his entertaining abilities. They continued to have Latvian Theater and opera. I was lucky enough to watch, to see and hear


The Latvian National Opera is the biggest and best musical theater in the country. Recognized as a living national treasure since its founding in 1918, Latvian National Opera at once became the center of Riga's musical activity. Great masters, multinational personalities and generations of talent have molded the Latvian National Opera's history. They preserved the craft and traditions of diligent work, raised artistic standards to new heights and cultivated the opera audience. During less than a century of the prolific work the repertoire of the theater embraces all the opera masterpieces. No 19th century German, Italian, French or Russian opera is left unstaged. The 20th century is represented by such outstanding composers as Strauss, Albert, Schilling, Krenek, Reinberger, Wolf-Ferrari, Cilea and Janacek. The company pays great attention to the preservation of national tradition and culture. Original Latvian opera and ballet productions by Janis Medins, Jazeps Medins and Janis Kalnins graced the repertory. Nowadays the LNO Opera Company is a group of artists known all over the world due to the bright voices of the soloists and smooth timbre of the chorus, the outstanding performances and high artistic level of the troupe.
But the Latvian National Opera is famous not only for its operas, but for its ballet troupe as well. The Ballet Company of the LNO or the so-called Riga Ballet is world-renowned for its soloists Michael Barishnikov, Aleksandr Godunov, Maris Liepa and many others. Professional Latvian ballet began developing in 1919 as a part of the National Opera company. In 1922 the very first ballet performance in Riga, P.L. Hertel's "Love In Vain" was shown to the public. The art director and the inspirer of a first permanent ballet troupe was Marinsky Theatre ballet teacher and director Nikolai Sergeyev. Ex-Marinsky Theatre prima ballerina and outstanding ballet dancer Alexandra Fyodorova solidified the base of the new-born Riga Ballet. The LNO Ballet Company has evolved into a group of artistically brilliant and technically strong performers who work really hard to show to the world audience their interpretations of both classical and contemporary choreography, combining the best tradition of world ballet and the unique national character.



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Address: Aspazijas Blvd., 3
Phone: 371-7073777








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All rights reserved.

9/3/2007 RIGA

Riga is the Capital of Latvia and retains the largest population of people. It is broken into two sectors. There is Old Riga and New Riga. They are very proud of their country and preserve the historic buildings. The architecture is so phenominal. There were times we just looked and stared that human hands created the beauty.

It took us two full days of sit seeing. We Stayed with my Aunt Gaida and daughter Inga.We visited with them and Aunt Gaidas son Edgar also. Tim enjoyed conversing in English. Inga took us by bus both days and we walked literally for 6 hours each day. Snapping pictures, listening to outside entertainment and eating. What I attached is just a snippit of what we saw but I have included many. We already want to go back and want to see more of the Castles and more out lying areas. The internet is a great research place.

OLD REGA:

NEW REGA

Now this is how we should all travel.I understand the Smart car is coming to the States

DID YOU KNOW:


Riga
Territory: 64,589 sq km
Location: Eastern Europe
Geographic coordinates: 57 00 N, 25 00 E
Border countries: Belarus 141 km, Estonia 339 km, Lithuania 453 km , Russia 217 km
Coastline: 531 km
People in Latvia: Population: 2,366,515 (2002 est.)
Ethnic groups: Latvian 57.7%, Russian 29.6%, Belarusian 4.1%, Ukrainian 2.7%, Polish 2.5%, Lithuanian 1.4%, other 2%

Religion: Lutheran, Roman Catholic, Russian Orthodox
Languages: Latvian, Lithuanian, Russian
Type of government: Parliamentary democracy
Administrative divisions: 26 counties and 7 municipalities: Aizkraukles Rajons, Aluksnes Rajons, Balvu Rajons, Bauskas Rajons, Cesu Rajons, Daugavpils Rajons, Dobeles Rajons, Gulbenes Rajons, Jekabpils Rajons, Jelgavas Rajons, Kraslavas Rajons, Kuldigas Rajons, Liepajas Rajons, Limbazu Rajons, Ludzas Rajons, Madonas Rajons, Ogres Rajons, Preilu Rajons, Rezeknes Rajons, Rigas Rajons, Saldus Rajons, Talsu Rajons, Tukuma Rajons, Valkas Rajons, Valmieras Rajons, Ventspils Rajons, Daugavpils, Riga, Jelgava, Ventspils, Liepaja, Jurmala, Rezekne.
Climate: The climate is maritime, wet. Winters are moderate.
Terrain: Low plain.
Elevation extremes: Lowest point: Baltic Sea 0 m
Highest point: Gaizinkalns 312 m
Flag description: Two wide red horizontal stripes separated by thinner white horizontal stripe.
National Emblem: The National Coat of Arms combines symbols of Latvian national statehood as well as symbols of ancient historical districts. The sun in the upper part of the coat symbolizes the national statehood. Three stars above tell about the inclusion of historical districts into united Latvia. Culturally historic regions of Latvia are characterized by such heraldic figures as a lion and a winged silver griffon.
National holiday: Independence Day, 18 November (1918) - independence from Soviet Russia, 21 August (1991) - independence from the Soviet Union
Constitution: The 1991 constitutional law supplements the 1922 constitution and provides for basic rights and freedoms.
Legal system: based on civil law system
Industries: Synthetic fibers, agricultural machinery, washing machines, vans, buses, cars, railroad cars, electronics, fertilizers, processed fertilizers, processed foods, pharmaceuticals.
Natural resources: Limestone, peat, dolomite, wood, arable land, hydropower, amber.
Official currency: Latvian lat (LVL)






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All rights reserved.

9/3/2007 Blackheads House

The 17th century Blackhead's House is a low-rise building that figures prominently as an integral part of Riga's architectural landscape.


The Blackhead's House was first mentioned in 1334. The building was owned by the Great Guild that sprang up not later than in the 14th century. The Guild consisted of the privileged groups of merchants and landholders in the Baltics and had a great influence on the town council work.


In the 15th century, the house was rented out to the Blackheads Merchant Guild and became their property in 1713. Blackheads organization was a union of unmarried foreign merchants who lived in the Baltic towns without families. Beachheads' houses were clubs and communities at the same time.


This beautiful Gothic building with a Dutch Renaissance facade was destroyed in 1941, during World War II. It was just recently rebuilt in honor of the city's 800th anniversary in 2001. The building is now open to the public. The renewed building, wide and squat topped with mechanical clocks, is so authentic that it looks like as if it was transported directly from the 14th century.




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Address: Strelnieku, 7

9/3/2007 Freedom Monument

The voluminous Freedom Monument (Brivibas Piemineklis) is a sacred place in the hearts and minds of every Latvian. This potent symbol of the nation was built in 1935 with the help of citizen's donations. The author of the project was an outstanding Latvian sculptor Karlis Zale.

The image of Liberty holding three stars in stretched hands crowns the monument and symbolizes unity of the country. Somehow the monument has survived four decades of the Soviet rule. A popular local joke during the Communist era was that the monument was actually a travel agent, since laying flowers at it guaranteed a one-way ticket to Siberia. Today, the monument, the tallest of its kind in Europe, is back to its best after a major renovation, and still retains its meaning, as well as doubling up as a favorite meeting point for the city's youth.

This monument takes a very special place in the history of Latvia. In the late 80s - early 90s the monument became a spiritual centre of the nation, a symbol of people's longing for independence. Riga's residents gather on the square round the monument on state holidays and commemoration days. Military parades are held there.




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Address: Brivibas St. and Raina Blvd.

9/3/2007 Powder Tower

For the first time it was mentioned under the name of the Sand Tower. At the beginning of the 14 century the tower was a main part of Sand Gate fortification system, consisting of 25 towers. It stood on the Sand Road that led to the town.
From the 17th century the Powder Tower served as a gunpowder warehouse. So it gained the name "Pulvertornis" meaning Powder Tower in English. It had to stand main attacks of Swedish troops in 1625 and was restored only in 25 years. The war with Russia left its traces too. 9 cannon balls embedded in its thick three meters wide walls.

Today in the Powder Tower the Latvian War Museum is located. The museum was founded in 1916 as the Latvian Riflemen's Museum. In 1937-1939 a new museum extension was added to the Powder Tower. The museum was closed by Soviet authorities in 1940 and reopened in 1990.

The museum houses the permanent exhibitions "Latvian Soldiers During World War I 1914-1918", "Proclamation of the Latvian State and Liberation Battles 1918-1920", "The Latvian Army and Navy 1919-1940", "Latvia and World War II" and "The Road towards the Barricades 1945-1991".



Quoted by historical information

9/3/2007 Three Brothers

This architectural ensemble that bears unofficial name Tris Brali or Three Brothers in English is located in the heart of the Old Town. It's a very good sample of medieval Riga dwelling buildings.
The oldest house called the White Brother is the most medieval and dates back to the 15th century. It has typical characteristic of Latvian medieval architecture and is the only premise that survived originally from that time.

The year of birth of the middle Yellow Brother is 1646. The date is written on the facade. The Green Brother is the youngest. It was constructed in the middle of the 18th century. With the pediments facing the street these houses present the main principles of the medieval architectural manner.

The Latvian Museum of Architecture that is housed in one of these buildings, and namely in the White Brother, was founded in 1994. The museum has a database of Latvian architects from 1869 up to the present. Its drawing collection contains up to a thousand original drawings and plans as well as qualitative blueprints and photocopies. The museum also offers some temporary exhibition programs.


The tradition that members of one handicraft lived on one street was in full force and effect in medieval Riga. These three dwelling houses are remains of former Backer Street, which of course was inhabited by backers. Standing side by side to each other, the buildings form a typical ensemble. And this is also the reason why they are called Three Brothers.

Quoted from historical article

9/3/2007 Riga St Peters Church

St Perters Church

This church was mentioned for the first time in 1209. In that time it was meant to be the main church of the town. During the fight with the Livonian Order in 1297 it was used for catapult bombarding of the Wittenstein Castle. In 1408-1409 Rostock architect I. Rummeschotel added a new altar part the existing building. The construction works continued in 1456 and by 1473 the old church was reconstructed. The tower of the church had quite a bad luck. It was rebuilt many times. For the first time it collapsed in 1966. Then it was burned down several times - the last one was right on St. Peter's Day in 1941. In 1971, the tower was restored. From the observation platform built on the top of the tower you can enjoy a wonderful bird's eye view of Riga. Nowadays it's one of the best samples of Gothic architecture in the Baltics. Various concerts and exhibitions are held in the church.