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A Night of Verismo Passion: Italian Melodrama Comes to Life in Riga Concert
RIGA — On the evening of May 22, 2026, the historic Small Guild Hall in Riga’s Ancient Town will transform into a stage for raw emotion and operatic intensity as the classical music ensemble “Euterpe” presents its concert narrative, *”Un Dievs…radīja sievieti”* (*And God Created Woman*). The program, inspired by the iconic 1956 French film of the same name, promises to explore the complex emotional landscape of the “secular woman” through the lens of Italian verismo—a late 19th-century artistic movement that championed realism and unflinching portrayals of societal struggles.
The concert, scheduled for 7:00 PM, is not merely a musical performance but a theatrical experience, blending operatic arias, instrumental pieces, and narrative storytelling. At its heart lies the timeless tension between femininity, societal expectations, and the evolving role of women in modern life—a theme as relevant today as it was in the era of verismo’s heyday. Soprano Anta Jankovska, Italian tenor Nico Franchini, flutist Dita Krenberga, harpist Dārta Tisenkopfa-Muselli, and pianist Rihards Plešanovs will bring the program to life, with actor Orests Silabriedis serving as narrator and Ivars Vācers designing the lighting to enhance the dramatic atmosphere.
The title itself is a direct nod to Roger Vadim’s groundbreaking film, *”Et Dieu… créa la femme”* (*And God Created Woman*), which catapulted Brigitte Bardot to international stardom and redefined cinematic portrayals of female sexuality and independence. While the concert draws inspiration from the film’s provocative title, its artistic focus shifts to the operatic tradition of verismo, where composers like Giacomo Puccini and Pietro Mascagni crafted stories of passion, betrayal, and social upheaval with unparalleled emotional depth. As the program’s creators note, the concert aims to reflect how women today navigate their identities—whether as leaders, introverts, mothers, or career-driven professionals—while retaining their “femininity” in a world that often demands rigid definitions.
The Verismo Movement: A Brief History
Verismo, derived from the Italian word *vero* (meaning “true”), emerged in the late 19th century as a reaction against the idealized romanticism that dominated art, literature, and music. The movement sought to depict life as it was—raw, unfiltered, and often brutal—focusing on the struggles of ordinary people, particularly the working class. In opera, verismo reached its zenith with works like Puccini’s *”Tosca”* (1900) and Mascagni’s *”Cavalleria Rusticana”* (1890), which eschewed mythological or aristocratic themes in favor of stories about jealousy, poverty, and moral conflict.
The movement’s influence extended beyond Italy, shaping the works of composers like Ruggero Leoncavallo (*”Pagliacci”*) and even inspiring later generations of filmmakers and writers. Verismo’s emphasis on realism and emotional authenticity makes it a fitting framework for a concert exploring the multifaceted nature of modern womanhood. As the program’s creators describe it, the concert will “reflect the social and psychological conflicts of society,” much like the verismo operas of the past, but through a contemporary lens.
The Performers: A Blend of Latvian and Italian Talent
The concert brings together a diverse group of musicians, each with a unique connection to the program’s themes. Anta Jankovska, a Latvian soprano known for her powerful interpretations of operatic roles, will anchor the vocal performances. Her recent operate includes collaborations with the Latvian National Opera, where she has performed in productions ranging from Mozart to contemporary Latvian composers.
Joining Jankovska is Italian tenor Nico Franchini, whose career has spanned opera houses across Europe, including the Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Franchini’s expertise in Italian repertoire, particularly verismo, will be instrumental in capturing the emotional intensity of the concert’s arias. The instrumental ensemble—featuring flutist Dita Krenberga, harpist Dārta Tisenkopfa-Muselli, and pianist Rihards Plešanovs—will provide a rich sonic backdrop, blending lyrical melodies with dramatic flourishes.
Actor Orests Silabriedis, who will serve as the concert’s narrator, is a familiar face in Latvian theater and film. His role will bridge the musical and narrative elements of the program, guiding the audience through the emotional journey of the “secular woman.” Meanwhile, lighting designer Ivars Vācers, whose work has been featured in productions at the Dailes Theatre in Riga, will use light to evoke the moods of the pieces, from the warmth of domestic scenes to the starkness of inner conflict.
The Program: A Journey Through Emotion
While the full program has not been publicly disclosed, the concert’s creators have hinted at a selection of works that embody the spirit of verismo. Audiences can expect to hear arias and instrumental pieces that explore themes of love, longing, and societal pressure, all through the lens of the “secular woman.” The program is designed to reflect the duality of modern femininity—its strength and vulnerability, its public and private faces—while paying homage to the operatic traditions that first gave voice to these struggles.
One of the concert’s most intriguing aspects is its interdisciplinary approach. By combining music, narrative, and lighting design, the performance aims to create an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of a traditional concert. This aligns with the verismo movement’s emphasis on total artistry, where every element—from the score to the staging—serves to heighten the emotional impact of the story being told.
Why This Concert Matters
At its core, *”Un Dievs…radīja sievieti”* is more than a celebration of Italian operatic tradition; This proves a meditation on the evolving role of women in society. The concert’s creators describe the modern woman as someone who “can be and not be in relationships, develop into a wife, raise children, or—quite the opposite—live only for herself.” This fluidity of identity is a far cry from the rigid gender roles of the verismo era, yet the emotional intensity of the music remains a powerful vehicle for exploring these themes.
The concert also arrives at a time when discussions about gender, identity, and societal expectations are more prominent than ever. By revisiting the verismo movement, the program invites audiences to reflect on how far society has come—and how much further there is to go—in allowing women to define their own paths. As the creators note, “We as a society are learning to let women live their lives in all sorts of ways, and that is always and under any circumstances feminine.”
For classical music enthusiasts, the concert offers a rare opportunity to experience verismo in a fresh, contemporary context. The blend of Latvian and Italian talent, combined with the program’s narrative depth, makes it a standout event in Riga’s cultural calendar. Whether you’re a longtime opera fan or a newcomer to classical music, *”Un Dievs…radīja sievieti”* promises to be a night of passion, reflection, and unforgettable artistry.
Practical Information
Event: *”Un Dievs…radīja sievieti”* (*And God Created Woman*) – A Verismo Concert Narrative
Date and Time: Friday, May 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Venue: Small Guild Hall (Mazā ģilde), Riga, Latvia
Performers: Soprano Anta Jankovska, Tenor Nico Franchini, Flutist Dita Krenberga, Harpist Dārta Tisenkopfa-Muselli, Pianist Rihards Plešanovs, Narrator Orests Silabriedis, Lighting Designer Ivars Vācers
Tickets: Available through Bilesu Paradize and at the venue box office. Prices and availability may vary, so early booking is recommended.
Language: The concert will be performed in Italian and Latvian, with narrative elements in Latvian. Program notes will be available in English.
What’s Next?
Following the concert on May 22, the ensemble “Euterpe” has not announced any immediate plans for additional performances of *”Un Dievs…radīja sievieti.”* However, given the program’s thematic relevance and artistic ambition, the concert could be reprised in other venues or festivals in the future. Fans of verismo and classical music are encouraged to follow Euterpe’s official Facebook page for updates on future performances and projects.
As the world continues to grapple with questions of gender, identity, and societal expectations, *”Un Dievs…radīja sievieti”* offers a timely reminder of the power of art to reflect—and challenge—our understanding of these issues. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of Italian opera, the promise of a unique narrative experience, or the opportunity to reflect on the complexities of modern womanhood, this concert is not to be missed.
Have you attended a verismo opera or concert before? What do you suppose about the role of classical music in exploring contemporary social issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow music lovers!