The concert will honour the distinguished choreographer, former ballet soloist and long-time Artistic Director of the Latvian National Ballet, Aivars Leimanis, who celebrates the 50th anniversary of his professional career in the spring of 2026. The evening will offer a moving and inspiring journey through five creative decades – from his most memorable stage roles to his most significant choreographic works and his lasting contribution to the development of Latvian ballet.
The concert programme will reveal Aivars Leimanis’ distinctive choreographic style through excerpts from both classical ballets and original productions: The Fountain of Bakhchisarai, Coppélia, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, La Esmeralda, Don Quixote, as well as the ballets Karlsson Flies… and Antonija #Silmači with music by Juris Karlsons. The programme will also feature a rich selection of video materials offering a look back at Aivars Leimanis’ remarkable talent and artistry as a dancer. During the evening, video greetings from international colleagues – choreographers and ballet directors – will also be shown.
The concert will feature soloists and artists of the Latvian National Ballet, students of the Riga Ballet School, and the folk dance ensemble Dzintariņš. The Latvian National Opera Orchestra will be conducted by Mārtiņš Ozoliņš and Farhads Stade. The visual concept of the concert is created by set designer Mārtiņš Vilkārsis, video artist Artis Dzērve and lighting designer Kārlis Kaupužs.