Latvian soprano Kristīne Opolais and 85-year-old Spanish opera legend Plácido Domingo delivered a landmark musical event at the Dzintari Concert Hall, sharing the stage alongside American tenor Michael Fabiano. Opolais orchestrated the high-profile collaboration to bring world-class vocal mastery directly to her home audience in Latvia.
The Bottom Line:
- A Historic Homecoming: Plácido Domingo made his long-awaited performance debut in Latvia, brought to the Baltic nation by Kristīne Opolais.
- Star-Studded Collaboration: The gala evening at Dzintari Concert Hall also featured acclaimed American tenor Michael Fabiano, elevating the classical lineup.
- International Horizon: Following her Latvian triumph, Opolais prepares for upcoming major concert dates in Ventspils, Mexico City, and vocal training sessions in the United States.
Bringing Global Opera Royalty to the Dzintari Stage
Yet, a notable geographic gap remained in his storied career: Latvia. That changed when Kristīne Opolais used her international stature to secure the maestro for a historic performance at the iconic open-air Dzintari Concert Hall in Jūrmala.
Reflecting on the atmosphere the morning after the performance, Opolais shared her elation. “I feel so happy, completely intoxicated by this atmosphere. It’s charming to feel such a wonderful aftertaste. I must admit—it doesn’t happen often,” she noted, capturing the rare electricity of the evening.
Opolais has cultivated a strong artistic rapport with the legendary Spanish artist, having previously shared the stage with him in Kyiv and Hanoi. Describing her working relationship with the 85-year-old icon, Opolais remarked, “He is so humanly warm and sweet to me!”
Inside the Production and International Ambitions
Opolais revealed that the foundation for the concert was laid long before she partnered with producer Yevgeny Vintur-Irverstag, who ultimately stepped in to manage the production execution.
“I want this concert to be the beginning of a new tradition where I would invite special guests, friends, and colleagues to my gala concerts,” Opolais explained. “Right at home, I want to share the music that is closest to my heart, with a program where everyone can hear what they like, and everyone will be satisfied after a beautifully spent evening.”
| Artist | Role / Voice Type | Key Collaborative Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Kristīne Opolais | Soprano (Host & Organizer) | Jūrmala, Ventspils, Mexico City, Kyiv, Hanoi |
| Plácido Domingo | Opera Legend / Tenor-Baritone | Jūrmala, Kyiv, Hanoi |
| Michael Fabiano | American Tenor (Guest Artist) | Jūrmala |
Global Itineraries and Balancing Family Life
Opolais confirmed that she will immediately pivot to preparations for her upcoming solo concert in Ventspils this October. Following her Latvian engagements, she will head to Mexico City in November to perform at the prestigious Mexico City hall where legendary soprano Maria Callas launched her illustrious career.
Before hitting the road for the United States in September to work intensively with her vocal pedagogue, the soprano faces a very different kind of logistical challenge: parenting a teenager. “The best way to relax is to go away from home and visit colleagues’ concerts,” Opolais observed. “It won’t work out to relax like that at home, because here I have my teenage daughter Adriana Anna. I have to think about how to entertain her until mid-August, because then her studies at the international school will begin.”
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