Riga Birthday Cabaret

On the eve of Riga’s birthday celebrations, the concert “Riga Cabaret” will bring the spirit, diversity, and vibrant life of the capital to Vērmanes Garden.

Like Riga itself, cabaret has always been a place where different people, ideas, and perspectives meet in an atmosphere of openness, wit, and celebration. The first part of the evening will feature beloved songs about Riga from different eras and musical genres, presented in fresh new arrangements. The second part will introduce original compositions by Edgars Cīrulis, with lyrics by playwright and publicist Ilmārs Šlāpins, inspired by Kārlis Skalbe’s fairy tale “The Cat’s Mill”.

The fairy tale’s famous message, “Let us increase joy, not sorrow!”, perfectly reflects the essence of cabaret. Under the artistic direction of Mārtiņš Mielavs, the concert invites audiences to rediscover the symbols and values embodied in Skalbe’s timeless story and to reflect on their relevance in today’s complex and ever-changing world.

The ensemble will be led by composer Edgars Cīrulis and will feature Pēteris Narubins, lead vocalist of the band Rahu; drummer Kalvis Sležis Zaļkalns; trumpeter Harijs Ločmelis; and other outstanding musicians.

The concert’s soloists will include members of the Riga Small Cabaret troupe—Aija Vītoliņa, Sarma Liede, Aleksandrs Bricis, and Vilhelmīne Žagata. Dance performances will be created by choreographers from the SIXTH association, while the concert’s scenography and costumes have been designed by Marianna Lapiņa.