On January 23rd, 2027, the opening concert of Liepāja's European Capital of Culture 2027 programme will be staged.
Titled 'Wind Symphony', it will take place in the Great Hall of the Great Amber Concert Hall and will feature the world premiere of 'Wind Symphony', by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds, specially commissioned for this occasion.
"Wind Symphony will be a story about Liepāja, its character, and the creative courage of its people. The concert is directed by Laura Groza and taking the stage will be the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra under conductor Guntis Kuzma, alongside the Rīga Brass Orchestra with conductor Valdis Butāns, and soloist Annija Kristiāna Ādamsone.
The premiere of Ešenvalds' new composition will be accompanied by a thematic video narrative created by brothers Lauris and Mārcis Ābele about a mythical being washed ashore – Nāra, or the Mermaid. Guided by a creative glow, she discovers the city, its people, and its distinct character.
"Nāra's supernatural power to ignite creative (un)rest becomes an impulse for discovering new worlds and exploring the extraordinary. Those who encounter her can see Liepāja through different eyes, and the path taken by her along the surging sea on the Kurzeme coast shines like amber – both a coastal symbol and a metaphor for creativity," says advance publicity.
Tickets for the Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 opening concert are now available via the Biļešu Paradīze ticket service priced from 30 to 80 euros.
The year of Liepāja as the European Capital of Culture will officially begin on January 22, 2027, with events in Kuldīga and Aizpute. On January 23, Liepāja will take center stage for the celebrations, featuring an ambitious opening program in urban spaces and various venues.
On the opening day of Liepāja 2027 – January 23 – the morning will start with an amber hunt at the Liepāja beach, followed by educational activities at the Liepāja Museum and the international exhibition Baltic Amber Surprises the World, revealing the role of amber in culture, history, and contemporary art.
At the same time, city guests can take the guided audio walk Path of (Un)rest, which will
reveal Liepāja's character, historical layers, and future aspirations.
At night, Liepāja will transform into a grand stage with the urban environment, music, light, and people merging into one. Highlights include the outdoor concert performance City Symphony directed by Matīss Kaža.
Following the main opening events, guests and locals will be invited to continue celebrations in bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, galleries, and other venues, allowing them to experience Liepāja late into the night.
On January 24, adventure seekers can discover the paradoxes of Liepāja through tourist routes in Karosta and other neighborhoods that have inspired the Liepāja 2027 programme events, to be enjoyed throughout the year.
You can explore the full program of Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027 here.
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