Summer Classics 2026 in Riga

Classical Music Concerts in St. John’s Church, Riga Old Town

The Summer Classics concert series returns to Riga in August 2026, presenting performances by Orchestra RIGA in the historic St. John’s Church. Bringing together orchestra and organ, the series explores the rich tradition of European classical music in one of the city’s most distinctive concert venues.

Situated in the heart of Riga Old Town, the 13th-century church is among Latvia’s finest examples of medieval architecture, combining Late Gothic and Renaissance elements with exceptional acoustics. Its intimate setting has made it one of Riga’s leading venues for organ music and chamber-scale orchestral performances.

The 2026 edition of Summer Classics centers on the musical legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, placing his works alongside those of Arvo Pärt, Krzysztof Penderecki, Robert Schumann, and Franz Schubert. Together, the concerts trace the development of European music from the Baroque to the Romantic era and into the twentieth century, revealing connections between composers whose music continues to shape today’s concert repertoire.

Performed by Orchestra RIGA with acclaimed Latvian organists Ilze Reine and Aigars Reinis, under the direction of conductors Valdis Butāns and Atvars Lakstīgala, the series combines celebrated repertoire with the distinctive sound world of symphonic wind orchestra and organ.

BACH. PÄRT. PENDERECKI

11 August 2026 | 7 PM

Music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Arvo Pärt and Krzysztof Penderecki.

Performers

Orchestra RIGA
Ilze Reine – organ
Valdis Butāns – conductor

BACH. SCHUBERT. SCHUMANN

25 August 2026 | 7 PM

Music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Robert Schumann and Franz Schubert.

Performers

Orchestra RIGA
Aigars Reinis – organ
Atvars Lakstīgala – conductor

Venue

St. John’s Church, Riga
Riga Old Town, Latvia

Tickets

available at “Biļešu Paradīze” (online and at ticket offices), and at St. John’s Church one hour before each concert (subject to availability).

For over a decade, the Summer Classics series has presented wind and organ repertoire in concerts that reimagine classical works for modern audiences. With thoughtful programming and inspired collaborations between Orchestra RIGA and Latvia’s leading musicians, the concerts attract seasoned listeners and newcomers alike. Orchestra RIGA’s artistic team continually explores the boundaries of what wind orchestra can achieve in dialogue with the organ – an instrument that is both architectural and expressive.

SUMMER CLASSICS concert series are presented with the support of Riga City Council.