This year one of the most famous Latvia-born people, Mischa Maisky, celebrated his 70th anniversary. The distinguished musician is considered to "... one of the greatest talents of the new cellist generation.” As an exclusive Deutsche Gramophon artist, in the last 25 years Mischa Maisky has made over 30 recordings with such outstanding orchestras as Berlin and Vienna Philharmonic orchestras, Orchestre de Paris, New York Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe and many others.

Mischa Maisky will present his programme Maestro Anniversary together with the Russian Chamber Orchestra Moscow Virtuosi in Jurmala. Soloists - Mischa Maisky, Lily Maisky, Sascha Maisky.

The most fascinating musical encounter of the summer, the spectacular and romantic festival Laima Rendezvous Jūrmala 2018 will be taking place at Dzintari Concert Hall from July 19th to 22nd. This year, the festival will feature several thematic evenings – the splendid Opening, the Night of Love, Greatest Hits, and the great Gala Concert.

Most artists who will perform at the festival are close friends to Laima Vaikule – popular and beloved artists from different countries. The audience will have a chance to see not only popular music stars, but also legendary, world famous musicians as well as up-and-coming young artists. Singers will perform their most popular songs that have become part of our genetic code, and there will be breathtaking duets and trios. The audience will have the opportunity to witness a true musical rendezvous.

Beautiful music, romantic atmosphere, nostalgia, witty humor and tasteful concert programs – that is what Laima and the festival she founded are praised for. Given that the festival is taking place in Latvia and is well known internationally, Laima has spent a lot of time popularizing local artists. And one other feature of the festival’s program is a diversity of genres – the audience will hear the very best songs from classical repertoire to rock.

Kristine Opolais is one of the most sought after sopranos on the international scene today, appearing at the Metropolitan Opera New York, Wiener Staatsoper, Deutsche Staatsoper Berlin, Bayerische Staatsoper, Teatro alla Scala, Opernhaus Zürich and Royal Opera House Covent Garden.

In recent seasons, Opolais' concert and recital appearances have included dates the Salzburg Festival, BBC Proms, George Enescu Festival and Tanglewood Festival, the Musikverein, Concertgebouw and Carnegie Hall, to name but a few. Opolais has appeared with orchestras including the Berliner Philharmoniker, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Concertgebouworkest, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and Filarmonica della Scala. This season she makes her debut with the Wiener Philharmoniker. Opolais’ most recent recording was released in October 2017, a DVD of Tosca, from Himmelmann’s 2017 production in Baden-Baden, with the Berliner Philharmoniker, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle.

Ksenija Sidorova, crowned the "Accordion Princess", has become a global ambassador of her instrument, transcending the boundaries of genres with her skills and personal charm in front of audiences around the world. In 2016, Ksenija signed an exclusive deal with one of world's most prestigious record labels Deutsche Grammophon. She is a recipient of many awards, including the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians, the Maisie Lewis Award, and has become the first accordionist to receive the WCoM Prince's Prize. In May 2012, Ksenija received the international award of the Bryn Terfel foundation. Ksenija's collaborations include such composers as Karl Jenkins, Hans Abrahamsen, Stefano Gervasoni, Nirmali Fenn, Samantha Fernando, Carlos Duque, Elspeth Brooke, and Patrick Nunn. Ksenija has performed together with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonietta Rīga, in London's Royal Festival Hall, the Purcell Room (Southbank Centre), Bristol Colston Hall, debuted in the Lucerne Festival, Bergen Festival, Cēsis Arts Festival and other festivals in the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Italy.

The annual World Jazz Festival brings world jazz legends to Riga each year. This year, jazz lovers will be able to enjoy four festival concerts - a free open-air concert in the heart of Riga on July 26 at Reformacijas Square, which will also be the festival's opening concert. On the other hand, on July 26 at the Splendid Palace concert venue, on July 27 and July 28 at Riga Congress Centre, three evening concerts will be held featuring world jazz stars.

• July 26 at the Splendid Palace concert venue - Anna Maria Jopek and Tony Momrelle.
• July 27 at Riga Congress Centre - Candy Dulfer.
• July 28 at Riga Congress Centre - Michelle Legrand.

The world famous pop and R&B diva/actress Rita Ora will perform a summer concert at Sigulda Castle's outdoor stage. The singer will delight her fans with an impressive show program, performing such hits as Anywhere, For You, Body on Me, I Will Never let you Down", Poison, R.I.P., Coming Home, How We Do, Shine ya Light and many other hits.