Baltic Contemporary Opera Network (BCON)

Founded in 2024, the Baltic Contemporary Opera Network (BCON) brings together creators, producers, and critics from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia to strengthen collaboration in contemporary opera. After initial meetings across the Baltic states, BCON now moves into its next phase: a series of creative residencies from 2025 to 2027, aiming to develop and premiere new works of contemporary music theatre.

The first residency took place on 18–23 August 2025 at the Sansusī residency space in Aknīste, Latvia, following the Sansusī Festival. Artists from all three Baltic countries explored and developed new ideas for possibly creating new operas together.

Upcoming residencies are planned for 2026 in Tallinn and Klaipėda, and in 2027 in Liepāja, with new artists selected each time, but some returning participants may be invited to continue developing earlier concepts.

BCON is led by Operomanija (LT), Sansusī and Ģertrūdes ielas Theatre (LV), and New Opera (EE), with support from Baltic composers’ unions and key cultural institutions, including Klaipėda State Musical Theatre, ECCM, Estonian Music Days, and Lielais Dzintars Concert Hall in Liepāja.

Co-funded by the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture, BCON will conclude in 2027 with the premieres of two new contemporary operas from the Baltic region.