Artistic activity

Hans Christian AAVIK – violin

Conductor KRISTIINA POSKA

Programme:

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Violin Concerto
Pēteris VASKS Symphony no. 2

We close the season with one of Beethoven’s most radiant scores often associated with blissful love in the composer’s life – his brilliant Violin Concerto – with the Estonian violinist  Hans Christian Aavik as soloist. The concert also presents Pēteris Vasks’ imposing Second Symphony, dating from the late nineties – a work of powerful surges and contemplative depth. At the conductor’s podium – Kristīna Poska, beloved by the orchestra and audiences alike.

Kārlis VANAGS – saxophone

Artūrs NOVIKS – accordion

Sandis ŠTEINBERGS – violin

Raimonds MELDERIS – violin

Arigo ŠTRĀLS – viola

Ainārs PAUKŠĒNS – cello

Raivo OZOLS – double bass

Programme:
New works by Kārlis VANAGS, Matīss ČUDARS, Andris BUIĶIS, Jānis RUBIKS, Alvils ALTMANIS, and Edgars CĪRULIS
Roberto DI MARINO Bandoneon Concerto
Astor PIAZZOLLA Tango apasionado (arr. by Andris Gailis)

The fourth tango concert of the LNSO chamber music series interweaves tango with the spirit of jazz. With saxophonist Kārlis Vanags joining in, the evening pairs established tango repertoire with a variety of new works by Latvian composers.

Santa VIŽINE – viola

Kristīne BLAUMANE – cello

Conductor Aivis GRETERS

Programme:
Richard STRAUSS Don Quixote
Anton WEBERN Six Pieces for Orchestra op. 6
Maija EINFELDE And a Tricolour Sun Shines on Everything
Benjamin BRITTEN Four Sea Interludes from the opera Peter Grimes

For her final concert as the LNSO Artist-in-Residence, cellist Kristīne Blaumane joins the orchestra and violist Santa Vižine under the baton of Aivis Greters to present Miguel de Cervantes’ famous knight and his extraordinary adventures through Richard Strauss’ score. The programme also features symphonic opuses by Maija Einfelde, Anton Webern, and Benjamin Britten.

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Georgs KJURDIANS – piano

Conductor Vilhelms Vācietis

Programme: Music by Serge RACHMANINOFF, Camille SAINT-SAËNS, Robert SCHUMANN, and Pēteris VASKS

In this season’s closing meeting with Goran Gora and beloved hits of symphonic music, we look into the depths of our soul. Caring for our mental health is as important as brushing our teeth every morning. Many composers have navigated life’s twists and turns – this concert presents scores that reflect on various inner challenges through musical means, reminding us that we are never alone in these experiences.

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Georgs KJURDIANS – piano

Conductor Vilhelms Vācietis

Programme: Music by Serge RACHMANINOFF, Camille SAINT-SAËNS, Robert SCHUMANN, and Pēteris VASKS

In this season’s closing meeting with Goran Gora and beloved hits of symphonic music, we look into the depths of our soul. Caring for our mental health is as important as brushing our teeth every morning. Many composers have navigated life’s twists and turns – this concert presents scores that reflect on various inner challenges through musical means, reminding us that we are never alone in these experiences.

Vineta SAREIKA – violin, leader

Programme:
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
Romance in G Major for Violin and Orchestra op. 40
Grosse Fuge op. 133
Symphony no. 8

Offering a programme devoted to Ludwig van Beethoven, the distinguished violinist Vineta Sareika will share the stage with the LNSO in two concerts – in Riga and Klaipėda. The concert will showcase the illustrious composer’s output, starting with the early, delicately written Romance in G Major, continuing with the dramatic Great Fugue, which is widely regarded as Beethoven’s most challenging score, and concluding with the compact joy of the Eighth Symphony.

Elīna ENDZELE, Edgars VAIVODS – percussion

Evelīna JĒKABSONE, Rihards PLEŠANOVS – piano

Programme:

Steve REICH Quartet

Pēteris VASKS Music for Two Pianos

Emmanuel SÉJOURNÉ Departures

Béla BARTÓK Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion

Fazıl SAY Variations for Two Pianos and Percussion

In this concert, musicians will showcase some of the largest instruments in the orchestra: the piano, the marimba, the vibraphone, and even the bells. And all of them, in their own way, have keys! In a rare encounter, united as a chamber ensemble, the performers will reveal the musical potential of this unusual line-up and highlight the beauty of each instrument’s timbre and technical possibilities through specially chosen chamber works.

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Program notes

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet

Conductor Kristian SALLINEN

Programme:
Magnus LINDBERG Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra
Väinö RAITIO Moonlight on Jupiter
Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony no. 5

Young Finnish conductor Kristian Sallinen returns to the LNSO podium, bringing with him scores by two fascinating Finnish composers. In the Clarinet Concerto, the contemporary voice of Magnus Lindberg combines colourful harmony and orchestration with dizzying technical virtuosity of the clarinet and warm melodies, showcased in this concert by the LNSO principal clarinettist Mārtiņš Circenis. Next, a symphonic poem by the early-twentieth-century modernist Väinö Raitio, inspired by an unusual dream. In the second part, the audience will be regaled with Beethoven’s Fifth – an opus that needs no commentary and yet astonishing anew each time with its magnificence.

Actors Anastasija DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris NĀTRE, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ
Director Paula PĻAVNIECE
Playwright Klāvs MELLIS
Artist Evita BĒTA

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Māris KUĢIS

Programme:

Felix MENDELSSOHN Music for the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This season, LeNeSOn has visited a countryside farm, embarked on a great nature expedition, and trained for the Winter Olympics. Now it is time to enjoy culture and go to the theatre. There will be a performance where listeners can sing along to familiar stage songs, while during the intermission the theatre café will offer the tastiest ice-cream cocktails…

Actors Anastasija DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris NĀTRE, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ
Director Paula PĻAVNIECE
Playwright Klāvs MELLIS
Artist Evita BĒTA

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Māris KUĢIS

Programme:

Felix MENDELSSOHN Music for the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This season, LeNeSOn has visited a countryside farm, embarked on a great nature expedition, and trained for the Winter Olympics. Now it is time to enjoy culture and go to the theatre. There will be a performance where listeners can sing along to familiar stage songs, while during the intermission the theatre café will offer the tastiest ice-cream cocktails…

Program notes

Conductor and pianist James SHERLOCK

Programme:

Maurice RAVEL Valses nobles et sentimentales

George GERSHWIN Rhapsody in Blue

Edward ELGAR Enigma Variations

Soloist and conductor James Sherlock returns to the LNSO for some of the most beautiful and mesmerising passages in the symphonic music repertoire. He has already appeared on Latvian stages twice – in Cēsis and in Rēzekne – yet this time it is the Riga Congress Hall that he will be infusing with Ravel’s splendid suite dedicated to waltzes, featuring as the soloist for Gershwin’s legendary Rhapsody, and concluding the programme with Elgar’s musical portraits in the Enigma Variations.

LNSO CELLO DREAM TEAM: Diana OZOLIŅA (artistic director), Zane GUĻĀNE, Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE, Mareta PRIKULE, Emma Aleksandra BANDENIECE, Ainārs PAUKŠĒNS, Mārtiņš TURSS, Jānis RINKULIS

Guests: Maksims SKIBICKIS, Elīza PETRENKO, Katrīna Anna PAUKŠĒNA, Pauls Ēriks SKUJIŅŠ

Conductor Konstantīns PETRENKO

Hosted by Liene JAKOVĻEVA

Programme:

Brett DEAN Twelve Angry Men

Harold NOBEN De la pointe au talon

Maurice RAVEL Pavane pour une infante défunte

Maurice RAVEL Boléro

This year’s LNSO chamber series is once again enriched by one of the brightest beacons among the orchestra’s chamber ensembles – its Cello Dream Team. Nearly each season, they present carefully curated programmes to their devoted listeners: here, two pieces written especially for a cello ensemble by Brett Dean and Harold Noben alongside arrangements of Maurice Ravel’s celebrated opuses.

Kristaps BERGS– cello

Conductor Olari ELTS

Programme:

Erkki-Sven TÜÜR Searching for Roots

Pēteris VASKS Cello Concerto no. 1

Thea MUSGRAVE Song of the Enchanter
Jean SIBELIUS Symphony no. 5

Due to health complications, the chamber music concert featuring the LNSO’s Artist-in-Residence Kristīne Blaumane, scheduled for December 2025, had to be cancelled. Fortunately, her recovery is progressing well; however, excessive physical strain could be detrimental. Therefore, it has been agreed that at the concert on 13 February, the solo part in Pēteris Vasks’ Cello Concerto No. 1, conducted by Olari Elts, will be performed by another like-minded musical colleague of ours — cellist Kristaps Bergs.
We wish Kristīne a swift recovery and look forward with anticipation to the concert on 30 April!

Information for concertgoers:

If, due to the change of soloist, you decide not to attend the concert, it is possible to return your purchased ticket before the concert begins either at the physical Biļešu Paradīze ticket office at Krišjāņa Valdemāra Street 5 (Riga Congress Hall), or by sending the ticket to [email protected], indicating that you wish to return the ticket due to the change of soloist.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you at this and other LNSO concerts!

***

After a longer absence, the orchestra welcomes back its former music and artistic director Olari Elts (2001–2006). With Kristaps Bergs as the soloist, they will perform Pēteris Vasks’ First Cello Concerto, a five-movement work in which the composer explores the confrontation between the individual and a brutal power. Meanwhile, Jean Sibelius wrote his most renowned Fifth Symphony amid the musical turmoils of the 20th century, which is reflected in the great Finnish composer’s score while still retaining a resolutely vivid and rich language. he programme also includes tributes to Sibelius by Estonian composer Erkki-Sven Tüür and Scottish composer Thea Musgrave.

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Aigars RAUMANIS – saxophone

Conductor Rui Miguel Marques

Programme: Music by Claude DEBUSSY, Platons BURAVICKIS, and Hector BERLIOZ

Air pollution and climate change, fast fashion and mountains of plastic, the collapse of biodiversity – and human kind in the midst of it all. It is a coin with two sides: indeed, people have contributed to these issues, but people can also help fix them. Goran Gora, together with a special guest, will guide us through ways to participate in tackling urgent ecological problems.

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Aigars RAUMANIS – saxophone

Conductor Rui Miguel Marques

Programme: Music by Claude DEBUSSY, Platons BURAVICKIS, and Hector BERLIOZ

Air pollution and climate change, fast fashion and mountains of plastic, the collapse of biodiversity – and human kind in the midst of it all. It is a coin with two sides: indeed, people have contributed to these issues, but people can also help fix them. Goran Gora, together with a special guest, will guide us through ways to participate in tackling urgent ecological problems.

Latvian National Opera and Ballet Orchestra

Conductor Mārtiņš OZOLIŅŠ

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Vineta SAREIKA – violin

State Chamber Orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga

Conductor Normunds ŠNĒ

Reinis ZARIŅŠ – piano

Liepāja Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Kaspars ĀDAMSONS

Programme: Music by Andrejs JURJĀNS, Jānis IVANOVS, Pēteris VASKS, Romualds KALSONS, and Volfgangs DĀRZIŅŠ

For the 20th edition of the Latvian Symphonic Music Grand Concert, Riga will once again resound with some of the most radiant scores by Latvian composers.

Aija VĪTOLIŅA, Daumants KALNIŅŠ – vocals

Matīss ŽILINSKIS – piano

State Choir LATVIJA

Latvian Radio Big Band

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Māris SIRMAIS

Programme: Music by Raimonds PAULS arranged by Callum AU and Pierre BERTRAND

Without him, Latvian music – perhaps, even Latvian identity itself – would not be what it is today. To mark the maestro’s 90th birthday, we will celebrate with outstanding soloists and ensembles, performing his most beloved melodies.

Aija VĪTOLIŅA, Daumants KALNIŅŠ – vocals

Matīss ŽILINSKIS – piano

State Choir LATVIJA

Latvian Radio Big Band

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Māris SIRMAIS

Programme: Music by Raimonds PAULS arranged by Callum AU and Pierre BERTRAND

Without him, Latvian music – perhaps, even Latvian identity itself – would not be what it is today. To mark the maestro’s 90th birthday, we will celebrate with outstanding soloists and ensembles, performing his most beloved melodies.

Actors Anastasija DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ
Director Paula PĻAVNIECE
Playwright Klāvs MELLIS
Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Jēkabs Krists KALNIŅŠ

Programme: 

Music by Jean SIBELIUS, Aram KHACHATURIAN, and others

With the 25th Winter Olympics just around the corner, LeNeSOn and his friends get their arms and legs moving and their hips swinging to spirited rhythms of symphonic music.

Actors Anastasija DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ
Director Paula PĻAVNIECE
Playwright Klāvs MELLIS
Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Jēkabs Krists KALNIŅŠ

Programme: 

Music by Jean SIBELIUS, Aram KHACHATURIAN, and others

With the 25th Winter Olympics just around the corner, LeNeSOn and his friends get their arms and legs moving and their hips swinging to spirited rhythms of symphonic music.

Egils UPATNIEKS – oboe

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet

Andrejs JEGOROVS – violin

Pēteris TRASUNS – viola

Viktors STANKEVIČS – double bass

Elīna BĒRTIŅA – piano

Programme:
Sergei PROKOFIEV — Quintet for Violin, Viola, Double Bass, Oboe, and Clarinet op. 39
Efraín OSCHER — Escenas del Sur for Viola and Double Bass
Pēteris VASKS — White Scenery for Piano
Guillaume CONNESSON — Sextet for Oboe, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Double Bass, and Piano

This season once again, meet the LNSO at the Daile Chamber Music House! As part of the chamber music series, LNSO musicians present to Riga audiences works by Sergei Prokofiev and Guillaume Connesson that are undeservedly seldom performed. The programme also includes musical landscapes by other composers: Vasks’ White Scenery, Oscher’s Scenes from the South, and excerpts from Gilles Silvestrini’s cycle Six Picturesque Studies. Here, diverse musical worlds and languages will meet and – as always in chamber music – so will friends and kindred spirits.

Julia BULLOCK – soprano

Riga Cathedral Choir School GOSPEL CHOIR

Conductor Christian REIF

Programme:

Carlos SIMON Four Black American Dances

Jessie MONTGOMERY Five Freedom Songs

Leonard BERNSTEIN Music from the On the Waterfront film score

Songs by George GERSHWIN and Margaret BONDS

As the orchestra bids farewell to the old year and welcomes the new, the LNSO once again embraces its characteristic versatility: this season, the festive mood will be brought to listeners by American soprano Julia Bullock, together with the Gospel Choir of Riga Cathedral Choir School under the direction of conductor Christian Reif. The New Year’s concerts will celebrate the many facets of American musical culture, from the classics – Bonds, Gershwin, and Bernstein – to contemporary composers who honour and promote the African American heritage through their music. This year’s celebration promises to be vibrant, soulful, warm – and particularly melodious.

Julia BULLOCK – soprano

Riga Cathedral Choir School GOSPEL CHOIR

Conductor Christian REIF

Programme:

Carlos SIMON Four Black American Dances

Jessie MONTGOMERY Five Freedom Songs

Leonard BERNSTEIN Music from the On the Waterfront film score

George GERSHWIN / Margaret BONDS Songs

As the orchestra bids farewell to the old year and welcomes the new, the LNSO once again embraces its characteristic versatility: this season, the festive mood will be brought to listeners by American soprano Julia Bullock, together with the Gospel Choir of Riga Cathedral Choir School under the direction of conductor Christian Reif. The New Year’s concerts will celebrate the many facets of American musical culture, from the classics – Bonds, Gershwin, and Bernstein – to contemporary composers who honour and promote the African American heritage through their music. This year’s celebration promises to be vibrant, soulful, warm – and particularly melodious.

The concert is included in the LNSO Autumn Subscription 2025, available for purchase until 26 September.

Program notes

Julia BULLOCK – soprano

Riga Cathedral Choir School GOSPEL CHOIR

Conductor Christian REIF

Programme:

Carlos SIMON Four Black American Dances

Jessie MONTGOMERY Five Freedom Songs

Leonard BERNSTEIN Music from the On the Waterfront film score

George GERSHWIN / Margaret BONDS Songs

As the orchestra bids farewell to the old year and welcomes the new, the LNSO once again embraces its characteristic versatility: this season, the festive mood will be brought to listeners by American soprano Julia Bullock, together with the Gospel Choir of Riga Cathedral Choir School under the direction of conductor Christian Reif. The New Year’s concerts will celebrate the many facets of American musical culture, from the classics – Bonds, Gershwin, and Bernstein – to contemporary composers who honour and promote the African American heritage through their music. This year’s celebration promises to be vibrant, soulful, warm – and particularly melodious.

Julia BULLOCK – soprano

Riga Cathedral Choir School GOSPEL CHOIR

Conductor Christian REIF

Programme:

Carlos SIMON Four Black American Dances

Jessie MONTGOMERY Five Freedom Songs

Leonard BERNSTEIN Music from the On the Waterfront film score

George GERSHWIN / Margaret BONDS Songs

As the orchestra bids farewell to the old year and welcomes the new, the LNSO once again embraces its characteristic versatility: this season, the festive mood will be brought to listeners by American soprano Julia Bullock, together with the Gospel Choir of Riga Cathedral Choir School under the direction of conductor Christian Reif. The New Year’s concerts will celebrate the many facets of American musical culture, from the classics – Bonds, Gershwin, and Bernstein – to contemporary composers who honour and promote the African American heritage through their music. This year’s celebration promises to be vibrant, soulful, warm – and particularly melodious.

CONCERT “LNSO CHAMBER MUSIC. KRISTĪNE BLAUMANE AND FRIENDS” cancelled

Dear listeners,

Thank you for purchasing tickets for the concert! Unfortunately, due to force majeure circumstances, we are currently forced to postpone the concert to an as-yet unknown date. Therefore the LNSO chamber music concert LNSO CHAMBER MUSIC. KRISTĪNE BLAUMANE AND FRIENDS, which was scheduled for December 18 this year, is considered cancelled.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Ticket refunds:

• Money for tickets purchased online will be refunded automatically;
• Tickets bought at Biļešu Paradīze physical box offices may be returned at any Biļešu Paradīze box office, including the Riga Congress Hall box office.

For Subscription ticket holders:

• A representative of LNSO will contact holders of the LNSO chamber music subscription 2025/2026 (at Riga Congress Hall) who purchased tickets online;
• Subscription ticket holders who bought them at any Biļešu Paradīze physical box office are invited to contact LNSO.

If you have any questions, please get in touch: 

e-mail: [email protected], phone: +371 67213643.

Thank you for your understanding and we hope to see you at other LNSO concerts!

***

LNSO Artist-in-Residence, cellist Kristīne BLAUMANE

Eva BINDERE – violin

Reinis ZARIŅŠ – piano

LNSO musicians

Programme:

Johannes BRAHMS Trio no. 3 for Violin, Cello, and Piano

Pēteris PLAKIDIS Two Pieces for Violin, Bassoon, Cello, and Piano

Pēteris PLAKIDIS Dedication to Brahms

Pēteris PLAKIDIS Romantic Music

George ENESCU String Octet

A lush chamber music concert will inaugurate the residency of cellist Kristīne Blaumane at the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra in its centenary season, with colleagues from Trio Palladio and members of the orchestra joining her on stage. The event will be marked with a dazzling programme featuring a wide selection of pieces by Latvian composer Pēteris Plakidis, with Brahms also represented and culminating in George Enescu’s fiery and saturated String Octet.

Program notes 

Reinis ZARIŅŠ – piano

Latvian Radio Choir

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Programme:

Robert SCHUMANN Nachtlied for Choir and Orchestra

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto no. 2

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony no. 2

Ruta PAIDERE Ancient Wind

On 12 December, the concert programme explores the night’s magical atmosphere in Robert Schumann’s vocal-symphonic canvas; Beethoven is represented by his radiant early works – the Second Symphony and the seldom-performed Second Piano Concerto, interpreted by pianist Reinis Zariņš; and in conclusion – Ruta Paidere’s score, reflecting on the symbolic meaning of wind in the traditions of different peoples.

The concert is included in the LNSO Autumn Subscription 2025, available for purchase until 26 September.

Program notes

Daumants LIEPIŅŠ – piano

Conductor Jānis LIEPIŅŠ

Programme:

Artūrs GRĪNUPS Symphony no. 9

Igor STRAVINSKY  The Firebird Suite

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 3

Alongside the vivid musical profiles of Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky, revealed in their symphonic opuses, this programme also features Latvian bassist and composer Artūrs Grīnups with the quintessence of his oeuvre – his Ninth Symphony. To better understand the enigmatic 20th-century Latvian master of symphonic music, let us recall the apt description given by Pēteris Plakidis – that Grīnups spent his life “trying to restrain his volcanic temperament within the tight chains of classicism”. His final symphony – the Ninth – embodies that very struggle to its fullest.

Program notes

Daumants LIEPIŅŠ – piano

Conductor Jānis LIEPIŅŠ

Programme:

Artūrs GRĪNUPS Symphony no. 9

Igor STRAVINSKY  The Firebird Suite

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 3

Alongside the vivid musical profiles of Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky, revealed in their symphonic opuses, this programme also features Latvian bassist and composer Artūrs Grīnups with the quintessence of his oeuvre – his Ninth Symphony. To better understand the enigmatic 20th-century Latvian master of symphonic music, let us recall the apt description given by Pēteris Plakidis – that Grīnups spent his life “trying to restrain his volcanic temperament within the tight chains of classicism”. His final symphony – the Ninth – embodies that very struggle to its fullest.

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ
Director Paula PĻAVNIECE
Playwright Klāvs MELLIS
Artist Evita BĒTA

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Māris KUĢIS

Programme:

Felix MENDELSSOHN Music for the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream

This season, LeNeSOn has visited a countryside farm, embarked on a great nature expedition, and trained for the Winter Olympics. Now it is time to enjoy culture and go to the theatre. There will be a performance where listeners can sing along to familiar stage songs, while during the intermission the theatre café will offer the tastiest ice-cream cocktails…

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris NĀTRE, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: Music by Pēteris BARISONS, Benjamin BRITTEN, Claude DEBUSSY, Jānis MEDIŅŠ, Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, and other composers

An ever-inquisitive adventurer, LeNeSOn now sets out on a truly big and bold expedition. Accompanied by his faithful friends – Mouse and Loco – LeNeSOn will venture into the depths of lakes, seek the most beautiful and unusual plants in Latvia’s meadows, and, after a long day, drift into colourful dreams lying beneath the moonlit sky.

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris NĀTRE, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: Music by Pēteris BARISONS, Benjamin BRITTEN, Claude DEBUSSY, Jānis MEDIŅŠ, Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, and other composers

An ever-inquisitive adventurer, LeNeSOn now sets out on a truly big and bold expedition. Accompanied by his faithful friends – Mouse and Loco – LeNeSOn will venture into the depths of lakes, seek the most beautiful and unusual plants in Latvia’s meadows, and, after a long day, drift into colourful dreams lying beneath the moonlit sky.

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Hip-hop dance group Carmen Crew

Special guest – Rick Feds

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Programme: Music by Aaron COPLAND, Leonard BERNSTEIN, Duke ELLINGTON, and George GERSHWIN

“Hustle and bustle, the concrete jungle… and in the middle of it all – ME,” with this declaration, the youth concert series Symphonic Hit with Goran Gora returns for its first event in the new season, where we explore the city noise, street culture and subcultures, hip-hop, and… symphonic music? Let us see at the concert how they all come together.

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Hip-hop dance group Carmen Crew

Special guest – Rick Feds

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Programme: Music by Aaron COPLAND, Leonard BERNSTEIN, Duke ELLINGTON, and George GERSHWIN

“Hustle and bustle, the concrete jungle… and in the middle of it all – ME,” with this declaration, the youth concert series Symphonic Hit with Goran Gora returns for its first event in the new season, where we explore the city noise, street culture and subcultures, hip-hop, and… symphonic music? Let us see at the concert how they all come together.

Tove – Magdalena Anna Hofmann
Wood Dove – Zanda Švēde
Waldemar – Corby Welch
Klaus the Jester – Mihails Čuļpajevs
Peasant and Narrator – Oliver Zwarg

State Choir LATVIJA

Riga Project Choir

Estonian National Male Choir

Liepāja Symphony Orchestra

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Modestas PITRĖNAS

Programme:

Arnold SCHOENBERG Gurrelieder

The Great Amber Concert Hall marks its tenth anniversary with a love-infused celebration: in an age of hurry, intolerance, and narrow-mindedness, we often miss real human connection, and Gurrelieder is a deeply moving testament to what profound art and ardent feeling can achieve. Rarely performed because of its colossal magnitude, it is one of the most impressive love stories of the late Romantic era, which has been played in Latvia only twice before.

The concert is organised by the Liepāja Concert Hall Great Amber

Tove – Magdalena Anna Hofmann
Wood Dove – Zanda Švēde
Waldemar – Corby Welch
Klaus the Jester – Mihails Čuļpajevs
Peasant and Narrator – Oliver Zwarg

State Choir LATVIJA

Riga Project Choir

Estonian National Male Choir

Liepāja Symphony Orchestra

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Modestas PITRĖNAS

Programme:

Arnold SCHOENBERG Gurrelieder

The Great Amber Concert Hall marks its tenth anniversary with a love-infused celebration: in an age of hurry, intolerance, and narrow-mindedness, we often miss real human connection, and Gurrelieder is a deeply moving testament to what profound art and ardent feeling can achieve. Rarely performed because of its colossal magnitude, it is one of the most impressive love stories of the late Romantic era, which has been played in Latvia only twice before.

The concert is organised by the Liepāja Concert Hall Great Amber

Elīna BUKŠA – violin

Kristaps BERGS – cello

Conductor Julien MASMONDET

Programme:

Camille PÉPIN Inlandsis

Philip GLASS Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Orchestra

Béla BARTÓK Miraculous Mandarin Suite

For seekers of symphonic adventure, this concert offers thrilling scores by creative minds of modern times and the last century. We meet the young French composer Camille Pépin through the first instalment of her Climatic Trilogy. Flavours of American minimalism will be brought to audiences through Philip Glass’ Double Concerto for Violin, Cello, and Orchestra. From the 20th century, we hear Béla Bartók and the colourful suite from his once-scandalous pantomime ballet.

The concert is included in the LNSO Autumn Subscription 2025, available for purchase until 26 September.

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris NĀTRE, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ
Director Paula PĻAVNIECE
Playwright Klāvs MELLIS
Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Kristiāns GORBATKO – cello
Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: Music by Gabriel FAURÉ, Jacques IBERT, Juris KARLSONS, and Ottorino RESPIGHI

If the orchestra turns 100, then LeNeSOn celebrates with ever grander adventures, wilder mischief, and – of course – the very best music for the youngest listeners of symphonic concerts. This season’s first stop is a countryside farm, home to all kinds of insects and birds, where cats waltz and rats burst into a spirited gallop.

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris NĀTRE, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ
Director Paula PĻAVNIECE
Playwright Klāvs MELLIS
Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Kristiāns GORBATKO – cello
Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: Music by Gabriel FAURÉ, Jacques IBERT, Juris KARLSONS, and Ottorino RESPIGHI

If the orchestra turns 100, then LeNeSOn celebrates with ever grander adventures, wilder mischief, and – of course – the very best music for the youngest listeners of symphonic concerts. This season’s first stop is a countryside farm, home to all kinds of insects and birds, where cats waltz and rats burst into a spirited gallop.

SOLD OUT

Marina REBEKA – soprano

Conductor Michele GAMBA

Programme: Opera music by Giuseppe VERDI, Giacomo PUCCINI

Opera concerts in memory of Andrejs Žagars enter their seventh year, and this time the stages of the Cēsis Concert Hall and Latvian National Opera will be graced by one of the world’s most luminous voices – the Latvian opera diva Marina Rebeka. Having last appeared with the LNSO in 2012, the distinguished singer will now enjoy a warm reunion with the orchestra, led by the Italian conductor Michele Gamba.

The concert is organised by Andrejs Žagars Cultural Development Foundation

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris NĀTRE, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: Music by Pēteris BARISONS, Benjamin BRITTEN, Claude DEBUSSY, Jānis MEDIŅŠ, Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV, and other composers

An ever-inquisitive adventurer, LeNeSOn now sets out on a truly big and bold expedition. Accompanied by his faithful friends – Mouse and Loco – LeNeSOn will venture into the depths of lakes, seek the most beautiful and unusual plants in Latvia’s meadows, and, after a long day, drift into colourful dreams lying beneath the moonlit sky.

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI 

Ksenija Sidorova – accordion
Conductor Andris Poga

Programme:

Ottorino RESPIGHI Le fontane di Roma

Dobrinka TABAKOVA Accordion Concerto (Latvian premiere)

Antonín DVOŘÁK Symphony no. 8

On 18 July, accordionist Ksenija Sidorova will perform with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Andris Poga.

Ksenija Sidorova has become the ambassador of her instrument in the world, speaking to listeners all over the world with her skill and charming personality. Dubbed a “discoverer” (New York Times) with “breathtaking virtuosity” (The Observer), Ksenija Sidorova is one of the world’s most prominent accordion virtuosos, and her cleverly balanced, carefully crafted programmes have allowed the accordion, previously known as a folk music instrument, to be appreciated for a brand new quality.

Vineta SAREIKA — violin

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Pēteris VASKS Vox amoris

Gustav MAHLER Symphony no. 6

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will close its 99th season with a special concert, marking the final appearance of Tarmo Peltokoski as the orchestra’s Music and Artistic Director after three breathtaking seasons of captivating the hearts of audiences and musicians. Vineta Sareika will also conclude her artistic residency with a performance of Pēteris Vasks’ Vox amoris. As we bid farewell to this chapter, new beginnings await — opening the door to the centenary!

Jānis SEMJONOVS — bassoon

Conductor Gérard KORSTEN

Programme:

Joseph HAYDN Symphony no. 69

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony no. 7

Three Viennese classics come together in this LNSO concert programme. Haydn’s Symphony no. 69, also known as Laudon, is named after Austrian general Ernst Gideon von Laudon, whose roots can interestingly be traced back to Vidzeme, Latvia. Mozart composes his Bassoon Concerto when he is only 18, becoming one of the first to showcase the wide range of colours and nuances possible with wind instruments. Meanwhile, Beethoven’s Symphony no. 7 celebrates Napoleon’s misfortunes, with its second movement becoming an immediate symphonic favourite since its first performance.

Aurélien PASCAL — cello

Conductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

Programme:

Camille SAINT-SAËNS Cello Concerto no. 1

Giuseppe VERDI La Forza del Destino overture

Hector BERLIOZ Symphonie Fantastique

The esteemed French maestro Jean-Claude Casadesus returns to the LNSO podium, this time presenting a masterpiece of the cello repertoire: Camille Saint-Saëns’ First Cello Concerto. Joining him and the orchestra will be the virtuoso cellist Aurélien Pascal, known for his exceptional musical intuition.

Georgijs OSOKINS — piano

Conductor Kristiina POSKA

Programme:

Arvo PÄRT Lamentate

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony no. 6 (Pastoral)

In 2025, the world celebrates the milestone birthday of the esteemed Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will also send its greetings with a special concert. Under the baton of Principal Guest Conductor Kristiina Poska and featuring pianist Georgijs Osokins, the orchestra will perform Pärt’s largest instrumental work Lamentate. Inspired by Anish Kapoor’s large-scale installation Marsyas, the lamento is a meditation on the immediacy of life written “not for the dead, but for the living”. The second part of the concert will focus on the portrayal of natural landscapes in Beethoven’s music

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Raimonds GULBIS

Programme:

Music by Antonín DVOŘÁK, Aaron COPLAND, Leonard BERNSTEIN, and George GERSHWIN

Leneson will conclude his grand journey around the globe by crossing the ocean to North America, where he will uncover some of its most intriguing mysteries.

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Raimonds GULBIS

Programme:

Music by Antonín DVOŘÁK, Aaron COPLAND, Leonard BERNSTEIN, and George GERSHWIN

Leneson will conclude his grand journey around the globe by crossing the ocean to North America, where he will uncover some of its most intriguing mysteries.

Maija ZANDBERGA — flute

Darja SMIRNOVA — violin

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS — clarinet

Elīna BĒRTIŅA — piano

Hosted by Liene JAKOVĻEVA

Programme:

Music by Arturs MASKATS, Maurice RAVEL, Aram KHACHATURIAN, Jacques IBERT, Charles IVES, Ian CLARKE, and other composers

Showcasing a variety of moods and characters, this concert programme of the LNSO chamber music series will feature pianist Elīna Bērtiņa and excellent LNSO musicians — violinist Darja Smirnova, flautist Maija Zandberga, and clarinettist Mārtiņš Circenis — in different chamber ensembles. Together, they will perform a mix of contemporary compositions and established classics.

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Kaija SAARIAHO Laterna Magica

Richard STRAUSS An Alpine Symphony

In two concerts separated by a 450-kilometre journey (in Rēzekne and Liepāja), Tarmo Peltokoski and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will perform Laterna Magica by the conductor’s compatriot Kaija Saariaho, a piece named after both the autobiography of the renowned film director Ingmar Bergman and the 17th-century invention that served as an early image projector. The programme also includes An Alpine Symphony by Richard Strauss, requiring a particularly large orchestra and portraying the grandeur of nature and a lengthy ascent into the mountains.

The concert is organised by the concert hall Great Amber

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Kaija SAARIAHO Laterna Magica

Richard STRAUSS An Alpine Symphony

In two concerts separated by a 450-kilometre journey, Tarmo Peltokoski and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will perform Laterna Magica by the conductor’s compatriot Kaija Saariaho, a piece named after both the autobiography of the renowned film director Ingmar Bergman and the 17th-century invention that served as an early image projector. The programme also includes An Alpine Symphony by Richard Strauss, requiring a particularly large orchestra and portraying the grandeur of nature and a lengthy ascent into the mountains.

Ludwig MITTELHAMMER — baritone

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Johannes BRAHMS/Detlev GLANERT Vier Präludien und Ernste Gesänge

Gustav MAHLER Symphony no. 9

In 2005, German composer Detlev Glanert orchestrates Johannes Brahms’ Four Serious Songs, creating a continuous score that seamlessly integrates the songs with preludes and an orchestral postlude. This unified work features an exciting and unrestricted harmonic language paired with dark, lush orchestration. Meanwhile, in his final completed symphony, the Ninth, Mahler reflects on life and death, offering a profound farewell.

The concert is organised by Cēsis Concert Hall

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Conductor Vilhelms VĀCIETIS

Programme:

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Symphony no. 41 Jupiter, 4th movement

Maurice RAVEL Boléro

Béla BARTÓK Concerto for Orchestra, 2nd movement

Jānis IVANOVS Symphony no. 10, 2nd movement

John ADAMS Short Ride in a Fast Machine

AI generated music

In this multimedia concert, young audiences will experience a unique fusion of music, art, and technology. The conductor will guide the orchestra in a performance of Maurice Ravel’s Boléro, while content created through artificial intelligence enhances the emotional depth of the music. This innovative experience aims to inspire young people to explore classical music in a contemporary, engaging way.

Text generated by artificial intelligence.

Andrejs OSOKINS — piano

Conductor Kristian SALLINEN

Programme:

Zoltán KODÁLY Dances of Galánta

Edvard GRIEG Piano Concerto

Antonín DVOŘÁK Symphony no. 9 From the New World

The concert on 14 March will showcase an array of dynamic pieces: an opus by Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály, inspired by his vivid experiences with the music tradition of Roma ensembles; Norwegian Edvard Grieg’s Piano Concerto, written in his youth and considered one of the greatest in history; and Czech Antonín Dvořák’s New World Symphony, a masterful blend of his travels’ fresh impressions and a deep yearning for home. The young Finnish conductor Kristian Sallinen will lead the LNSO through this evocative programme.

Annelien Van WAUWE — clarinet

Vineta SAREIKA — violin

Lauma SKRIDE — piano

Hosted by Liene JAKOVĻEVA

Programme:

Music by Aram KHACHATURIAN, Béla BARTÓK, Maurice RAVEL, Igor STRAVINSKY, Darius MILHAUD, and Erik SATIE

Violinist Vineta Sareika and pianist Lauma Skride as well as the remarkable Belgian clarinettist Annelien Van Wauwe will take the stage at the Daile Music House. Together, they will perform a chamber music programme rich in vivid character, beginning with Ravel’s fiery Tzigane and Khachaturian’s Clarinet Trio, infused with Armenian motifs. The concert continues with a refreshing suite by Milhaud, explores Bartók’s distinctive musical language, and features the vibrant and theatrical works of Stravinsky and Satie.

Vineta SAREIKA — violin, leader

Programme:

Samuel BARBER Adagio for Strings op. 11

Franz SCHUBERT Der Tod und das Mädchen

Karl Amadeus HARTMANN Concerto funebre

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra’s string ensemble will perform two concerts in Jūrmala and Ventspils, featuring the orchestra’s Artist-in-Residence Vineta Sareika. The programme will invite the audience to reflect on themes of life and eternity, showcasing the most contemplative opuses by Barber, Schubert, and Hartmann

Vineta SAREIKA — violin, leader

Programme:

Samuel BARBER Adagio for Strings op. 11

Franz SCHUBERT Der Tod und das Mädchen

Karl Amadeus HARTMANN Concerto funebre

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra’s string ensemble will perform two concerts in Jūrmala and Ventspils, featuring the orchestra’s Artist-in-Residence Vineta Sareika. The programme will invite the audience to reflect on themes of life and eternity, showcasing the most contemplative opuses by Barber, Schubert, and Hartmann

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Music by Darius MILHAUD, Aaron COPLAND, George GERSHWIN, and other composers

While Latvia is still wrapped in its winter attire, with concertgoers bundled up in heavy coats and hats, Leneson transports his audience to the summery Latin America. Here, the sun shines bright and warm, glittering on the ocean waves, and the music is so irresistibly rhythmic that you cannot help but dance!

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Music by Darius MILHAUD, Aaron COPLAND, George GERSHWIN, and other composers

While Latvia is still wrapped in its winter attire, with concertgoers bundled up in heavy coats and hats, Leneson transports his audience to the summery Latin America. Here, the sun shines bright and warm, glittering on the ocean waves, and the music is so irresistibly rhythmic that you cannot help but dance!

Elīna BĒRTIŅA — piano

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Programme:

Gundaris PONE La Bella Veneziana

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Piano Concerto no. 21

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART German Dances

Franz SCHUBERT Unfinished Symphony

The concert will feature two emotional realms. In the first half, we explore the bright, uplifting spirit of Mozart through his Piano Concerto in C Major and German Dances. These are complemented by Gundaris Pone’s 1987 work, in which he portrays his wife Mariolina and elegantly draws inspiration from the best of the 18th and 19th centuries. Meanwhile, the second half brings us Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony, its two movements brimming with the intense, expressive qualities of the new Romantic era.

Māris EVELONS, Miks BANKEVICS, Artūrs KRŪMIŅŠ, Daniels SABANSKIS — horns

Ernests MEDIŅŠ — percussion

Rihards PLEŠANOVS — piano

Rodrigo MANFRINATTI — guitar, vocals, percussion

Robson SANTOS — drums

Hosted by Liene JAKOVĻEVA

Programme:

Music by Quincy JONES, Rodrigo MANFRINATTI, Ernests MEDIŅŠ, and other composers

The LNSO chamber music series concert on 6 February promises a carefree and sunny atmosphere brought to life by the quartet from the orchestra’s horn section and their musical friends. Together, they will perform works by the legendary American composer Quincy Jones, Brazilian Rodrigo Manfrinati, who lives in Latvia, and other composers, including the premiere of a new piece by Ernests Mediņš. A taste of summer will be in the air!

Narrator GORAN GORA

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Playwright Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist Krišs SALMANIS

Animator Pauls POIKĀNS

Conductor Mikael LOPONEN

Programme:

Music by Richard STRAUSS, Claude DEBUSSY, Richard WAGNER, Ludwig van BEETHOVEN, Georges BIZET, Imants KALNIŅŠ, and Platon BURAVICKY

There are some symphonic works that have transcended concert venues and academic music circles, becoming integral parts of great film scores. Discover how music shapes the visual storytelling on screen!

PROGRAMME:

Part I

Emīls DĀRZIŅŠ Melanholiskais valsis (The Melancholic Waltz)
Andris DZENĪTIS Symphony No. 2 Silts vējš (Warm Wind)
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra and conductor Guntis KUZMA

Jānis PETRAŠKEVIČS Concerto for Violin and Orchestra
Magdalēna GEKA, State Chamber Orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga and conductor Normunds ŠNĒ

Part II

Arvīds ŽILINSKIS Second movement from the Concerto for Piano and Orchestra
Bruno SKULTE Symphonic scherzo Nerrs (The Jester)
Matīss ŽILINSKIS, Latvian National Opera Orchestra and conductor Mārtiņš OZOLIŅŠ

Aleksandrs AVRAMECS New work for symphony orchestra Ausma (Dawn)
Pēteris PLAKIDIS Vēl viena Vēbera opera (One More Weber Opera) for clarinet and symphony orchestra
Mārtiņš CIRCENIS, Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Aivis GRETERS

PARTICIPANTS
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Magdalēna GEKA, violin
Sinfonietta Rīga
Conductor Normunds ŠNĒ

Matīss ŽILINSKIS, piano
Latvian National Opera Orchestra
Conductor Mārtiņš OZOLIŅŠ

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS, clarinet
Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Aivis GRETERS

2025 marks twenty years since the first Grand Concert of Latvian symphonic music. Over time, this ambitious project has become a strong tradition and a stable part of Latvian concert life. Also this winter, all professional Latvian symphony orchestras will meet on one stage, bringing new life to overlooked classical values and contemporary masterpieces, harmonising with outstanding local soloists and, honouring the composers on this important jubilee, they will even present two new works of Latvian symphonic music to the audience! Instead of the usual atmosphere of the Great Guild Hall, the Grand Concert on 24 January invites you to celebrate Latvian music at the Latvian National Opera.
As is tradition, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra is entrusted with opening the evening, this time focusing on the musical canvases of two great Latvian melodists. With Guntis Kuzma, the artistic director of the ensemble, at the conductor’s podium, the concert will open with the legendary Melanholiskais valsis (The Melancholic Waltz) by Emīls Dārziņš (1875-1910) – the golden foundation of Latvian symphonic music and the most widely performed opus of this year’s jubilarian. Next to this emotionally charged essence of Latvianness comes an extremely engaging and deeply personal large-scale work inspired by contemporary Latvia – Andris Dzenītis’ (1978) Second Symphony Silts vējš (Warm Wind), which received the Great Music Award 2022 as the New Work of the Year.
One of the concert’s most intriguing works is a new composition by Dzenītis’ peer Jānis Petraškevičs (1978) – vārdi ar izzudušiem burtiem (Words with Vanished Letters). As essential creative impulses for this one-movement violin concerto, the composer cites an imaginary journey through time and space, references to Franz Schubert’s Hurdy-Gurdy Man symbolising melancholic solitude, as well as the phenomenal play of violinist Magdalena Geka, in which a fiery temperament intertwines with soul-touching depth. In a refined reading of the sound jeweller’s score, the bright artist will join her colleagues – the chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga, nurtured by Normunds Šnē –, this time changing the role of concertmaster for that of soloist.
Replacing the usual orchestra pit with the white building’s stage, the Latvian National Opera Orchestra led by Mārtiņš Ozoliņš will celebrate two composers-jubilarians, both born in the same year, yet with completely different life stories and musical writings. The father of their composition is thought to be Jāzeps Vītols. In honour of Bruno Skulte (1905-1976), who spent almost half his life in exile as an ambassador of Latvian identity, his 1935 symphonic scherzo Nerrs (The Jester) will be performed. And re-encountering the lyricist Arvīds Žilinskis (1905-1993) promises to be very special, as the soloist role in the second movement of his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, composed in 1945, is given to Matīss Žilinskis, the composer and pianist’s great-grandson – one of the brightest jazz romantics of the new generation.
Another member of a family rich in musical traditions is Aleksandrs Avramecs (2000) – one of the most intriguing young names in the family of Latvian composers, a talent who forged his mastery under Jānis Petraškevičs’ guidance among others. In Avramecs’ compositional style, brilliant technique is intertwined with compelling imagery and a particular interest in the multi-layered nature of texture. This is also illustrated by the new work Ausma (Dawn), written for the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, in which the concept of light and brilliance in music is imaginatively examined. With conductor Aivis Greters at the podium and on the verge of world fame and the exquisite clarinettist Mārtiņš Circenis as soloist, the Grand Concert will conclude with Vēl viena Vēbera opera (One More Weber Opera) from 1993 – one of the most impressive concert-genre scores by the great stylist and instrumentation grandmaster Pēteris Plakidis (1947-2017).

Inga KALNA — soprano

Zanda ŠVĒDE — mezzo-soprano

Rafał BARTMIŃSKI — tenor

Rihards MAČANOVSKIS — bass

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductor James SHERLOCK

Programme:

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Missa solemnis

Ludwig van Beethoven composes his Missa solemnis during the period of his creative maturity. In the preface to the score, the author has inscribed: “From the heart — may it return to the heart!” In this composition, Beethoven explores new approaches to setting the liturgical text, and music critics acknowledge that his Missa solemnis rivals and even surpasses.

The concert is organised by the Cēsis Concert Hall

Bohdan LUTS – violin

Conductor Aivis GRETERS

Programme:

Music by Béla BARTÓK, Antonín DVOŘÁK, Maurice RAVEL, Richard STRAUSS, Pablo de SARASATE

Bohdan LUTS – violin

Conductor Aivis GRETERS

Programme:

Music by Béla BARTÓK, Antonín DVOŘÁK, Maurice RAVEL, Richard STRAUSS, Pablo de SARASATE

*This concert is included in LNSO AUTUMN SUBSCRIPTION 2024

Bohdan LUTS – violin

Conductor Aivis GRETERS

Programme:

Music by Béla BARTÓK, Antonín DVOŘÁK, Maurice RAVEL, Richard STRAUSS, Pablo de SARASATE

Bohdan LUTS – violin

Conductor Aivis GRETERS

Programme:

Music by Béla BARTÓK, Antonín DVOŘÁK, Maurice RAVEL, Richard STRAUSS, Pablo de SARASATE

Anton MEJIAS – piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Sergei PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto no. 3

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony no. 7

Anton MEJIAS – piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Sergei PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto no. 3

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony no. 7

*This concert is included in LNSO AUTUMN SUBSCRIPTION 2024

Valters PŪCE – cello, electric cello

Conductor Artūrs Oskars MITRĒVICS

Programme:

Antonio VIVALDI The Four Seasons (excerpts)

Kristaps BERGS – cello

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Programme:

Felix MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY Overture to A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Arturs MASKATS Cello Concerto no. 2

Felix MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY Symphony no. 3

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Māris KUĢIS

Programme:

Music by Edvard GRIEG, Carl NIELSEN, and Jean SIBELIUS

Leneson continues his musical expedition of the world by venturing into the North, a magical place of awe-inspiring beauty where forests and cliffs are inhabited by elves, trolls, fairies, and dwarves. Having read the lush fairy tales of the Norwegians, Danes, Finns, and Swedes, Leneson is ready to explore these enchanting stories firsthand, inviting the youngest listeners of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra to join him on this captivating adventure.

Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS, Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Director Paula PĻAVNIECE

Playwright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Austra SNIĶERE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Māris KUĢIS

Programme:

Music by Edvard GRIEG, Carl NIELSEN, and Jean SIBELIUS

Leneson continues his musical expedition of the world by venturing into the North, a magical place of awe-inspiring beauty where forests and cliffs are inhabited by elves, trolls, fairies, and dwarves. Having read the lush fairy tales of the Norwegians, Danes, Finns, and Swedes, Leneson is ready to explore these enchanting stories firsthand, inviting the youngest listeners of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra to join him on this captivating adventure.

Maija ZANDBERGA – flute

Jānis SEMJONOVS – bassoon

Oskars BOKANOVS – double bass

Mikus BĀLIŅŠ – percussion

Rihards PLEŠANOVS – piano

Programme:

Music by Marina VIDMONTE, Claude BOLLING, Earle HAGEN, Jānis RUBIKS, Gene KOSHINSKY

Ksenija SIDOROVA – accordion

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Arturs MASKATS Concerto for Accordion and Orchestra

Rolf WALLIN Act

Serge RACHMANINOFF Symphony no. 2

*This concert is included in LNSO AUTUMN SUBSCRIPTION 2024

Vida MIKNEVIČIŪTĖ – soprano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard STRAUSS Fragments from Salome

Claude DEBUSSY La mer

Olivier MESSIAEN Le Tombeau resplendissant

Vida MIKNEVIČIŪTĖ – soprano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard STRAUSS Fragments from Salome

Claude DEBUSSY La mer

Olivier MESSIAEN Le Tombeau resplendissant

Georg SARKISJAN – violin

Conductor Kristiina POSKA

Programme:

Juste JANULYTE Confluere

Johannes BRAHMS Concerto for Violin and Orchestra

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Symphony no. 40

Gustavs KALĒJS – piano

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Music by Georges BIZET, Antonin DVOŘÁK, Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART, Mikis THEODORAKIS, and other composers.

Gustavs KALĒJS – piano

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Music by Georges BIZET, Antonin DVOŘÁK, Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART, Mikis THEODORAKIS, and other composers.

NYX TRIO:

Anete TOČA – flute

Tatjana OSTROVSKA – violin

Ieva SARJA – piano

Actress Karīna TATARINOVA

Programme:

Works by Marina VIDMONTE, Lolita RITMANIS, Jānis LŪSĒNS, Jēkabs NĪMANIS, and Vilnis ŠMĪDBERGS

Santa VIŽINE – alts

Conductor Vassily SINAISKY

Programme:

Ādolfs SKULTE Symphonic Poem Waves

William WALTON Concerto for Viola and Orchestra

Antonín DVOŘÁK Symphony no. 8

The concert is financially supported by the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation.

*This concert is included in LNSO AUTUMN SUBSCRIPTION 2024

Concert program

Egils UPATNIEKS – oboe

Conductor Jorma PANULA

Programme:

Richard STRAUSS Concerto for Oboe and Orchestra

Jean SIBELIUS Symphony no. 2

In a special concert at the Latvian Society House, Jorma Panula, the legendary Finnish maestro and teacher of countless world-famous conductors, will lead the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra to perform compositions by Richard Strauss, marking the anniversary of his birth, and the esteemed Finnish national composer Jean Sibelius.

The Oboe Concerto in D Major by Strauss is one of the final completed works by the prolific composer. It was crafted in 1945 at the suggestion of American oboist John de Lancie, who met Strauss in Garmisch following World War II. The musician rightly referred to the composer’s numerous and inimitable oboe solos in his symphonic opuses, and although Strauss initially rejected it, the idea of creating a concerto for oboe never left his mind. The piece serves as a return to the sunlit days of youth, full of unending melodies and lush, refreshing moods.

Maintaining tonal consistency, the concert continues with Sibelius’ seemingly most performed and recorded symphony and a symbol of the Finnish national independence movement — his Second in D Major. Author of seven complete symphonies (having burned the unfinished score of the Eighth), Sibelius employs distinctive musical language, evoking mysterious, foggy landscapes reflected in unusual, rippling textures and orchestral colours, remarkable interpretations of form and an original dramatic structure.

The concert is financially supported by the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation.

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Arturs MASKATS Tango

Gustav HOLST Symphonic Suite The Planets

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Sinfonia antartica

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Arturs MASKATS Tango

Gustav HOLST Symphonic Suite The Planets

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Sinfonia antartica

Vineta SAREIKA – violin

Tarmo PELTOKOSKI – piano

Programme:

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Sonata no. 9 for Violin and Piano (Kreutzer)

Cesar FRANCK Sonata for Violin and Piano

On the evening of 19 September, the Dzintari Concert Hall will host a splendid chamber music encounter: Vineta Sareika, Concertmaster of the Berlin Philharmonic and Artist-in-Residence of the LNSO for the 2024/2025 season, will join forces with Tarmo Peltokoski, Music and Artistic Director of the LNSO and pianist, to present a selection of exquisite classic works from the chamber music repertoire.

Liene SKREBINSKA – vocals

Trio ELPO:

Edgars CĪRULIS

Jānis RUBIKS

Rūdolfs DANKFELDS

Students of Jānis Ivanovs Rēzekne Music School traditional music department

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Hosted by Liene JAKOVĻEVA

Programme:

Juris KARLSONS Sunset Glow

Jānis IVANOVS Autumn Song. Paraphrase (arr. Edgars Cīrulis&Jānis Rubiks) (premiere)

Edgars CĪRULIS Ties (premiere)

Jānis RUBIKS Earth (Sub)Consciousness (premiere)

Composer Rihards ZAĻUPE

Dramaturgy Klāvs MELLIS 

Director Anna KLIŠĀNE

Narrator Andris KEIŠS

RIGA 1ST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – DEVELOPMENT CENTRE RHYTHM GROUP

LATVIAN NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Conductor Raimonds GULBIS

Justina GRINGYTĖ – mezzo-soprano

LATGALE COMBINED CHOIR under the direction of Anda Lipska and Jānis Veļičko

Conductor Andris POGA

Hosted by Liene JAKOVĻEVA

Programme:

Gustav MAHLER Symphony no. 3

Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra

Lukas GENIUŠAS – piano

Conductor Gintaras RINKEVIČIUS

Hosted by Liene JAKOVĻEVA

Programme:

Mikalojus Konstantinas ČIURLIONIS Preludes (arranged for symphony orchestra)

Maurice RAVEL Piano Concerto for the Left Hand

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony no. 5

Siegfried – Michael Weinius

Brünnhilde – Trine Møller

Hagen – Ain Anger

Gunther – Bogdan Baciu

Gutrune – Liene KINČA

Waltraute – Zanda ŠVĒDE

Alberich – Armands SILIŅŠ

First Norn – Irma PAVĀRE

Second Norn – Aira RŪRĀNE

Third Norn – Liene KINČA

Woglinde – Liene KINČA

Wellgunde – Aira RŪRĀNE

Flosshilde – Irma PAVĀRE

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

State Choir Latvija

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

This year sees Cēsis Art Festival and Cēsis Concert Hall continue their joint project of the ‘Cēsis Wagneriana’, an established tradition by now, with a concert performance of ‘Götterdämmerung’ or ‘Twilight of the Gods’, the concluding part of Richard Wagner’s long-cherished opera tetralogy ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’, featuring a cast of brilliant international and Latvian opera soloists and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra under the passionate Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski, who has taken the international musical scene by storm and is, among other things, a great aficionado of Wagner’s music.

Unaware of Hagen’s deceit, Siegfried has tasted the potion of forgetfulness, and thus the past is erased from his memory, along with his feelings for Brünnhilde – the love he swore to his beloved. Under this spell of forgetfulness, Siegfried falls in passionate love with Gutrune, the beautiful sister of the young King Gunther, and is prepared to bring Brünnhilde, asleep on a mountain encircled by fire, to the King for a hasty wedding. Bitter and hurt, Brünnhilde reveals Siegfried’s secret to Hagen, son of Nibelung, and he lethally stabs the hero in the back with his sword. And yet Brünnhilde understands that the cause of these tragic events is the curse put on the Ring a long time ago. Forces of evil and deceit can only be defeated through death; the Ring must be given back to the Rhinemaidens who live deep in the river, and then long-awaited peace will finally descend on the world.

The concert performance will star some of the world’s leading opera singers at the prime of their career: Michael Weinius, who was an excellent Siegmund in the 2019 rendering of ‘Die Walküre’ and exceptionally convincing in the title role of last year’s production of ‘Siegfried’ in Cēsis, returns as Siegfried, while the Danish soprano Trine Møller, who regularly stars in productions of Wagner’s operas since 2022 and was named Singer of the Year for her role debut as Brünnhilde in ‘Die Walküre’ at the Copenhagen Royal Opera, will revisit the role in Cēsis. The role of Hagen, son of the Nibelung Alberich, will be performed by the bass Ain Anger (Estonia), one of the most sought-after interpreters of Wagner’s roles; meanwhile, baritone Bogdan Baciu, who sings in some of the top European opera houses, will appear as Gunther. Some of the best Latvian opera singers will join the ensemble: the soprano Liene Kinča will appear as Gutrune, Third Norn and as Woglinde the Rhinemaiden, and the mezzo soprano Zanda Švēde – as the Valkyrie Waltraute; the baritone Armands Siliņš will take on the role of the Nibelung Alberich; the mezzo soprano Irma Pavāre will be First Norn and Flosshilde the Rhinemaiden, with the soprano Aira Rūrāne performing the roles of Second Norn and Wellgunde the Rhinemaiden.

Iveta Apkalna – organ
Latvian National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Olli Mustonen (Finland)

Programme:
Gioachino Rossini “Semiramide” Ouverture
Francis Poulenc “Concerto for organ, string orchestra and timpani in G minor”
Jean Sibelius 7th Symphony and the symphonic poem “Finland”

On 17 July, the symphonic music programme will feature organist Iveta Apkalna, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and Finnish conductor Olli Mustonen, one of the most prominent Nordic musicians of our time. The programme will include Italian and French works, as well as symphonic opuses by Jean Sibelius.

Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ, Timpani and Strings – a composition, in which baroque drama and romantic nostalgia alternate with joyfulness and gracefulness, will be performed by Iveta Apkalna. The chameleonic sound language of the concerto reflects Poulenc’s dual nature, shedding light on religious and life-loving facets of his personality. The composer has characterised the piece himself: “This is no longer the careless Poulenc, who wrote the Concerto for Two Pianos. This is the Poulenc on the way to the monastery – a 15th-century Poulenc, if you like.”

The visitors will also hear the overture to Gioachino Rossini’s last opera Semiramide and the uplifting manifesto of freedom in music by Jean Sibelius – the symphonic poem Finlandia. Sibelius’s Seventh Symphony is the culmination of the creative spirit of the composer, where he addresses the higher forces of eternity. In this unusually shaped symphony, subdued resignation and a tranquil spirit are interwoven with enlightened radiance, vital joy and sublime themes. It has been called the “Parsifal” of Finnish music; Sibelius’s opus is also permeated by metaphysical visions of light, striving to reach the pinnacle of humanity.

Olli Mustonen is a masterful composer, an accomplished pianist and a brilliant conductor. He is currently the Artistic Director and the Principal Conductor of Turku Philharmonic Orchestra. Olli Mustonen has collaborated with multiple world-class orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, New York Philharmonic Orchestra and Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and all London orchestras. He has been the director of the Korsholm and Turku Music Festivals, one of the founders of the Helsinki Festival Orchestra, as well as the conductor of the “Tapiola Sinfonietta” chamber orchestra.

Agnese EGLIŅA – piano

Elīna ŠIMKUS – soprano

Irma PAVĀRE – mezzo-soprano

Artjoms SAFRONOVS – tenor

Rihards MAČANOVSKIS – bass

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductor Kristiina POSKA

Programme:

Ēriks EŠENVALDS Lakes Awake at Dawn

Arvo PÄRT Credo

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony no. 9 in D minor

Conductor Māris KUĢIS

Programme:

Music by Hugo ALFVÉN, Leroy ANDERSON, Edvard GRIEG, Karl NILSEN, and Jean SIBELIUS.

Aurēlija ŠIMKUS – piano

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Programme:

Robert SCHUMANN Manfred Overture

Ēriks EŠENVALDS Symphony (premiere)

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto no. 5 in E-flat Major 

Reinis ZARIŅŠ – piano

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Lili BOULANGER Of a Sad Evening

Witold LUTOSŁAWSKI Piano Concerto

Anton BRUCKNER Symphony no. 9 in D minor

Jaemin HAN – celloConductor Modestas PITRĖNAS

Programme:

Joseph HAYDN Cello Concerto in C Major

Johannes BRAHMS Symphony no. 3 in F Major 

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: Music by Maurice RAVEL, Darius MILHAUD, and Francis POULENC

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: Music by Maurice RAVEL, Darius MILHAUD, and Francis POULENC

Artūrs NOVIKS – accordion

Sandis ŠTEINBERGS – violin

Raimonds MELDERIS – violin

Arigo ŠTRĀLS – viola

Ainārs PAUKŠĒNS – cello

Raivo OZOLS – double bass

Kaspars ZEMĪTIS – guitar

Programme: 

Music by Santa ĶEZBERE, Matīss ČUDARS, Richard GALLIANO, Marcelo NISINMAN, Jēkabs NĪMANIS, and Astor PIAZZOLLA

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Perrine MADOEUF – sopranoZanda ŠVĒDE – mezzo-soprano

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard WAGNER Prelude from Tristan und IsoldeGustav MAHLER Symphony no. 2

More information and tickets (in French)

Anna Agafia EGHOLM – violinConductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

PROGRAMME:

Carl Maria von WEBER Obéron ouverture

Felix MENDELSSOHN-BARTHOLDY Violin Concerto

Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Schéhérazade

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Anna Agafia EGHOLM – violin

Conductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

Programme:

Felix MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY Violin Concerto in E MinorNikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade

Ieva ŠABLOVSKA – harp

Conductor Julien MASMONDET

Programme:

Claude DEBUSSY The Afternoon of a FaunTwo Dances for Harp and String OrchestraThe Sea

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Anna GĀGANE – clarinet

Pēteris TRASUNS – viola

Linda LEINE – piano

Matīss BUDOVSKIS – actor

Linda RUDENE – dramaturgy

Programme: Music by Maija EINFELDE, Anita MIEZE, Clara SCHUMANN, Ēriks EŠENVALDS, György  

KURTÁG, Robert SCHUMANN 

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Hyung-ki Joo – piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Serge RACHMANINOFF Rhapsody on a Theme of PaganiniWitold LUTOSŁAWSKI Variations on a Theme by Paganini for Two PianosGustav MAHLER Symphony no. 5

Conductor Konstantīns PETRENKO

Programme:

Engelbert HUMPERDINCK Hansel and GretelNew works by students of the Composition Department of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music

Conductor Konstantīns PETRENKO

Programme:

Engelbert HUMPERDINCK Hansel and GretelNew works by students of the Composition Department of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music

Concert program

Egija SPROĢE – flute

Egils UPATNIEKS – oboe

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet

Māris EVELONS – horn

Raimonds GULBIS – bassoon

Evelīna JĒKABSONE – piano

Programme:

Music by Theodor BLUMER, Paul JUON, Louise FARRENC, Francis POULENC

Concert program

Anton LYAKHOVSKY – piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Sergei PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto no. 2 in G minor

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony no. 11 in G minor

Two concerts with a joint programme bring together Tarmo Peltokoski, Music and Artistic Director of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO), and the beloved pianist Anton Lyakhovsky. Both musicians had a musical collaboration with the LNSO in January 2022. The concert was so emotionally charged and explosive that it was decided: the orchestra’s new Music and Artistic Director would be none other than the then 21-year-old Finnish sensation Peltokoski, whose flourishing conducting career had just begun. Now, the close and successful collaboration continues for the second season – in this programme, with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony no. 11, which offers many musical subtexts typical of the composer’s oeuvre. Meanwhile, Anton Lyakhovsky will join in to interpret Sergei Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto. This tribute to the composer’s friend displays direct emotionality intertwined with ironclad precision and technique. 

Concert program

Anton LYAKHOVSKY – piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Sergei PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto no. 2 in G minor

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony no. 11 in G minor

Two concerts with a joint programme bring together Tarmo Peltokoski, Music and Artistic Director of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO), and the beloved pianist Anton Lyakhovsky. Both musicians had a musical collaboration with the LNSO in January 2022. The concert was so emotionally charged and explosive that it was decided: the orchestra’s new Music and Artistic Director would be none other than the then 21-year-old Finnish sensation Peltokoski, whose flourishing conducting career had just begun. Now, the close and successful collaboration continues for the second season – in this programme, with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony no. 11, which offers many musical subtexts typical of the composer’s oeuvre. Meanwhile, Anton Lyakhovsky will join in to interpret Sergei Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto. This tribute to the composer’s friend displays direct emotionality intertwined with ironclad precision and technique. 

Ieva UPATNIECE – cello

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Programme:

Jānis IVANOVS Symphony no. 21Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, II movement 

Among the world’s distinguished symphonic hits and their creators, one must emphasise a genius of local origin – Jānis Ivanovs and his remarkable body of work. He was the most prolific Latvian composer of his era who wrote monumental symphonies, instrumental concertos, exquisite piano pieces, and a few harmonically splendid vocal compositions. In the genre for which he is particularly renowned – symphonies – he reflected the intricate challenges of his time, echoing Beethovenian struggles between light and darkness, good and evil, conveying them in a contemporary musical language. Above all, he embodied authenticity and the big heart of a Latgalian. “There may be many Ivanovs, but there is only one Jānis Ivanovs,” was the joke told by none other than… Jānis Ivanovs himself. 

Concert program

Daniil BULAYEV – violin

Conductor Aivis GRETERS

Programme:

Ēriks EŠENVALDS Symphonic fantasy CloudsPyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Violin Concerto in D Major op. 35Antonín DVOŘÁK Symphony no. 6 in D Major op. 60 

Concert program

Kristīne BALANAS – violin

Conductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

Programme:

Hector BERLIOZ Le carnaval romain

Ernest CHAUSSON Poème

Maurice RAVEL La valse

Claude DEBUSSY Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune

Camille SAINT-SAËNS Introduction et rondo capriccioso

Igor STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite

As is tradition, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra invites its audience to spend the end of 2023 in New Year’s Eve concerts filled with sparkling music. We will welcome 2024 with opuses by French composers specially prepared by Maestro Jean-Claude Casadesus, taking the listeners on an elegant, swirling adventure to celebrate the festive season. The brilliant Latvian violinist Kristīne Balanas will join the orchestra on stage to perform works by Ernest Chausson and Camille Saint-Saëns. The orchestra will then delight with Berlioz’s effervescent overture Le carnaval romain, followed by impressionistic colours in works by Ravel and Debussy, and, in the finale, Stravinsky’s magnificent suite from the The Firebird ballet.

Concert program

Kristīne BALANAS – violin

Conductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

Programme:

Hector BERLIOZ Le carnaval romain

Ernest CHAUSSON Poème

Maurice RAVEL La valse

Claude DEBUSSY Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune

Camille SAINT-SAËNS Introduction et rondo capriccioso

Igor STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite

As is tradition, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra invites its audience to spend the end of 2023 in New Year’s Eve concerts filled with sparkling music. We will welcome 2024 with opuses by French composers specially prepared by Maestro Jean-Claude Casadesus, taking the listeners on an elegant, swirling adventure to celebrate the festive season. The brilliant Latvian violinist Kristīne Balanas will join the orchestra on stage to perform works by Ernest Chausson and Camille Saint-Saëns. The orchestra will then delight with Berlioz’s effervescent overture Le carnaval romain, followed by impressionistic colours in works by Ravel and Debussy, and, in the finale, Stravinsky’s magnificent suite from the The Firebird ballet.

Kristīne BALANAS – violin

Conductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

Programme:

Hector BERLIOZ Le carnaval romain

Ernest CHAUSSON Poème

Maurice RAVEL La valse

Claude DEBUSSY Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune

Camille SAINT-SAËNS Introduction et rondo capriccioso

Igor STRAVINSKY The Firebird Suite

As is tradition, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra invites its audience to spend the end of 2023 in New Year’s Eve concerts filled with sparkling music. We will welcome 2024 with opuses by French composers specially prepared by Maestro Jean-Claude Casadesus, taking the listeners on an elegant, swirling adventure to celebrate the festive season. The brilliant Latvian violinist Kristīne Balanas will join the orchestra on stage to perform works by Ernest Chausson and Camille Saint-Saëns. The orchestra will then delight with Berlioz’s effervescent overture Le carnaval romain, followed by impressionistic colours in works by Ravel and Debussy, and, in the finale, Stravinsky’s magnificent suite from the The Firebird ballet.

Concert program

Tami POHJOLA – violin

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Esa-Pekka SALONEN Violin Concerto

Jean SIBELIUS Lemminkäinen

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of its Music and Artistic Director Tarmo Peltokoski, has prepared a concert programme that brings together two of Finland’s most outstanding composers of their respective eras. First, we have the father of Finnish classical music, Jean Sibelius, and his symphonic suite Lemminkäinen, also known as Four Legends from the Kalevala. This piece narrates Lemminkäinen’s exploits in the realm of the dead Tuonela, and his return among the living. We continue with one of today’s most eminent conductors and composers, Esa-Pekka Salonen. To perform the Violin Concerto he completed in 2009, the orchestra will be accompanied by the young Finnish violinist Tami Pohjola. According to the composer, this opus covers a wide range of expressions, “from the virtuosic and flashy to the aggressive and brutal, from the meditative and static to the nostalgic and autumnal”. Meanwhile, the final chord in this score serves not only as a conclusion but also as the beginning of something new…

Concert program

Tami POHJOLA – violin

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Esa-Pekka SALONEN Violin Concerto

Jean SIBELIUS Lemminkäinen

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of its Music and Artistic Director Tarmo Peltokoski, has prepared a concert programme that brings together two of Finland’s most outstanding composers of their respective eras. First, we have the father of Finnish classical music, Jean Sibelius, and his symphonic suite Lemminkäinen, also known as Four Legends from the Kalevala. This piece narrates Lemminkäinen’s exploits in the realm of the dead Tuonela, and his return among the living. We continue with one of today’s most eminent conductors and composers, Esa-Pekka Salonen. To perform the Violin Concerto he completed in 2009, the orchestra will be accompanied by the young Finnish violinist Tami Pohjola. According to the composer, this opus covers a wide range of expressions, “from the virtuosic and flashy to the aggressive and brutal, from the meditative and static to the nostalgic and autumnal”. Meanwhile, the final chord in this score serves not only as a conclusion but also as the beginning of something new…

Gidon KREMER – violin

Conductor Andris POGA 

Sofia GUBAIDULINA Offertorium

Johannes BRAHMS Symphony no. 2

The year 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the legendary Latvian maestro Mariss Jansons, and on 8 December, we will celebrate by inaugurating an exhibition featuring portraits of Mariss Jansons painted by the Norwegian artist Håkon Gullvåg and holding a symphonic music concert at the Great Guild, where, under the baton of Andris Poga, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will perform alongside the distinguished violinist Gidon Kremer, who has shared the stage with the maestro on numerous occasions. On this evening, the guest concertmaster of the orchestra will be Elise Båtnes, a longstanding violinist and current concertmaster at the Oslo Philharmonic, which Mariss Jansons led from 1979 to 2000.

Dedicated to Gidon Kremer, the violin concerto Offertorium by Sofia Gubaidulina draws inspiration from Bach and Webern, resulting in a multidimensional, symbolic work of musical art. Meanwhile, Johannes Brahms’ Second Symphony is composed in the bright key of D major, blending warmth, fervour, and energy – qualities that precisely reflect the personality of the beloved maestro.

The concert is supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Latvia; 

The concert is funded by the State Culture Capital Foundation.

LENESON AND ANDERSEN’S FAIRY TALES (in Latvian; 11 AM)

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme: 

Works by Pēteris PLAKIDIS 

Sergei PROKOFIEV The Ugly Duckling

Concert program

Georgijs OSOKINS – piano

Conductor Kristiina Poska

Programme:

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 3

Carl NIELSEN Symphony no. 4

Serge Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto stands as one of the most demanding pieces in the piano repertoire, and as one of the greatest pianists of his time, the composer himself took to the instrument in New York at the end of 1909 to perform his new composition. On the evening of 24 November, the Great Guild will host the brilliant contemporary pianist and audience favourite Georgijs Osokins to perform a reading of the opus with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Kristiina Poska. Meanwhile, the score of the Fourth Symphony by the Danish classic Carl Nielsen is adorned with the inscription: “Music is Life, and like it, it is inextinguishable.” Composed amidst the turmoil of the First World War, the symphony is an affirmation of the will to live, presented in rich symphonic music language of late Romanticism.

Conductor Mihhail GERTS

Programme: 

Richard WAGNER Prelude to Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg

Richard WAGNER Prelude to Tristan und Isolde and Liebestod

Richard WAGNER Overture to Tannhäuser

The next destination of Symphonic Hit with Goran Gora transports us into the realm of opera music, a world profoundly shaped by the scores (and literary works) of the 19th‑century German opera revolutionary Richard Wagner. His innovations profoundly influenced the role of the orchestra in this genre, with instrumental parts adorned by intricate leitmotifs, vividly portraying operatic characters, heroes, and moods. Love him or loathe him, Wagner was one of the top cultural influencers of his time. Goran Gora will delve deeper into the story behind the opera genius and his works, narrated in music with opera overtures and symphonic excerpts – no arias this time.

Conductor Renāts CVEČKOVSKIS 

Programme:

Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade

Hop aboard LeNeSOn’s magical ride for a journey to the distant and mysterious East, where endless deserts stretch out before us. Along the way, we stumble upon oases and meet fellow explorers and locals, all brimming with fascinating tales to tickle your curiosity. LeNeSOn, the master storyteller, might also unveil a thrilling escapade or a long-lost legend. The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Renāts Cvečkovskis, will add musical enchantment to these incredible scenes from the East.

Conductor Renāts CVEČKOVSKIS 

Programme:

Nikolai RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Scheherazade

Hop aboard LeNeSOn’s magical ride for a journey to the distant and mysterious East, where endless deserts stretch out before us. Along the way, we stumble upon oases and meet fellow explorers and locals, all brimming with fascinating tales to tickle your curiosity. LeNeSOn, the master storyteller, might also unveil a thrilling escapade or a long-lost legend. The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Renāts Cvečkovskis, will add musical enchantment to these incredible scenes from the East.

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Vestards ŠIMKUS – piano

Conductor Emilia HOVING

Programme:

Vítězslava KAPRÁLOVÁ Suita Rustica

Bohuslav MARTINŮ Piano Concerto no. 3 

Sergei PROKOFIEV Cinderella Suite

In this concert, we will experience several new encounters. In the first half of the 20th century, Czech composer Vítězslava Kaprálová emerges in the academic music scene like a shooting star, making an early name for herself in both composition and conducting. Sadly and tragically, her life is cut short, and she leaves this world before fully realising her remarkable potential. This will be the first time her Suita Rustica is performed on a Latvian stage. Another composer whose oeuvre has remained relatively unknown to us is Bohuslav Martinů, Kapralova’s teacher. His Third Piano Concerto exudes a very neo-classical yet authentic character, evident in its splendid harmonic language and playful instrumentation, with the solo performed by pianist Vestards Šimkus. To conclude the evening, we return to the familiar melodies by Sergei Prokofiev for the ballet Cinderella. At the conductor’s podium – another new encounter – Finnish conductor Emilia Hoving.

The concert is financially supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation. 

Perrine MADOEUF – soprano

LNSO Piano Trio:

Indulis CINTIŅŠ – violin

Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE – cello

Mārtiņš ZILBERTS – piano

Programme: Works by Ludwig van BEETHOVEN, Georgs PELĒCIS, Roger QUILTER, and Lera AUERBACH

In this concert, one of the highlights of the LNSO chamber music series – the LNSO Piano Trio – invites the charismatic French soprano Perrine Madoeuf to collaborate in a programme filled with surprises. Continuing their tradition, the ensemble offers in their concerts opuses by chamber music luminaries, this time featuring the compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven, as well as chamber music piece Three O by Latvian composer George Pelēcis. Meanwhile, Lera Auerbach is a bright and unconventional personality in the world of music. Her first piano trio, a skilfully composed and effective masterpiece, showcases the artist’s talents. The concert will also feature the delicate pastoral landscapes of British composer Roger Quilter. 

The concert is financially supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation. 

Jens Emil HOLM – trumpet

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Programme:

Joseph HAYDN Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra in E-flat major

Joseph HAYDN Symphony no. 101 

The multimedia concert series Symphonic Hit with Goran Gora for young people and academic music enthusiasts returns for its 10th season! Four engaging and educational concert programmes have been prepared, each telling the story of prominent personalities and events in the history of music.

We begin with the story of the symphony, the foundational genre of academic music, shaped significantly by Joseph Haydn, one of the greatest composers of the Classical period. Haydn, often referred to as the “Father of the Symphony,” wrote more than one hundred symphonies. However, the significance lies not in the quantity but in the enduring foundations upon which the grandest expression of the symphony orchestra evolved over centuries, later nurtured and developed by other composers.  

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Asmik GRIGORIAN – soprano

Nora SOUROUZIAN – mezzo-soprano

Dmytro POPOV – tenor

Edgars OŠLEJA – bass

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Giuseppe VERDI Requiem

The concert is organised by the Cēsis Concert Hall

Concert programme 

Anna GĀGANE – clarinet

Hannakaisa NYRÖNEN – soprano 

Jyrki ANTTILA – tenor

Erik ROUSI – bass

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Ēriks EŠENVALDS Visions of Arctic: Night

Richard WAGNER Die Walküre, Act 1

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will start the new season with two concerts on 6 and 7 October at the Great Guild Hall with the orchestra’s Music and Artistic Director Tarmo Peltokoski taking to the stage along with soloists. They will be accompanied by clarinettist Anna Gāgane, presenting the clarinet concerto Visions of Arctic: Night by Ēriks Ešenvalds, the LNSO’s composer-in-residence for the new season, in which he blends the voices of the soloist and orchestra with electronic timbres. In the second part of the concert, with Finnish opera singers joining in, the audience will be treated to a concert performance of the first act of Die Walküre by Richard Wagner. Here, Sieglinde reunites with her long-lost brother Siegmund, who pulls the sword Nothung from an ash tree trunk, allowing them to escape from the clutches of the wicked Hunding.

The concert is financially supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation. 

Concert programme

Anna GĀGANE – clarinet

Hannakaisa NYRÖNEN – soprano 

Jyrki ANTTILA – tenor

Erik ROUSI – bass

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Ēriks EŠENVALDS Visions of Arctic: Night

Richard WAGNER Die Walküre, Act 1

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will start the new season with two concerts on 6 and 7 October at the Great Guild Hall with the orchestra’s Music and Artistic Director Tarmo Peltokoski taking to the stage along with soloists. They will be accompanied by clarinettist Anna Gāgane, presenting the clarinet concerto Visions of Arctic: Night by Ēriks Ešenvalds, the LNSO’s composer-in-residence for the new season, in which he blends the voices of the soloist and orchestra with electronic timbres. In the second part of the concert, with Finnish opera singers joining in, the audience will be treated to a concert performance of the first act of Die Walküre by Richard Wagner. Here, Sieglinde reunites with her long-lost brother Siegmund, who pulls the sword Nothung from an ash tree trunk, allowing them to escape from the clutches of the wicked Hunding.

The concert is financially supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation.

Jaemin HAN, cello / Korea

Santiago CAÑÓN-VALENCIA, cello / Colombia

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Andris Poga

Programme: 

Camille SAINT-SAËNS Cello Concerto no. 1

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Cello Concerto no. 1

Carl NIELSEN Symphony no. 2

The concert is organised by the Cēsis Concert Hall

Andrew Staples, tenor (UK)

State Choir LATVIJA

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Orchestra RĪGA

Conductor Māris Sirmais

Programme:

Hector Berlioz Grande Messe des Morts

James SHERLOCK – piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Jānis Ivanovs Rainbow

Richard Strauss Thus Spoke Zarathustra

Johannes Brahms Piano Concerto no. 2  

The ninth LNSO Summer Festival will conclude with a grand symphonic concert. With Tarmo Peltokoski at the conductor’s podium, we will listen to Richard Strauss’ symphonic poem Thus Spoke Zarathustra, inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche’s transcendental work Thus Spoke Zarathustra: A Book for All and None. The programme also includes a gem of Latvian symphonic music: Rainbow by the Latgalian composer Jānis Ivanovs. In the second part of the concert, with James Sherlock at the piano, we will listen to Brahms’ ambitious Second Piano Concerto. At the time, the composer told everyone that he had written “a very small piano concerto with a very small and pretty scherzo”. Yet, it would be more accurate to describe it as a colossus of a piano concerto that we are presenting on this special evening for symphonic music aficionados.

* Concert in two parts

** Half an hour before the start of the event, children aged 3 to 7 years will have access to a children’s room. It is free of charge. Please apply in advance by calling +371 64633303

Choreographer Liene GRAVAPlaywright Artūrs DĪCISComposer Rihards ZAĻUPEArtist Līga ZEPADancers: Alise BOKALDERE, Ģirts BISENIEKS, Artūrs NĪGALIS

Musicians: Mareks PINTA – clarinetDace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE – celloMikus BĀLIŅŠ – percussionRihards ZAĻUPE – percussion, electronicsLīga KĀRKLIŅA – keyboard

A story about how increasingly difficult it is for young people to determine their selfworth, as the pressure of social media makes you feel as though liking yourself is not enough. Somehow, you have to be liked by others as well. It is a source of tension and fertile ground for countless insecurities.

“I post a video on social media. Nobody presses like. Therefore, nobody likes me. My actions are worthless.” There is no more value in doing things solely for your own enjoyment. Actions become a hunt for external validation.

The protagonists of the production are two young people trying to win such external validation. They meet a benefactor who helps them earn popularity, but, as it turns out, the benefactor is pursuing his own interests, and the quest for popularity sets the two youngsters on a dangerous path.

In the Net was first performed in August 2022 at the LNSO Summer Festival in Ventspils.

* A nicotine-free electronic smoking device will be used in the performance

** Duration of the performance: 50 min

*** Half an hour before the start of the event, children aged 3 to 7 years will have access to a children’s room. It is free of charge. Please apply in advance by calling +371 64633303

On Sunday, 20 August, a round bus trip Riga–Rēzekne–Riga will be organised to the closing concert of the LNSO Summer Festival: LNSO AND TARMO PELTOKOSKI.

Date: 20 August

Departure time from Riga: 12:15 PM

Departure point: Aspazijas bulvāris 5, Riga

Scheduled time of arrival in Rēzekne: 4:30 PM

Venue: Latgale Embassy GORS

Return from Rēzekne to Riga: after the concert

Scheduled departure time from Rēzekne: 7:15 PM 

The price includes a round-trip bus ticket (Riga–Rēzekne–Riga).

The price does not include a ticket to the concert.

Jānis SKUTELIS – narrator

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet

Jānis SEMJONOVS – bassoon

Jens Emil HOLM – trumpet

Artūrs HRUSTAĻOVS – trombone

Ilze GULBE – violin

Oskars BOKANOVS – double bass

Conductor Raimonds GULBIS

Programme:

Igor STRAVINSKY The Soldier’s Tale

“Music for pocket theatre” – that is, in essence, Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, written in 1918 for a truly unusual instrumental ensemble, actors, and a dancer. Music scholars note that Stravinsky deliberately created a score that can exist independently of the text and choreography. The reasons for creating an easily adaptable work were quite pragmatic: the First World War and the financial collapse it caused (especially for Stravinsky himself, whose music was also commissioned by German publishers). It is based on a Faustian folk tale about a soldier who trades his fiddle (or is it his soul?) to the devil in return for a book said to contain untold wealth. The question of who will be more cunning is but rhetorical. This fascinating, unusual, and relevant opus will be staged by two narrators and LNSO musicians led by conductor Raimonds Gulbis. 

* Concert in one part

** Duration of the concert: 1h

*** Half an hour before the start of the event, children aged 3 to 7 years will have access to a children’s room. It is free of charge. Please apply in advance by calling +371 64633303

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Actors Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA, Artūrs Putniņš 

Dancers – Riga Ballet School studentsDirector Paula PĻAVNIECEPlaywright Klāvs MELLIS

Artist Evita BĒTAChoreographer Regīna KAUPUŽAConductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Programme: Fragments from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Sleeping Beauty

We invite the youngest visitors of the LNSO Summer Festival and their families to join LeNeSOn the puppet, friend of music and children, on a musical journey to the sleepy kingdom of Florestan to meet the enchanted Princess Aurora. The poor princess can only be awakened from her magic sleep by the noble prince who appears in her dreams. To find the prince, other fairy tale characters will rush to the aid of LeNeSOn and the LNSO Summer Festival audience, bringing wondrous things to life!

Duration of the concert: 1.5 h with intermission

The indicated ticket prices are the same for children and adults

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On Saturday, 19 August, a round bus trip Riga–Rēzekne–Riga will be organised to the LNSO Summer Festival, arriving in Rēzekne around 3:30 PM, so that the audience can attend all the concerts of their choice on that day.

Date: 19 August

Departure time from Riga: 11:15 AM

Departure point: Aspazijas bulvāris 5, Riga

Scheduled time of arrival in Rēzekne: 3:30 PM

Venue: Latgale Embassy GORS

Return from Rēzekne to Riga: after the end of the last concert of the day PELTOKOSKI, SHERLOCK, AND LNSO STRING QUARTET

Scheduled departure time from Rēzekne: 10:15 PM

The price includes a round-trip bus ticket (Riga–Rēzekne–Riga).

The price does not include a ticket to the concert.

Michael Weinius (Sweden) – Siegfried

Andreas Conrad (Germany) – Mime

Oliver Zwarg (Germany) – Wanderer (Wotan)

Vida Miknevičiūtė (Lithuania/Germany) – Brünnhilde

Anna Larsson (Sweden) – Erda

Timo Riihonen (Finland) – Fafner 

Armands Siliņš – Alberich

Kristīne Gailīte – Woodbird

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor TARMO PELTOKOSKI

As a new contribution to the ‘Cēsis Wagneriana’, the Cēsis Art Festival and Cēsis Concert Hall jointly present a performance of the third part of Richard Wagner’s opera tetralogy ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’ – ‘Siegfried’. The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will be led by the young, wise and passionate Finnish maestro Tarmo Peltokoski, who has already taken the international musical scene by storm.

The ‘Siegfried’ opera is a tale of a young man who slays a dragon and learns the power of love. Siegfried does not know fear; he craves adventure and successfully forges a hero sword. A taste of the poisonous dragon’s blood allows him to understand the language of the Woodbird. Siegfried does not even suspect that the fight for the ring of the Nibelung continues and the twilight of the gods is approaching; without as much as batting an eyelid, he crosses the magic ring of fire, kisses and wakes up Brünnhilde, put to sleep by Wotan, and finally experiences fear: he has encounter a hitherto unfamiliar desire. The opera is crowned by a jubilant song of praise to ‘radiant love, laughing death’ by Brünnhilde, the Valkyrie who has lost her immortality, and the naïve hero Siegfried.

The concert performance at Cēsis Concert Hall will star some of the world’s leading opera singers at the prime of their career. The title role will be performed by Michael Weinius, who was an excellent Siegmund in the 2019 rendering of ‘Die Walküre’ in Cēsis. This will be our first meeting with the award-winning internationally sought-after character tenor Andreas Conrad as the Niebelung Mime. The role of the Traveller a.k.a. Wotan will be sung by the excellent Oliver Zwarg, who appeared as Kurwenal in the Cēsis version of ‘Tristan und Isolde’ and has sung Alberich in the Latvian National Opera production of ‘Das Rheingold’. The Lithuanian dramatic soprano Vida Miknevičiūtė, who is well known in Latvia, is taking on the complex role of Brünnhilde, and we will hear the brilliant Swedish contralto Anna Larsson as Erda in Cēsis. Fafner the Dragon will be performed by Timo Riihonen, whom we met as Hunding in ‘Die Walküre’ in Cēsis, Alberich will be sung by Armands Siliņš, and Kristīne Gailīte will embody the Woodbird.

Duration of the event: 3 parts, 2 intermissions

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Anu KOMSI – soprano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard STRAUSS Four Last Songs

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony no. 10

The concert programme concludes another refreshing season of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra with a selection of philosophically profound and musically fulfilling scores. The rich creative life of Richard Strauss, who witnessed the most astonishing and tragic events of the 20th century, resulted in Four Last Songs with poetry by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. Meanwhile, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, like his entire oeuvre, has always been a mysterious and deeply symbolic reflection of both political and inner experiences. Tarmo Peltokoski, the orchestra’s Music and Artistic Director, will take the podium, joined by soprano Anu Komsi to perform Strauss’ works.

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Anu KOMSI – soprano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard STRAUSS Four Last Songs

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Symphony no. 10

The concert programme concludes another refreshing season of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra with a selection of philosophically profound and musically fulfilling scores. The rich creative life of Richard Strauss, who witnessed the most astonishing and tragic events of the 20th century, resulted in Four Last Songs with poetry by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. Meanwhile, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Tenth Symphony, like his entire oeuvre, has always been a mysterious and deeply symbolic reflection of both political and inner experiences. Tarmo Peltokoski, the orchestra’s Music and Artistic Director, will take the podium, joined by soprano Anu Komsi to perform Strauss’ works.

Concert Programme

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LNSO CELLO DREAM TEAM:

Diana OZOLIŅA, Ieva UPATNIECE, Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE, Mareta PRIKULE, Jānis RINKULIS, Zane GUĻĀNE, Ainārs PAUKŠĒNS, Mārtiņš TURSS, Emma Aleksandra BANDENIECE, Jānis RINKULIS jnr, Anna Katrīna PAUKŠĒNA, Santa VALERE 

TRIO ELPO:

Edgars Cīrulis – piano

Jānis Rubiks – bass

Rūdolfs Dankfelds – drums

Programme:

Works by Orlando di LASSO, Olli MUSTONEN, Johann Sebastian BACH, Krzysztof PENDERECKI, Jānis RUBIKS, Edgars CĪRULIS

LNSO cello DREAM TEAM turns 10! Over the years, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra’s cello ensemble has established itself as a strong brand, offering audiences diverse and vivid musical programmes, bound together by the velvety sound of the cello. The core of the group remains unchanged and, since the very first concerts, its heart has been Diana Ozoliņa, principal cello of the LNSO. The special anniversary concert will be enriched by enthusiastic young cellists, as well as the musicians of the cross-genre ensemble TRIO ELPO. 

Concert programme

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Kristaps BERGS – cello

Conductor Kristiina POSKA

Programme:

Helena TULVE New work (premiere)

Witold LUTOSŁAWSKI Cello Concerto

Johannes BRAHMS Symphony no. 1

In the concert on 21 April, the orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor Kristiina Poska and the LNSO will treat the audience with a performance of the powerful symphonic opus Chordae by the contemporary Estonian composer Ülo Krigul, and the great cellist Kristaps Bergs will perform Polish composer Witold Lutosławski’s tense Cello Concerto. Meanwhile, Brahms was 43 years old when his First Symphony was premiered. He was undeniably a harsh self-critic and claimed that from the beginning of composition until the last revisions, the First had been 21 years in the making. He once wrote a friend that he would never write a symphony, because “you have no idea what it feels like, for someone like me always to hear such a giant as Beethoven marching along behind”. And yet today we have nine exemplar symphonies by Beethoven, and also four by the self-critical Brahms. 

Concert programme

Lukas GENIUŠAS – piano

Conductor Gintaras RINKEVIČIUS

Programme:

Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Manfred

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 1

In between the Fourth and Fifth, Tchaikovsky created another classic of the symphonic genre, starring the protagonist of Byron’s poem, the Faustian, guilt-ridden Manfred, who desperately yearns to find inner peace. In this voluminous work, Tchaikovsky reveals subtle and exquisite facets of the plot. In the symphony’s finale, Manfred finds peace in eternal rest. The second part of the concert will feature the First Piano Concerto composed by Serge Rachmaninoff in his youth, with pianist Lukas Geniušas, a favourite guest on Latvian stages, as soloist, and maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius at the conductor’s podium. 

Concert program

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NYX Trio:

Anete TOČA – flute

Tatjana OSTROVSKA – violin

Ieva SARJA – piano

Anda KOLOSOVA – ebru art

Programme:

Artūrs GRĪNUPS Trio for Flute, Violin, and Piano

Aigars RAUMANIS Closed Yard (after Pauls Bankovskis)

Krists AUZNIEKS New work (premiere)

Jānis LŪSĒNS Arcadia

Agneta KRILOVA Petal Waltz

Agneta KRILOVA “Purvītis. The Bright Gray Latvian” for Violin and Piano

Aivars KALĒJS French Quadrilogy

Ebru art is described as the visualisation of the heart’s melody on the surface of water. Dating back to the 13th century, the art form will be showcased by artist Anda Kolosova in a multimedia concert performance, where the musical experience will be provided by NYX Trio, performing several opuses by contemporary Latvian composers. The two arts will coexist and interact, inviting the audience to an intimate and meditative event where the flow of colours in the water will conjure up scenes depicted in the sounds of music. 

Concert program

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Darja SMIRNOVA, Georg SARKISJAN – violin

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard STRAUSS Symphonic poem Don Juan

Richard STRAUSS Symphonic fantasy from the opera Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman without a Shadow)

Alfred SCHNITTKE Concerto Grosso no. 3 for Two Violins and Orchestra

Richard STRAUSS Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose)

In this concert, we will once again meet Tarmo Peltokoski, the Music and Artistic Director of the orchestra, whom the audience has already come to know and love in the autumn-winter season. We will take a close look at Richard Strauss’ symphonic opuses: the portrayal of Don Juan will reveal new nuances about the insatiable lover (compared to his depiction by Mozart a century earlier); the symbolic work The Woman without a Shadow was described by the composer himself as “the last Romantic opera”, while The Knight of the Rose evokes 18th century Vienna through a prism of comedy and exaggerated melancholy. In Alfred Schnittke’s Third Concerto Grosso, we will witness a musical clash between history and the present, starring concertmaster of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra Georg Sarkisjan and violinist Darja Smirnova.

Concert program

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Darja SMIRNOVA, Georg SARKISJAN – violin

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard STRAUSS Symphonic poem Don Juan

Richard STRAUSS Symphonic fantasy from the opera Die Frau ohne Schatten (The Woman without a Shadow)

Alfred SCHNITTKE Concerto Grosso no. 3 for Two Violins and Orchestra

Richard STRAUSS Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose)

In this concert, we will once again meet Tarmo Peltokoski, the Music and Artistic Director of the orchestra, whom the audience has already come to know and love in the autumn-winter season. We will take a close look at Richard Strauss’ symphonic opuses: the portrayal of Don Juan will reveal new nuances about the insatiable lover (compared to his depiction by Mozart a century earlier); the symbolic work The Woman without a Shadow was described by the composer himself as “the last Romantic opera”, while The Knight of the Rose evokes 18th century Vienna through a prism of comedy and exaggerated melancholy. In Alfred Schnittke’s Third Concerto Grosso, we will witness a musical clash between history and the present, starring concertmaster of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra Georg Sarkisjan and violinist Darja Smirnova.

Tommaso PRATOLA – flute

Agnese EGLIŅA – piano

Programme:

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Sonata for Flute and Piano

Sergei PROKOFIEV Sonata for Flute and Piano

Pierre SANCAN Sonatine for Flute and Piano

Lowell LIEBERMANN Sonata for Flute and Piano

Krists AUZNIEKS New work (premiere)

Last year, the audience already witnessed an excellent chamber ensemble synergy, where Tommaso Pratola, principal flute of the LNSO, and Agnese Egliņa, one of the most outstanding Latvian pianists, united in music on the stage of the Great Guild. This year, the musicians continue their collaboration, presenting a vivacious and delicate concert programme, centred on sonatas for flute and piano, as well as a new work by Krists Auznieks, composed for this particular duo.

Goran GORA — narrator

Roberts RUBĪNS — director

Jānis JOŅEVS — playwright

Krišs SALMANIS  — artist

Pauls POIKĀNS — animator

Orests SILABRIEDIS — content consultant

Conductor Kaspars ĀDAMSONS

Programme:

Johannes BRAHMS The Hungarian Dances

Johannes BRAHMS Variations on a Theme by Haydn

This time, the Symphonic Hit team and narrator Goran Gora will both delight and educate academic music enthusiasts with a personal and professional portrait of German composer Johannes Brahms. Unlike other composers, Brahms’ signature in the multifaceted Romantic music scene of the 19th century is a masterful and even stubborn reflection of the historical musical heritage, taking the most significant and essential features from each era. Combined with the composer’s individual style, Brahms created both spirited and deeply thought-provoking music that remains relevant till today. 

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Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Programme:

Krists AUZNIEKS Symphony (premiere)

Žibuoklė MARTINAITYTĖ Saudade

Erkki-Sven TÜÜR Clarinet Concerto

Concert programme

Daumants LIEPIŅŠ – piano

Conductor Fuad IBRAHIMOV

Programme:

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto no. 4

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Egmont Overture

Antonín DVOŘÁK Symphony no. 9

The energy permeating Beethoven’s music cannot be experienced elsewhere. His scores are sharp and bellicose, yet just as often brimming with emotion and sensitivity. They are true and real, psychologically complex. The different facets of Beethoven’s work and personality shine through in his Egmont Overture, centred on heroic drama, while the Fourth Piano Concerto offers subtle sensitivity and intimacy, interspersed with Beethoven’s sharp, pointed harshness. The message of the Piano Concerto will be conveyed by pianist Daumants Liepiņš.

The universality of musical expression found in Antonín Dvořák’s symphony From the New World has made it into of the most popular opuses of symphonic music. Fuad Ibrahimov, principal conductor of the Baku Chamber Orchestra and the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Munich, at the podium.

Paula PĻAVNIECE – director  

Klāvs MELLIS – playwright

Evita BĒTA – artist

Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ – actor

Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA – actress

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Felix MENDELSSOHN Overtures, Symphony, and Violin Concerto excerpts

The best thing about musical journeys is that anyone can go anywhere in the world (and beyond) that their heart and imagination desire, without even leaving their seat in the concert hall. And what better companion for a long trip than Leneson? Join him on a fairy‑tale journey to meet elves and fairies, sail the seas, and explore different parts of the world along the way.

Paula PĻAVNIECE – director  

Klāvs MELLIS – playwright

Evita BĒTA – artist

Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ – actor

Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA – actress

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Felix MENDELSSOHN Overtures, Symphony, and Violin Concerto excerpts

The best thing about musical journeys is that anyone can go anywhere in the world (and beyond) that their heart and imagination desire, without even leaving their seat in the concert hall. And what better companion for a long trip than Leneson? Join him on a fairy‑tale journey to meet elves and fairies, sail the seas, and explore different parts of the world along the way.

Andrei KOROBEINIKOV – piano

Conductor Andris POGA

Pēteris VASKS Musica serena

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 2

Modest MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition

Iveta APKALNA  –  organ

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Pēteris VASKS Hymnus

Franz LISZT  –  Marcel DUPRÉ  Fantasie et Fugue sur le choral “Ad nos, ad salutarem undam”

Sergei PROKOFIEV Romeo and Julliet ballet suite

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Tarmo PELTOKOSKI, James SHERLOCK – piano

LNSO String Quartet:

Sandis ŠTEINBERGS – violin

Darja SMIRNOVA – violin

Pēteris TRASUNS – viola

Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE – cello

Programme:

Robert SCHUMANN Piano Quintet op. 44 

Music by Johannes Brahms and Francis Poulenc for two pianos

The concert will be a unique opportunity to see Tarmo Peltokoski, Music and Artistic Director of the LNSO, at the piano for the first time on Latvian stage. Together with the LNSO String Quartet, he has prepared for the audience one of the most distinctive examples of Romantic chamber music – Robert Schumann’s one and only Piano Quintet, imbued with pianistic virtuosity and artistic majesty. In the second part of the concert, Peltokoski will be joined by the brilliant London pianist (and conductor) James Sherlock to perform works by Johannes Brahms and Francis Poulenc. 

* Concert in two parts

** Half an hour before the start of the event, children aged 3 to 7 years will have access to a children’s room. It is free of charge. Please apply in advance by calling +371 64633303

Andrei KOROBEINIKOV  –  piano

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Pēteris VASKS Musica Serena

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 2

Sergei PROKOFIEV Romeo and Julliet ballet suite

Arvydas KAZLAUSKAS – saxophone

Riga Saxophone Quartet:

Katrīna KIVLENIECE-CĀBULE – soprano saxophone

Aigars RAUMANIS – alto saxophone

Ainars ŠABLOVSKIS – tenor saxophone

Baiba TILHENA – baritone saxophone

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Programme:

John ADAMS Saxophone Concerto

Modest MUSSORGSKY Pictures at an Exhibition

Uģis PRAULIŅŠ Overture for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra

Let us celebrate saxophone music! The XIII International Saxophonia Festival will take place in Latvia from 10 to 19 February, bringing together the best saxophone virtuosos from Latvia and distinguished guests from abroad. In the concert on 17 February at the Great Guild, together with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jānis Stafeckis, the Riga Saxophone Quartet will premiere Uģis Prauliņš’ opus, while Arvydas Kazlauskas will perform John Adams’ remarkable Saxophone Concerto. We will also experience vivid musical portraits in Modest Mussorgsky’s symphonic suite Pictures at an Exhibition.

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Alexander MALOFEEV – piano

Conductor Andris POGA 

Programme:

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 2

Sergei PROKOFIEV Music from the ballet Romeo and Juliet

Pēteris VASKS Musica Serena

At the end of February 2023, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will tour to France to perform in Paris, Aix-en-Provence, and Metz.  On the evening of 10 February, the concert LNSO EN ROUTE TO FRANCE will feature part of the tour programme, inviting the Latvian audience to share the wonderful experience. The programme includes the most precious gems of academic music: Rachmaninoff’s legendary Second Piano Concerto, music from Prokofiev’s brilliant ballet Romeo and Juliet, and Vasks’ philosophical Musica serena.

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Paula ŠŪMANE – violin

Conductor Olari ELTS

Programme:

Jean SIBELIUS En saga

Jean SIBELIUS Violin Concerto

Øyvind TORVUND Forest Morning

Béla BARTÓK The Wooden Prince

In this concert programme, aficionados of academic music and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will experience a reunion with its former chief conductor, currently the artistic director and chief conductor of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Olari Elts. The collaboration will feature the symphonic poem En saga by Sibelius, full of the imagery of Scandinavian and fantastical landscapes, followed by soloist Paula Šūmane interpreting Sibelius’ vivid and rich Violin Concerto. From the music scene of 20th century Finland, we move to Hungary, where around 1915 Béla Bartók composed the witty one-act ballet The Wooden Prince. Finally, a refreshing piece of contemporary music in the form of a symphonic poem by Norwegian composer Øyvind Torvund.

BUS TO THE CONCERT LNSO AND SIBELIUS’ VIOLIN CONCERTO

Date: 4 FEBRUARY

Departure time: 14:45

Departure point: Aspazijas bulvāris 5, Riga

Start of the concert: 17:00

Venue: Cēsis Concert Hall

Return from Cēsis to Riga after the end of the concert.

Scheduled departure time: 19:45

*the price includes a round-trip ticket (Riga-Cēsis-Riga)

**the price does not include a ticket to the concert

Kristaps BERGS – cello

Conductor Ainārs RUBIĶIS

Programme:

Jānis MEDIŅŠ Cello Concerto no. 2

Juris KARLSONS Joseph’s Visions

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Paula PĻAVNIECE – director

Klāvs MELLIS – playwright

Evita BĒTA – artist

Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ – actor

Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA – actress

Lisete JÜRGENSON – oboe

Anna Marija KUBECKA – clarinet

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Johann Nepomuk HUMMEL Introduction, Theme, and Variations for Oboe and Orchestra, op. 102 

Carl Maria von WEBER Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra

Carl Maria von WEBER Overture and symphonic excerpts from the opera Der Freischütz (The Marksman)

Carl Maria von WEBER Overture and march from the opera Turandot

This time, Leneson and his team will present to the youngest audience fairy tales from around the world, set to music by Carl Maria von Weber, one of the greatest German opera reformers of the time. Meet Max the hunter and Turandot the princess from the East. We will also hear two elegant woodwind solos by Estonian oboist Lisete Jürgenson and Latvian clarinettist Anna Marija Kubecka, performing together with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra.   

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Paula PĻAVNIECE – director

Klāvs MELLIS – playwright

Evita BĒTA – artist

Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ – actor

Anastasija REKUTA-DŽORDŽEVIČA – actress

Lisete JÜRGENSON – oboe

Anna Marija KUBECKA – clarinet

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Johann Nepomuk HUMMEL Introduction, Theme, and Variations for Oboe and Orchestra, op. 102 

Carl Maria von WEBER Concertino for Clarinet and Orchestra

Carl Maria von WEBER Overture and symphonic excerpts from the opera Der Freischütz (The Marksman)

Carl Maria von WEBER Overture and march from the opera Turandot

This time, Leneson and his team will present to the youngest audience fairy tales from around the world, set to music by Carl Maria von Weber, one of the greatest German opera reformers of the time. Meet Max the hunter and Turandot the princess from the East. We will also hear two elegant woodwind solos by Estonian oboist Lisete Jürgenson and Latvian clarinettist Anna Marija Kubecka, performing together with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra.   

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Actor Artūrs PUTNIŅŠ

Musicians – Arvīds ZVAGULIS, Oskars BOKANOVS, Kaspars MAJORS, Edgars SAKSONS

Director Edgars NIKLASONS

Based on the fairy tale Tas notika Kaķpēdiņu bulvārī (It Happened on the Cat’s-Foot Boulevard) by Herberts Dorbe, actor Artūrs Putniņš and LNSO musicians will lead the youngest audience on a playful adventure through the hallways of the Cat’s-Foot School.

Roberts Rubīns – director

Jānis Joņevs – playwright

Krišs Salmanis – artist

Orests Silabriedis – content consultant

Elīna Bērtiņa – piano

Conductor Henri Christofer Aavik

Programme:

Franz LISZT Piano Concerto no. 1

Franz LISZT Les préludes

In the latest episode of Symphonic Hit, we meet a true 19th-century superstar: the popularity of Franz Liszt could be compared to that of the Beatles in the 1960s, Michael Jackson in the 1980s, or rapper Eminem in the early 2000s. Initially a great pianist, he later became an acclaimed composer. You will hear more from the narrator Goran Gora with beautiful visuals by Krišs Salmanis, while pianist Elīna Bērtiņa and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra put it into sound.

Silja Aalto – soprano

Rihards Millers – baritone

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductor Tarmo Peltokoski

Programme:

Pēteris VASKS Musica serena

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS A Sea Symphony

Composer Pēteris Vasks describes his Musica serena as “a nostalgic autumn landscape, a meaningful, peaceful contemplation”. The opus encodes peace that can only be experienced through fully merging oneself with nature. Vaughan Williams, on the other hand, took six years to compose his first Sea Symphony, which was never numbered, and although it was followed by eight other vivid and varied examples of the genre, the opus dedicated to the power and might of the sea is in many ways also the most monumental one. The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Principal Conductor Tarmo Peltokoski, will be joined on stage by Finnish soprano Silja Aalto, baritone Rihards Millers, and singers from the State Choir LATVIJA.

Concert program

Anna Gāgane – clarinet

Sandis Šteinbergs, Indulis Cintiņš – violin

Pēteris Trasuns – viola

Dace Zālīte-Zilberte – cello

Programme:

Johannes BRAHMS Quintet for Clarinet and String Quartet op. 115

Arvo PÄRT Summa for String Quartet

Krzysztof PENDERECKI Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Viola, and Cello

Around 1890, Brahms, then 57 years old, decides to retire from composing and “leave it to the young”. Yet, he crosses paths with the clarinettist of the Meiningen Court Orchestra, Richard Mühlfeld, and a year later, enchanted by his performance, Brahms composes an delightful and ethereal Clarinet Quintet, followed by a number of other great chamber works featuring the clarinet. Arvo Pärt’s Summa, originally written as a choral work and only later given an instrumental form, is also ethereal, yet represents a different era. When composing the Clarinet Quartet, Penderecki draws inspiration from Schubert’s Quintet in C Major, which is not the only source of influence as the piece also references Beethoven, Schoenberg, and Berg – a panorama of Viennese music through the ages.

Karen Vourc’h – soprano

Conductor Jean-Claude Casadesus

Programme:

César FRANCK Le Chasseur maudit

Henri DUTILLEUX Symphony no. 1

Maurice RAVEL Shéhérazade

Maurice RAVEL Daphnis et Chloé

In this concert, we will relive stories from around the world through the prism of French elegance and refinement: César Franck’s symphonic poem Le Chasseur maudit draws inspiration from The Wild Hunter ballad by German poet Gottfried August Bürger, Dutilleux uses the Spanish mourning procession dance passacaglia in the first movement of his symphony, while Ravel’s work touches upon the Eastern world through Scheherazade’s eyes and also the ancient world by setting an old love story to music. The LNSO will be joined on stage by guests from France: the owner of lucid voice Karen Vourc’h and maestro Jean-Claude Casadesus.

Concert is supported by the French Intitute in Latvia. 

Conductor Tarmo Peltokoski

Programme:

Ralph VAUGHAN WILLIAMS Symphony no. 5

Krists AUZNIEKS Grace

Jean SIBELIUS Symphony no. 5

The concert marks a vibrant new chapter in the history of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra with Tarmo Peltokoski, its new Music and Artistic Director from Finland, taking up the baton. This special evening will be our second opportunity to listen to the work of Krists Auznieks – this time, a light and warm musical painting entitled Grace. Jean Sibelius first conducted the Fifth Symphony on his fiftieth birthday, then revised it twice more, and on the evening of 19 November we will hear the final version. Meanwhile, Vaughan Williams’ Fifth Symphony demonstrates finer orchestration than the previous four. Under Peltokoski’s direction, the British composer’s work will be explored twice on Latvian stages.

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Andrejs OSOKINS – piano

Conductor Vassily Sinaisky

Programme:

Andris DZENĪTIS Preludium. Light

Benjamin BRITTEN Piano Concerto 

Gustav MAHLER Symphony no. 1

The image of light appears in Dzenītis’ music regularly and in a variety of ways. “A pantheistic landscape without text, without the presence of humans. Preludium. Light is a scene of a sunrise,” as described by the author. Britten’s Piano Concerto radiates the confidence, energy, and disarming virtuosity of the then young composer. Meanwhile, Mahler’s First Symphony is the pinnacle of the genre, but like many brilliant things in life, initially it was not widely acclaimed. This evening, the power of music will be demonstrated by the LNSO, the esteemed pianist Andrejs Osokins, and honorary conductor maestro Vassily Sinaisky.

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Andrejs OSOKINS – piano

Conductor Vassily Sinaisky

Programme:

Andris DZENĪTIS Preludium. Light

Benjamin BRITTEN Piano Concerto 

Gustav MAHLER Symphony no. 1

The image of light appears in Dzenītis’ music regularly and in a variety of ways. “A pantheistic landscape without text, without the presence of humans. Preludium. Light is a scene of a sunrise,” as described by the author. Britten’s Piano Concerto radiates the confidence, energy, and disarming virtuosity of the then young composer. Meanwhile, Mahler’s First Symphony is the pinnacle of the genre, but like many brilliant things in life, initially it was not widely acclaimed. This evening, the power of music will be demonstrated by the LNSO, the esteemed pianist Andrejs Osokins, and honorary conductor maestro Vassily Sinaisky.

Perrine MADOEUF – soprano

Nino SURGULADZE – mezzo-soprano

Liparit AVETISYAN – tenor

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Gintaras RINKEVIČIUS 

For the fourth consecutive year, the Andrejs Žagars Culture Support and Development Fund in collaboration with the Cēsis Concert Hall and the LNSO organises a concert dedicated to Andrejs Žagars, the long-time director of the Latvian National Opera and founder of the Fund, which will include music that was close to his heart. Traditionally, the event takes place in Cēsis, the town of Andrejs’ childhood and youth. Every autumn, the concert brings together opera lovers to listen to the most wonderful operatic arias and duets performed by brilliant soloists and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra.

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Narrator – Jānis Skutelis

Musicians:

Mārtiņš Circenis – clarinet

Jānis Semjonovs – bassoon

Jens Emil Holm – trumpet

Artūrs Hrustaļovs – trombone

Ilze Gulbe – violin

Oskars Bokanovs – double bass

Ernests Mediņš – percussion

Conductor Raimonds Gulbis

Programme:

Igor STRAVINSKY The Soldier’s Tale

“Music for pocket theatre” – that is, in essence, Igor Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale, written in 1918 for a truly unusual chamber ensemble, actors, and a dancer. Yet, music scholars note that Stravinsky deliberately created a score that can exist independently of the text and choreography. The reasons for creating such a flexible work were quite pragmatic: the First World War and the financial collapse it caused (especially for Stravinsky himself, whose music was also commissioned by German publishers). It is based on a Faustian folk tale about a soldier who trades his fiddle to the devil in return for a book said to contain untold wealth. The question of who will be more cunning is but rhetorical. The opus will be presented to the audience by narrator Jānis Skutelis, LNSO musicians and conductor Raimonds Gulbis.

Paula Pļavniece – director

Klāvs Mellis – playwright

Evita Bēta – artist

Artūrs Putniņš – actor (Latvia Puppet Theatre) 

Dancers – Nika Judinceva and Mikus Ungurs  (Riga Ballet School)

Conductor Vilhelms Vācietis

Programme:

Fragments from Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY’S ballet The Sleeping Beauty

At the end of October, the youngest listeners of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will join LeNeSOn on a musical journey to the sleepy kingdom of Florestan to meet the enchanted Princess Aurora. The poor princess can only be awakened from her sleep by the handsome prince who appears in her dreams. To find the prince, LeNeSOn and his audience will be joined by other characters from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Sleeping Beauty.

Paula Pļavniece – director

Klāvs Mellis – playwright

Evita Bēta – artist

Irina Krasta – actress (Latvia Puppet Theatre)

Dancers – Nika Judinceva and Mikus Ungurs  (Riga Ballet School)

Conductor Vilhelms Vācietis

Programme:

Fragments from Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY’S ballet The Sleeping Beauty

At the end of October, the youngest listeners of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will join LeNeSOn on a musical journey to the sleepy kingdom of Florestan to meet the enchanted Princess Aurora. The poor princess can only be awakened from her sleep by the handsome prince who appears in her dreams. To find the prince, LeNeSOn and his audience will be joined by other characters from Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Sleeping Beauty.

Gidon Kremer – violin

Conductor Andris Poga

Programme:

Sofia GUBAIDULINA Offertorium

Johannes BRAHMS Symphony no. 4

Composed around 1980, Offertorium opens with an old Johann Sebastian Bach theme, interspersed with contemporary musical solutions. The closing movement of Johannes Brahms’ last symphony, the Fourth, also offers the audience a reference to Bach’s music, thus paying a subtle homage to the outstanding composer.

Kristīne Balanas – violin

Iveta Apkalna – organ

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductor Jānis Liepiņš

Programme:

Zigmars LIEPIŅŠ The Red Forest Suite

Zigmars LIEPIŅŠ Violin Concerto

Zigmars LIEPIŅŠ Mesa 2020 (premiere)

Zigmars Liepiņš made an iconic entry into the composing scene in the 1970s. Since then, his contribution has been incredibly versatile: melancholic tunes and catchy pop songs, ballads and a touch of folk songs, as well as witty parodies. His listeners are captivated by both wistful and playful motifs, notable song cycles and instrumental gems, we all know and love Zigmars’ operas, rock operas, and musicals. The list of his works includes both intimate melodies and monumental opuses for the nationwide Song Festival. 

Iveta Apkalna – organ

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductors Guntis Kuzma and Māris Sirmais

Programme:

Alexandre GUILMANT Organ Symphony no. 1

Aaron COPLAND Symphony for Organ and Orchestra: II. Scherzo

Philip GLASS Symphony no. 7

Concert program

Robert Traksmann – violin

Santa Vižine – viola

Conductor Kristiina Poska

Programme:

Krists AUZNIEKS Crossing

Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Sinfonia concertante for Violin, Viola, and Orchestra

Anton BRUCKNER Symphony no. 7

In the opening concert of the 97th season, the LNSO, under the direction of Principal Guest Conductor Kristiina Poska, will perform Crossing, a piece filled with the power of light by the new composer-in-residence Krists Auznieks. For Mozart’s Sinfonia concertante, the orchestra will be joined by outstanding soloists. The concert will culminate in one of the greatest symphonies by Anton Bruckner.

Egils Upatnieks – English Horn

Conductor Guntis Kuzma

Programme:

Arvo PÄRT Symphony no. 1

Pēteris VASKS Concerto for English Horn and Orchestra

Actors Rūdolfs Apse and Valdis Vanags

Artist Kristīne Abika

Director Una Rozenbauma

Conductor Jānis Stafeckis

Programme:

Andris VECUMNIEKS, Inese ZANDERE Fairy Tale about Musical Instruments 

Inese Zandere and the composer Andris Vecumnieks have written a new musical fairy tale especially for the LNSO. It will bring musical instruments to life, turning them into a king (guess which one), princes and princesses, a wizard, a duke and his family, and a lord of birds. Together with children, the storyteller Believe-It-Or-Not will explore the enchanting kingdom of music.

Actors Rūdolfs Apse and Valdis Vanags

Artist Kristīne Abika

Director Una Rozenbauma

Conductor Jānis Stafeckis

Programme:

Andris VECUMNIEKS, Inese ZANDERE Fairy Tale about Musical Instruments 

Inese Zandere and the composer Andris Vecumnieks have written a new musical fairy tale especially for the LNSO. It will bring musical instruments to life, turning them into a king (guess which one), princes and princesses, a wizard, a duke and his family, and a lord of birds. Together with children, the storyteller Believe-It-Or-Not will explore the enchanting kingdom of music.

Emily D’ANGELO – mezzo-soprano

Conductor Ainārs RUBIĶIS

PROGRAMME:

Alban BERG Seven Early Songs

Works from Emily D’Angelo’s album enargeia 

The festival will end with the magnificent Italian-Canadian singer Emily D’Angelo giving her very first performance on a Latvian stage. At just 26 years old, D’Angelo is already in high demand at the world’s leading opera houses and her repertoire spans all eras and styles. With her enigmatic image, D’Angelo has become a worldwide academic music sensation. The concert will start with the early pieces of the Viennese composer Alban Berg, where the musical language combines romantic and even impressionistic colours with the exploration of dodecaphonic compositional techniques. Berg will be followed by music from Emily D’Angelo’s album enargeia, released last year and centred on the fascinating medieval nun, mystic, visionary, and composer Hildegard of Bingen. The album provides the listener with an original and enchanting sound experience.

Actor Artūrs Putniņš

Musicians

Kaspars Majors

Arvīds Zvagulis

Oskars Bokanovs

Edgars Saksons

Director Edgars Niklasons

Based on the fairy tale Tas notika Kaķpēdiņu bulvārī (It Happened on the Cat’s-Foot Boulevard) by Herbert Dorbe, actor Artūrs Putniņš and LNSO musicians will lead the youngest audience of the LNSO Summer Festival on a playful adventure through the hallways of the Cat’s-Foot School 

Free admission 

A music critic once said that Sean Nicholas Savage was the “best writer of music and lyrics since Neil was Young”. The merit of these words is manifested by the songs from Sean’s twelve full‑length albums released so far, and also by his stage presence in concert, with parts of him seemingly lingering in the room afterwards.

In his concert in Ventspils, Sean Nicholas Savage will play together with the LNSO string ensemble, performing, for the first time, his original songs arranged by the Grammy Award winning composer and musician Owen Pallett.

Andrei KOROBEINIKOV – piano

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Arturs MASKATS My River runs to thee

Alexander SCRIABIN Prometheus (The Poem of Fire)

Named after a verse by the American poet Emily Dickinson, Arturs Maskats’ score My river runs to thee was premiered in 2019 by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under maestro Andris Nelsons. According to the composer, the river symbolises life, freedom, and love, something given to man by a higher power to guide their life. Meanwhile, Scriabin dedicates his final years to grand musical ideas full of philosophical mysticism. Entrusted to the charismatic pianist Andrei Korobeinikov, the important piano part of the Prometheus poem presents a truly heroic image, which is juxtaposed with the infinity of the universe rendered by the orchestra.

Set&costume designer Līga ZEPA

Choreographer Liene GRAVA

Playwright Artūrs DĪCIS

Composer Rihards ZAĻUPE

Dancers: Alise BOKALDERE, Ģirts BISENIEKS, Artūrs NĪGALIS

Guntis KUZMA – clarinet

Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE – cello

Mikus BĀLIŅŠ – percussion

Rihards ZAĻUPE – percussion, electronics

Līga KĀRKLIŅA – keyboard

A story about how increasingly difficult it is for young people to determine their self‑worth, as the pressure of social media makes you feel as though liking yourself is not enough. Somehow, you have to be liked by others as well. A source of tension and fertile ground for countless insecurities.

“I post a video on social media. Nobody presses like. Therefore, nobody likes me. My actions are worthless.” There is no value in doing things solely for your own enjoyment. Actions become a hunt for external validation.

The protagonists of the production are two young people trying to win such external validation. They meet a benefactor who helps them earn popularity, but, as it turns out, the benefactor is pursuing his own interests, and the quest for popularity sets the two youngsters on a dangerous path.

Egils UPATNIEKS – oboe

Rihards PLEŠANOVS – piano

Singers of the Latvian Radio Choir

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Programme:

Santa RATNIECE Muqarnas for Piano

Luciano BERIO Sequenza VII for Oboe

György LIGETI Three Études for Piano

Steve REICH The Desert Music

In the first concert of the LNSO Summer Festival, we will hear three miniatures and an outstanding minimalist masterpiece. The subtle and magnificent musical painting by Santa Ratniece reflects the ornamented vaulting – muqarnas – typical of Arabic and Persian architecture. According to Luciano Berio, his Sequenza for oboe is meant to be played by a virtuoso who is not only proficient technically but who has a “virtuosity of the intellect” as well. György Ligeti incorporates the most unimaginable rhythm games into his études. Meanwhile, Steve Reich’s Desert Music is one of the most powerful works of American minimalism. It is based on the poetry of William Carlos Williams, where light, symbolising creativity, imagination, and love, takes precedence over darkness and destruction. “Who most shall advance the light – call it what you may!” say Williams and Reich.

Gun-Brit BARKMIN (Germany) ‒ Isolde

Marco JENTZSCH (Germany) ‒ Tristan

Martina DIKE (Sweden) ‒ Brangäne

Oliver ZWARG (Germany) ‒ Kurwenal

Ain Anger (Estonia) ‒ King Marke

Mihails ČUĻPAJEVS (Latvia) ‒ Melot

Artem SAFRONOV (Latvia) ‒ Shephard

Rinalds KANDALINCEVS (Latvia) – Steersman

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Andris POGA

Cēsis Concert Hall in association with Cēsis Art Festival presents one of the most ambitious musical events of this summer ‒ a concert performance of the ‘Tristan und Isolde’ opera by Richard Wagner. The occasion makes for a very special night: the opera in its entirety was last performed in Latvia a hundred years ago, in spring 1921, at Latvian National Opera under Teodors Reiters.

In the recent years the names of Richard Wagner and the city of Cēsis has been increasingly often used in the same sentence ‒ among other reasons, thanks to Andris Poga, former Artistic Director (currently ‒ Artistic Advisor) of Latvian National Symphony Orchestra. Poga is gradually and purposefully evolving into a skilful and inspiring interpreter of Wagner’s music: 2021 saw him conduct a performance of Act III of ‘Die Walküre’ on the Cēsis Castle Park open-air stage; it was preceded to great success by performances of Act II of ‘Tristan und Isolde’ at the Great Guild Concert Hall in March 2019 and of Act I of ‘Die Walküre’ at the 5th Anniversary event of Cēsis Concert Hall in June 2019. The concert performance of the complete ‘Tristan und Isolde’ opera at the concert hall will further cement Andris Poga’s link with the music of Richard Wagner.  

‘Tristan und Isolde’ is considered a new beginning in Richard Wagner’s life and the history of opera in general. Unusually for the world of opera, it is driven not by the storyline but by reflection on human existence. It is universally accepted that Wagner was influenced by Schopenhauer’s idea of life in this world as a journey of unfulfillable yearning. It is worth noting that at the time of writing the opera Wagner was infatuated with his patron and passionate supporter Otto Wesendonck’s wife Mathilde; their love story was also more about longing than fulfilment. According to the Wagner scholar Barry Millington, ‘Wagner’s opera transcends its scenario of a conventional love story to offer a profound meditation on the nature of the material world, on the metaphysics of subjectivity and on the mysteries of human existence itself.’

Richard Wagner started work on his ‘Tristan und Isolde’ from 1856 (the first studies were written alongside ‘Siegfried’, the third opera from the ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’ cycle), completing it in 1865; it premiered in 10 June 1865 at the Munich Königliches Hoftheater und Nationaltheater with Hans von Bülow conducting.

Edgar MOREAU – cello

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Arturs MASKATS Cantus diatonicus

Henri DUTILLEUX Cello Concerto Tout un monde lointain…

Sergei RACHMANINOFF Symphony no. 3

Another beautiful, music-filled season of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra is coming to an end! Exactly 30 years ago, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Imants Resnis premiered Cantus diatonicus, the graduation work of the then still young composition student Arturs Maskats. The anniversary of the opus will be celebrated at the closing concert of the LNSO’s 96th season under the baton of conductor Andris Poga. The special concert programme will also feature a guest appearance by the young French cellist of international renown Edgar Moreau. He will join the LNSO to offer the audience a true gem of postmodern music – the cello concerto Tout un monde lointain… (A whole distant world…), composed by Henri Dutilleux around 1970 and inspired by Charles Baudelaire’s famous poetry collection The Flowers of Evil. This work by Dutilleux is considered one of the most brilliant cello concertos of the 20th century. Finally, Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Third Symphony will immerse us in rich and breathtaking music, almost lifting the audience off the ground.

Concert program

Guntis KUZMA – clarinet

Quadra Piano Quartet:

Arvīds ZVAGULIS – violin

Pēteris TRASUNS – viola

Kārlis KLOTIŅŠ – cello

Rihards PLEŠANOVS – piano

Programme:

Robert SCHUMANN Piano Quartet in E♭ Major op. 47 

Paul HINDEMITH Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano

Andris DZENĪTIS Towards Vastness Clocks Stand Still for clarinet and piano quartet (new work)

In this concert, Quadra Piano Quartet and clarinettist Guntis Kuzma will treat the audience to three great chamber music pieces from different musical eras.

Robert Schumann’s Piano Quartet brings out the lightness, simplicity, and frankness so characteristic of early Romantic music at the beginning of the 19th century.

In the Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano by German composer Paul Hindemith, the musicians will indulge in a deeply philosophical conversation in music notation. Meanwhile, Andris Dzenītis will add a new opus to the Latvian chamber music repertoire – created at the suggestion of Quadra Piano Quartet and clarinettist Guntis Kuzma and inspired by long walks along the Baltic Sea coast, the work encompasses a sense of immense endlessness and, at the same time, a warm, familiar feeling of refuge.

CONCERT POSTPONED TO APRIL 28th!

Concert program 

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet

Georg SARKISJAN – violin

Ieva UPATNIECE – cello

Elīna BĒRTIŅA – piano

Programme: Alban Berg, Benjamin Britten, Thomas Demenga, Nino Rota

Four contrasts, four opposites. Four personalities and four languages. Berg’s mysticism, Britten’s philosophical depth, Demeng’s freshness, and Rota’s Italian charm – four different worlds introduced to you by LNSO musicians and pianist Elīna Bērtiņa, united in sophisticated chamber ensembles.

Triin RUUBEL – violin

Conductor Kristiina POSKA 

PROGRAMME:

Pēteris VASKS Violin Concerto Distant Light

Erkki-Sven Tüür Phantasma

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony no. 4

Interspersed with clouds of music colours and masterful cadences, the violin concerto Distant Light by Pēteris Vasks carries a glimmer of hope that permeates the composer’s oeuvre. Written in 1997 for the Salzburg Festival and dedicated to the great violinist and author’s friend Gidon Kremer, the piece has been performed dozens of times over 25 years, including for several recordings and even ballet performances. This evening, it will be interpreted by a special guest – Triin Ruubel, the first violin of the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra.

Phantasma is one of the latest opuses by the composer Erkki-Sven Tüür. As suggested by its title, the work is a vision and an elusive flight of imagination.

Similarly, the beginning of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony in B♭ major (1807) is somewhat veiled and distant, yet it is soon replaced by lightness, emotional directness, and openness characteristic of the composer.

Concert program

Sandis ŠTEINBERGS – violin

Raimonds MELDERIS – violin

Arigo ŠTRĀLS – viola

Ainārs PAUKŠĒNS – cello

Oskars PETRAUSKIS – saxophone

Raimonds PETRAUSKIS – piano

PROGRAMME:

Domenico SCARLATTI Sonate a Quattro no. 4

Béla BARTÓK String Quartet no. 4

Chick COREA Spain for String Quartet

Chick COREA Florida to Tokyo 

Raimonds PETRAUSKIS Spanish Expressions

Thelonious MONK ‘Round Midnight 

Suite Coreana (arranged by Raimonds Petrauskis)

The concert programme is a tribute to the artist Chick Corea, who passed away last year. His diverse and extraordinary contribution brought new influences to both academic and jazz music, with many of Corea’s works now recognised as jazz standards.

Meanwhile, the artist himself was profoundly influenced by academic composers, from Domenico Scarlatti and Johann Sebastian Bach to Béla Bartók. 

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Oskars PETRAUSKIS – alto saxophone

Atomos Saxophone Quartet: 

Arvydas KAZLAUSKAS – soprano saxophone

Aigars RAUMANIS – alto saxophone

Roberts MARTINOVSKIS – tenor saxophone

Rūdolfs Pēteris RUBENIS – baritone saxophone

Narrator Goran GORA

Playwright – Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist – Krišs SALMANIS

Director – Roberts RUBĪNS

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

PROGRAMME:

Alvils ALTMANIS Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra (new work)

Philip GLASS Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra                                       

The concert will focus on an instrument with a history of almost 180 years often referred to as the king of jazz – the saxophone. In less than 200 years, it has established a stable and convincing presence in both jazz and academic music, yet it rarely, maybe even reluctantly, appears in symphony orchestra scores. If not part of the orchestra, one must be a soloist, and this evening there will be five of them: Oskars Petrauskis, one of Latvia’s most acclaimed saxophonists, will premiere a new work by Alvils Altmanis, while Atomos Saxophone Quartet will take the stage to perform the Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra by the American minimalist Philip Glass. And who better to tell you about the saxophone than those who play it, those who write music for it, and, of course, the narrator of the Symphonic Hit Goran Gora.

Actors Rodions KUZMINS and Mārtiņš BRŪVERIS

Artist Kristīne ABIKA

Producer Una ROZENBAUMA 

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Igor STRAVINSKY Fragments from The Firebird ballet

Marina VIDMONTE            Par uguni (On Fire)

Kārlis RĒRIHS                    Tik mazs, tomēr sērkociņš (So Tiny yet a Match)

Gaitis PUJĀTS                    (F)orgotten (F)lames

Edgars MĀKENS               Kad mazā Igora istabā izslēdz uguni (When the Fire Goes Off in the Nursery)

Renāts CVEČKOVSKIS      Eļļas lampas (Oil Lamps)

On the first Saturday of April, LeNeSOn will introduce the audience to a bird they may have never seen before, whose feathers embody everything that is beautiful and protect the world. The firebird’s miraculous powers enable Prince Ivan to defeat the evil magician and rescue the princess imprisoned in his tower. Inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s famous piece, students of the Composition Department of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music have also written their own works to be presented during the concert.

Actors Rodions KUZMINS and Mārtiņš BRŪVERIS

Artist Kristīne ABIKA

Producer Una ROZENBAUMA 

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

Programme:

Igor STRAVINSKY Fragments from The Firebird ballet

Marina VIDMONTE            Par uguni (On Fire)

Kārlis RĒRIHS                    Tik mazs, tomēr sērkociņš (So tiny yet a match)

Gaitis PUJĀTS                    (F)orgotten (F)lames

Edgars MĀKENS               Kad mazā Igora istabā izslēdz uguni (When the Fire Goes Off in the Nursery)

Renāts CVEČKOVSKIS      Eļļas lampas (Oil Lamps)

On the first Saturday of April, LeNeSOn will introduce the audience to a bird they may have never seen before, whose feathers embody everything that is beautiful and protect the world. The firebird’s miraculous powers enable Prince Ivan to defeat the evil magician and rescue the princess imprisoned in his tower. Inspired by Igor Stravinsky’s famous piece, students of the Composition Department of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music have also written their own works to be presented during the concert.

Concert program

Dita KRENBERGA – flute

Oskars BOKANOVS – double bass

Conductor Atvars LAKSTĪGALA

PROGRAMME:

Edvard GRIEG Peer Gynt instrumental suites

Edward ELGAR Variations on an Original Theme (Enigma)

Kristaps PĒTERSONS Concerto for Flute, Double Bass, and Orchestra (new work)

Henrik Ibsen’s 155-year-old story of the daring Peer Gynt wasting the love of the faithful Solveig continues to inspire to this day. At the time, Ibsen himself asked Grieg to write music for the play, and the composer reluctantly agreed. Ironically, the result is one of the most widely recognised symphonic scores of our time.

On the eve of the 20th century, the British composer Edward Elgar creates 14 Enigma Variations – an extended opus based on an original theme, consisting of reflections on the topic of variations that portray the composer himself and his close acquaintances. The title of the work is as veiled as its explanation in the dictionary.

Meanwhile, composer Kristaps Pētersons has prepared a new work – a concerto in which the flute and the double bass, the highest and the lowest sounding instruments in the orchestra, engage in a dialogue.

Leader – Vineta SAREIKA

PROGRAMME:

Johann Sebastian BACH Violin Concerto in E Major

Dmitri SHOSTAKOVICH Chamber Symphony in C Minor

Arnold SCHOENBERG  Verklärte Nacht 

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and the internationally acclaimed Latvian violinist Vineta Sareika will meet on the stage of the Concert Hall Latvija to present works by three geniuses, all of whom represent their time and place and have left an indelible mark on the history of music.

Composed around 1720, Johann Sebastian Bach’s Violin Concerto contrasts energetic subtlety and intensity of emotions characteristic to Baroque music. In his memoirs, Shostakovich described the Chamber Symphony composed in 1960 as a tribute to his memories, carrying within them a constant inner struggle between values and the regime. Schoenberg, on the other hand, had not yet come up with his seemingly revolutionary compositional technique in 1899 when he created a tonal work based on an unusual love poem by Richard Dehmel.

The LNSO Piano Trio:

Indulis CINTIŅŠ – violin

Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE – cello

Mārtiņš ZILBERTS – piano

PROGRAMME: 

Arvo PÄRT Mozart-Adagio for Violin, Cello, and Piano

Joseph HAYDN Piano Trio in C Major 

Fritz KREISLER Three Miniatures for Violin, Cello, and Piano

Imants ZEMZARIS A Little Rock Music

Paul SCHOENFIELD Café Music for Violin, Cello, and Piano

For its concert at the Daile Music House, the LNSO Piano Trio has prepared a rich and varied programme that will delight aficionados of all musical disciplines and take them to a special café in the very heart of Vienna. The concert will feature the classical composer Joseph Haydn with a refreshing piano trio, the most famous Estonian of our time Arvo Pärt and his distinctively profound reflections (this time on Mozart’s opus), luminous miniatures by the violin virtuoso Fritz Kreisler, as well as A Little Rock Music, an energetic piece by the Latvian composer Imants Zemzaris, and a brilliant and highly expressive work by Paul Schoenfield as the title piece of this programme. 

Vineta SAREIKA, violin

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

Johannes Brahms  Violin Concerto in D major, op.77

Andris Dzenītis 2nd Symphony “Warm wind” (premiere)

Violinist Vineta Sareika’s multi-faceted career spans a wide range of activities from Primaria of the Artemis Quartet to soloist and recitalist, orchestra musician and professor for chamber music. Laureate of the Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition and several ECHO CLASSIC Awards, she has been performing as a soloist with the leading european orchestras and working as the first concertmaster of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic. Since 2022 she is member of the Berlin Philharmonic.

At the 30th Liepāja International Star Festival Vineta Sareika together with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will perform Johannes Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major.

The concert will also feature the premiere of Andris Dzenītis’ 2nd Symphony “Warm wind”.

The works by Andris Dzenītis have been performed both in Latvia and around the world. Many world-famous ensembles and soloists have included them in their repertoire, including the Berlin Philharmonic and Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Belgian and Latvian National Symphony Orchestras, conductors Karel Mark Chichon, Andris Nelsons, the Latvian Radio Choir, the Sinfonietta Riga Orchestra and many more.

On 4 March at 11:05, the concert Baltic Music in Support of Ukraine will be broadcast from the Great Guild on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika and on the television channel LTV1, and online on the portal LSM.lv. In the concert, orchestras and choirs from the Baltic States will take the stage live and in video performances made specially for this event.

The State Choir LATVIJA and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra will perform the State Anthem of Ukraine and Pēteris Vasks’ prayer Dona nobis pacem (Grant Us Peace) under the baton of Andris Poga. 

Colleagues from other Baltic concert halls will participate in the event through video recordings. The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra under Thomas Sanderling will play Arvo Pärt’s Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten. The Kaunas State Choir and the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Gintaras Rinkēvičius, will render one movement of Bronius Kutavičius’ symphony-oratorio Epitaphium temporum pereunti (Epitaph for the Passing Time). Under the baton of Sigvards Kļava, the Latvian Radio Choir, Sinfonietta Rīga, and organist Ilze Reine will give a performance of Arturs Maskats’ lament Lacrimosa. Alongside works by Baltic composers, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra will also perform Melody by the Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk, conductor Normunds Šnē.

Let us pray and continue to support Ukraine on the donation platform ziedot.lv.

Actors Rodions Kuzmins, Valdis Vanags

Dancer Katrīna Albuže

Artist Kristīne Abika

Playwright Ansels Kaugers

Director Una Rozenbauma

Conductor Artūrs Oskars Mitrevics

Sergei Prokofiev excerpts from the ballet Cinderella

LeNeSOn and conductor Artūrs Oskars Mitrevics have prepared a Saturday full of wonders for the youngest listeners – we will travel to a kingdom far, far away to meet Cinderella and accompany her to a real ball at the palace! This ball will have everything: music and dancing, princesses and princes, misunderstandings and a happy ending. 

Actors Rodions Kuzmins, Valdis Vanags

Dancer Katrīna Albuže

Artist Kristīne Abika

Playwright Ansels Kaugers

Director Una Rozenbauma

Conductor Artūrs Oskars Mitrevics

Sergei Prokofiev excerpts from the ballet Cinderella

LeNeSOn and conductor Artūrs Oskars Mitrevics have prepared a Saturday full of wonders for the youngest listeners – we will travel to a kingdom far, far away to meet Cinderella and accompany her to a real ball at the palace! This ball will have everything: music and dancing, princesses and princes, misunderstandings and a happy ending. 

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Narrator Goran GORA

Playwright – Jānis JOŅEVS

Artist – Krišs SALMANIS

Director – Roberts RUBĪNS

Agnese EGLIŅA – piano

Conductor Kaspars ĀDAMSONS

PROGRAMME:

Edvard GRIEG Piano Concerto in A minor and Norwegian Dances

In the latest chapter of the concert series Symphonic Hit with Goran Gora, we will dive into the music that introduced people around the world to the unique values of Norwegian culture. Although composer Edvard Grieg honed his skills in Germany, his life’s work was dedicated to Norway’s untamed nature, extraordinary mythological characters, or simple everyday life and capturing them in musical notation. Together with the romantic style of expression of the 19th century, this has translated into a novel, colourful musical language, unusual rhythmic patterns, and brilliant compositions that continue to live on the world’s stages to this day.

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Eva BINDERE – violin

Kristīne BLAUMANE – cello

Conductor Ainārs RUBIĶIS

PROGRAMME:

Claude DEBUSSY Jeux

Miklós RÓZSA Sinfonia Concertante for violin, cello, and orchestra

Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Simfony no. 5 in E minor

The concert will bring together the Russian Romantic Peter Tchaikovsky and the French Impressionist inspired by his music Claude Debussy, as well as the 20th-century Hungarian-American composer Miklós Rózsa, best known for his extraordinary film scores. Tchaikovsky’s Fifth, which culminates lyrically with a French horn solo in the second movement, Debussy’s shimmering melodic games, and Rózsa’s vibrant opus so characteristic to Hungarian music will invite the audience to a musical conversation between three sophisticated and intelligent composers, performed by the LNSO and three world-class Latvian musicians – violinist Eva Bindere, cellist Kristīne Blaumane, and conductor Ainārs Rubiķis.

Organised by Latvijas Koncerti

The Grand Concert of Latvian Symphonic Music is a tradition of more than 15 years, and this year as well the best orchestras of Latvia will come together to celebrate the symphonic music of Latvian composers.

On 29 January, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and conductor Guntis Kuzma will take to the stage of the Great Guild to reintroduce the audience to Pēteris Plakidis’ Variations for Orchestra, honoured with Latvia’s Grand Music Award in 1996.In the same year, Pēteris Plakidis began mentoring Jānis Petraškevičs in his composition studies.

Almost three decades of rich creative activity later, we will have the opportunity to enjoy a new work by Jānis Petraškevičs – Concerto for Clarinet and Orchestra, with Anna Gāgane, assistant principal clarinet of the LNSO, as soloist.

Concert program

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Tommaso PRATOLA – flute

Agnese EGLIŅA – piano

Oskars BOKANOVS – double bass

Rihards PLEŠANOVS – piano

Programme: Andris Dzenītis, František Hertl, Adolf Míšek, Jean-Marie Leclaire, Alfredo Casella, Francis Poulenc, Henri Dutilleux

The concert will focus on the leaders of two LNSO instrumental groups, joined in chamber ensembles together with masterful pianists. The musicians have prepared a true panorama of European music for its audience: during the evening, we will hear subtle French, rich Italian, and strong Czech intonations, as well as an opus by the LNSO’s composer-in-residence Andris Dzenītis.

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After William Shakespeare

Theatre company ESARTE actors: 

Matīss BUDOVSKIS

Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS

Elizabete SKRASTIŅA

LNSO musicians: 

Alexei BAHIR – violin

Ernests MEDIŅŠ – percussion, keyboard

Ivars OZOLS – double bass

Artist Līga ZEPA

Director Elmārs SEŅKOVS

Music by Ernests MEDIŅŠ

The musical production Othello aims to introduce youngsters to the famous story by William Shakespeare through objects that can be seen or found all around us – in our daily lives or in specific situations. The actors use ready-made objects and give them a different meaning. The audience will be encouraged to use their imagination and adapt a new perspective on everyday items that will embody various characters on stage. The performance promotes creative thinking in youngsters and offers a unique way to experience the plot.

The play, in which the audience will meet Othello and his beloved Desdemona, tells the story of love, conspiracy driven by envy, and deadly jealousy. The classic tale was transformed into a new stage production through the joint creative efforts of the theatre company ESARTE and the LNSO musicians.

Concert program

Anton LYAKHOVSKY, piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard WAGNER Overture to the Opera Tannhäuser

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 2

Jean SIBELIUS Symphony no. 1

Tarmo Peltokoski is a name to remember – he is making waves in Finland and abroad, both as a masterful pianist who has performed with almost all leading Finnish orchestras, and as a rising star in conducting and laureate of international competitions. Moreover, Peltokoski is a composer, an excellent improviser, and a passionate musical theatre actor. In his first joint performance with the LNSO, Tarmo will conduct Wagner’s majestic overture to Tannhäuser and the thrilling First Symphony by his compatriot Sibelius. The third masterpiece of the programme is Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 2 of almost unrivalled beauty that will be played by the virtuoso soloist from London beloved by Latvian audiences Anton Lyakhovsky.

Concert program

Anton LYAKHOVSKY, piano

Conductor Tarmo PELTOKOSKI

Programme:

Richard WAGNER Overture to the Opera Tannhäuser

Serge RACHMANINOFF Piano Concerto no. 2

Jean SIBELIUS Symphony no. 1

Tarmo Peltokoski is a name to remember – he is making waves in Finland and abroad, both as a masterful pianist who has performed with almost all leading Finnish orchestras, and as a rising star in conducting and laureate of international competitions. Moreover, Peltokoski is a composer, an excellent improviser, and a passionate musical theatre actor. In his first joint performance with the LNSO, Tarmo will conduct Wagner’s majestic overture to Tannhäuser and the thrilling First Symphony by his compatriot Sibelius. The third masterpiece of the programme is Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto no. 2 of almost unrivalled beauty that will be played by the virtuoso soloist from London beloved by Latvian audiences Anton Lyakhovsky.

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Daumants LIEPIŅŠ – piano

Equanimity Trio:

Edgars CĪRULIS – piano

Jānis RUBIKS – double bass

Rūdolfs DANKFELDS – percussion

Conductor Julien MASMONDET

Programme: 

• Lili Boulanger On a Spring Morning
• Camille Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto no. 5
• Beloved melodies by Claude Debussy, Erik Satie, Camille Saint-Saëns, Georges Bizet, and Maurice Ravel arranged for a jazz trio by Edgars Cīrulis and Jānis Rubiks

As the year reaches its end, the LNSO, the French maestro renowned in Latvia Julien Masmondet, the virtuoso pianist and winner of many competitions Daumants Liepiņš, and the Equanimity Trio will meet on stage. Starting from the masterpieces of Saint-Saëns to the poeticism of Debussy, from the colourful harmonies of sisters Lili and Nadja Boulanger to the contemplative meditations of Satie and the energetic twists and turns of Ravel, French music will reveal its diverse nature through subtle and intricate nuances. End your year with an elegant concert sparkling like champagne! 

Concert programme

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Daumants LIEPIŅŠ – piano

Equanimity Trio:

Edgars CĪRULIS – piano

Jānis RUBIKS – double bass

Rūdolfs DANKFELDS – percussion

Conductor Julien MASMONDET

Programme: 

• Lili Boulanger On a Spring Morning
• Camille Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto no. 5
• Beloved melodies by Claude Debussy, Erik Satie, Camille Saint-Saëns, Georges Bizet, and Maurice Ravel arranged for a jazz trio by Edgars Cīrulis and Jānis Rubiks

As the year reaches its end, the LNSO, the French maestro renowned in Latvia Julien Masmondet, the virtuoso pianist and winner of many competitions Daumants Liepiņš, and the Equanimity Trio will meet on stage. Starting from the masterpieces of Saint-Saëns to the poeticism of Debussy, from the colourful harmonies of sisters Lili and Nadja Boulanger to the contemplative meditations of Satie and the energetic twists and turns of Ravel, French music will reveal its diverse nature through subtle and intricate nuances. End your year with an elegant concert sparkling like champagne! 

Daumants LIEPIŅŠ – piano

Equanimity Trio:

Edgars CĪRULIS – piano

Jānis RUBIKS – double bass

Rūdolfs DANKFELDS – percussion

Conductor Julien MASMONDET

Programme: 

• Lili Boulanger On a Spring Morning
• Camille Saint-Saëns Piano Concerto no. 5
• Beloved melodies by Claude Debussy, Erik Satie, Camille Saint-Saëns, Georges Bizet, and Maurice Ravel arranged for a jazz trio by Edgars Cīrulis and Jānis Rubiks

As the year reaches its end, the LNSO, the French maestro renowned in Latvia Julien Masmondet, the virtuoso pianist and winner of many competitions Daumants Liepiņš, and the Equanimity Trio will meet on stage. Starting from the masterpieces of Saint-Saëns to the poeticism of Debussy, from the colourful harmonies of sisters Lili and Nadja Boulanger to the contemplative meditations of Satie and the energetic twists and turns of Ravel, French music will reveal its diverse nature through subtle and intricate nuances. End your year with an elegant concert sparkling like champagne! 

Actors – Rūdolfs APSE and Valdis VANAGS

Artist – Kristīne ABIKA

Director – Una ROZENBAUMA

Playwright – Ansels KAUGERS

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

In this concert programme, LeNeSOn and his young audience will explore the cycles Carnaval and Scenes from Childhood by the German composer Robert Schumann, originally written for piano, but this time performed with the instrumental lushness of an orchestra. Through the imagery of music, we will meet the unusual participants of the carnival: the comic Harlequin and Pierrot, the lyrical Eusebius and the rebellious Florestan, the cunning Pantaloon and Columbine. Scenes with carnival characters will alternate with musical landscapes, the best known of which is the subtle Dreaming arranged for the French horn and orchestra.

Actors – Rūdolfs APSE and Valdis VANAGS

Artist – Kristīne ABIKA

Director – Una ROZENBAUMA

Playwright – Ansels KAUGERS

Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS

In this concert programme, LeNeSOn and his young audience will explore the cycles Carnaval and Scenes from Childhood by the German composer Robert Schumann, originally written for piano, but this time performed with the instrumental lushness of an orchestra. Through the imagery of music, we will meet the unusual participants of the carnival: the comic Harlequin and Pierrot, the lyrical Eusebius and the rebellious Florestan, the cunning Pantaloon and Columbine. Scenes with carnival characters will alternate with musical landscapes, the best known of which is the subtle Dreaming arranged for the French horn and orchestra.

LNSO CELLO DREAM TEAM:

Diana OZOLIŅA (author of the idea and music director of the project),

Ieva UPATNIECE, Lolita LILJE, Mareta PRIKULE, Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE,

Jānis RINKULIS, Zane GUĻĀNE, Ainārs PAUKŠĒNS

Oskars BOKANOVS – double bass

Uģis KRŪSKOPS – percussion

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

PROGRAMME:

Gabriel FAURÉ, Jean FRANÇAIX, Georgs PELĒCIS (new work) and Hollywood film music

In this concert programme, the LNSO Cello Dream Team will take its listeners on a wondrous journey to major and unique cities around the world: to romantic Paris and back to Riga to a premiere of a new work by Georgs Pelēcis. The second part of the concert will take us across the ocean to the place where the greatest and most unimaginable scenarios come true – Hollywood.

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Narrator Goran GORA

Scripter Jānis JOŅEVS

Video artist Krišs SALMANIS

Director Roberts RUBĪNS

Conductor Taavi ORAMO

PROGRAMME:

Jean SIBELIUS The Swan of Tuonela

Jean SIBELIUS Symphony No. 6

Emīls DĀRZIŅŠ Valse mélancolique

Dārziņš and Sibelius – perhaps no other composers have ever had such an enigmatic

relationship. The Finnish composer’s Swan of Tuonela left a grave mark on Dārziņš, as he

was accused of copying Sibelius’s work in his own composition The Lonely Pine Tree. Legend

has it, these allegations devastated the sensitive composer, who then retrieved the score

from the publisher and burned it in a fireplace in Kazarov’s Wine Cellar, a bar in Riga. We will

never know what it sounded like; all we have is Dārziņš’s brilliant Valse mélancolique with

its delicate lyricism. And we have music to reconcile the two composers who, by chance,

became enemies.

Ieva PRUDNIKOVAITĖ – mezzo-soprano 

Conductor Gintaras RINKEVIČIUS 

PROGRAMME: 

Richard WAGNER Wesendonck Lieder 

Anton BRUCKNER Symphony no. 3 

In his love-filled Wesendonck Lieder, the great German opera reformer, champion of ideals, and unifier of music and drama Wagner approaches the emotional intensity of his great opera Tristan and Isolde. The set will be performed by the Lithuanian mezzo-soprano and laureate of several competitions Ieva Prudnikovaitė. Meanwhile, Bruckner, despite being the complete opposite of Wagner, dedicated his Third Symphony to him, giving it symphonic breadth and scope. 

Georg SARKISJAN, violin

Conductor Kristiina POSKA

Programme: 

• Aram KHACHATURIAN Violin Concerto 

• Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony no. 6

In her first concert as Principal Guest Conductor, Poska delights listeners with music full of Slavic soulfulness and colour. In Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto, we hear the composer at the height of his fame refers to his Armenian roots, infusing them into the concerto’s melodies, modes, and fiery rhythmic patterns. This time, the piece will be in the hands of LNSO’s virtuoso and passionate concertmaster Georg Sarkisjan. Tchaikovsky’s Sixth Symphony (Pathétique) speaks for itself: premiered just nine days before the composer’s passing, it encompasses the whole spectrum of life – joy and tragedy, happiness and despair, elation and silent farewells.

Theatre company ESARTE actors:

Matīss BUDOVSKIS

Agris KRAPIVŅICKIS

Elizabete SKRASTIŅA

LNSO musicians:

Alexei BAHIR – violin

Ernests MEDIŅŠ – percussion, keyboard

Ivars OZOLS – double bass

Artist Līga ZEPA

Director Elmārs SEŅKOVS

Music by Ernests MEDIŅŠ

The musical production Othello aims to introduce youngsters to the famous story by William

Shakespeare through objects that can be seen or found all around us – in our daily lives or

in specific situations. The actors use ready-made objects and give them a different meaning.

The audience will be encouraged to use their imagination and adapt a new perspective on

everyday items that will embody various characters on stage. The performance promotes

creative thinking in youngsters and offers a unique way to experience the plot. The play,

in which the audience will meet Othello and his beloved Desdemona, tells the story of love,

conspiracy driven by envy, and deadly jealousy. The classic tale was transformed into a new

stage production through the joint creative efforts of the theatre company ESARTE and

the LNSO musicians.

The event will be held in Latvian.

The concert is organised by Latgale Embassy GORS.

Iveta APKALNA – organ

Conductors – Guntis KUZMA, Māris SIRMAIS

PROGRAMME:

Alexander GUILMANT Organ Symphony no. 1

Pēteris VASKS Veni Domine (premiere in Latvia)

Aaron COPLAND Scherzo Fantastique from Symphony for organ and orchestra

Philip GLASS Symphony no. 7

During the concert lead by Guntis Kuzma, the visitors will enjoy the First organ symphony

of the French Romantic composer Alexander Guilmant and the Aaron Copland’s (USA)

Scherzo Fantastique from the Symphony for organ and orchestra. Conductor Maris Sirmais

will introduce listeners with the new work of Peteris Vasks Veni Domine, which was first

introduced in 2019 at the Elbphilharmonie, as well as with the 7th Toltec Symphony by

composer-minimalist Philip Glass.

Iréne Theorin – soprano 

Olesya Petrova – mezzo-soprano 

Aleksandrs Antoņenko – tenor 

Jānis Apeinis – baritone

Conductor Modestas Pitrėnas 

For the third consecutive year, the Andrejs Žagars Culture Support and Development Fund in collaboration with the Cēsis Concert Hall and the LNSO organises a concert dedicated to Andrejs Žagars, the long-time director of the Latvian National Opera and founder of the Fund, which will include music that was close to his heart. Traditionally, the event takes place in Cēsis, the town of Andrejs’ childhood and youth. In this concert, the stars of international and Latvian opera will shine particularly bright: you will hear one of the greatest interpreters of Richard Wagner’s music Iréne Theorin, the globally renowned and acclaimed Russian opera singer Olesya Petrova, the internationally sought-after tenor Aleksandrs Antoņenko, and the pride of the Latvian National Opera Samsons Izjumovs. It will be conducted by the charismatic Lithuanian maestro Modestas Pitrėnas. 

The concert is organised by Andrejs Žagars Culture Support and Development Fund in cooperation with the Cēsis Concert Hall and the LNSO.

Perrine Madoeuf – soprano

Laura Grecka – mezzo-soprano

Mihails Čuļpajevs – tenor

Edgars Ošleja – bass

State Choir LATVIJA

Conductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

Programme:

• Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony no. 1
• Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony no. 9

The beginning and end of a genius – two symphonies, two different Beethovens. In the First, a young, well-educated, aspiring revolutionary making his entrance and simultaneously abandoning the conservative canons. In the Ninth, he reaches an apex, an explosive climax of all-consuming sparks – he dreams of connecting millions and creates a hymn to unity and freedom. Beethoven’s devotion to music is rivalled by the conductor of tonight’s concert, the refined French maestro Casadesus, who rejoins the LNSO to fulfill his motto – “to serve, to venture, to give and to get”. In his view, music is the purest path towards absolute spirituality, and Beethoven would have certainly agreed. 

Narrator Goran Gora

Scripter Jānis Joņevs

Video artist Krišs Salmanis

Director Roberts Rubīns

Conductor Jean-Claude CASADESUS

Programme:

• Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony no. 1

Still in his youth, a thirty-year-old Beethoven composes his First Symphony following the classical form, harmonies, and other means of expression of the time, giving the impression of a well-educated and compliant young man. The revolutionary future is still yet to come with the Third, the dramatic Fifth, and the triumphant Ninth, but the First reveals how it all began and how Beethoven became the musical genius we know today.Buy tickets

<p><br></p><p></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/kristaps-bergs">Kristaps BERGS</a> – cello</p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/maksims-jemeljanicevs">Maxim EMELYANYCHEV</a></p><p><br></p><p>Programme:</p><ul> <li>Antonín DVOŘÁK Cello Concerto</li> <li>Jean SIBELIUS Symphony No. 5</li></ul><p>Kristaps Bergs has already conquered the stages of world’s most prestigious concert halls. He is lauded for his ability to hypnotise audiences and take them to a wholly different universe, thanks to his thoroughly immersive performance. The career of the young conductor Emelyanychev is just as brilliant. Having enchanted audiences in his debut concerts, he now bears the title of the most witty and stylish, and he is captivating from the opening to the final note. The two will meet in Dvořák melodious, magnificent Cello Concert, and a youthful performance of Sibelius’s Fifth, whose final motif came about when the composer saw a bevy of majestic, graceful swans.</p>

Intars BUSULIS – vocals

Matīss ČUDARS – guitar

Latvian Radio Big Band

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Programme:

· Duke ELLINGTON Black, Brown and Beige

· Matīss ČUDARS New non-academic piece written for the festival

· Jazz hits

· Songs by Intars BUSULIS and Kārlis LĀCIS

For many years, Intars Busulis and Kārlis Lācis have formed an inseparable duo, creating emotionally engaging music with outstanding lyrics by Latvian poets. The tender and melancholic Brīvdiena (Holiday), the powerful Dejo vientulību (Dancing Loneliness), the nostalgic and intense Viss ir iespējams (Everything is Possible) and the romantically intimate Miglas rīts (A Morning of Mist) will reach an even greater breadth and sonority in the joint performance of the LNSO and the Latvian Radio Big Band. Along with Lācis’s music, the concert will also offer jazz classics, while the biggest mystery of the evening will be the new work by the charismatic guitarist Matīss Čudars, displaying his talents of musical freedom and improvisation.

The concert is supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation of Latvia.

Due to the current epidemiological situation, tickets can be booked in advance by contacting the ticket office of the Great Guild or Latgale Embassy GORS and indicating your name, surname, phone number and/or e-mail address, the chosen concert or set of concerts, and the preferred price range. Purchase of tickets will be made available as soon as authorisation is given to hold on-site events in summer.

Ticket prices: 20, 30, 40 EUR

There is possibility to book a set of concerts:

• two day ticket set (“LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS” + “”LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS”) – 75 EUR

GORS:

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 64633303; [email protected]

GREAT GUILD: 

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 67213643; [email protected]

Raimonds PAULS – piano

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

· Raimonds PAULS Miniature series Naktstauriņi (arranged for orchestra by Jēkabs Jančevskis)

· Music from the Golden Age of Hollywood 

In cooperation with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

In conclusion of the summer evening, the LNSO will meet the unparalleled and unique maestro Raimonds Pauls whose joy of life and willingness to play seem boundless. The musical get-together will be accompanied by the melodies of the miniature series Naukstauriņi (The Moths), a piano solo adapted for orchestra by the talented composer Jēkabs Jančevskis. This gentle series full of enchanting mysticism and freshness of the night will be followed by the splendour of Hollywood music, representing a very American glamour, elegance, and the golden classics of cinema.

The concert is supported by Latvia’s Centenary Programme.

Due to the current epidemiological situation, tickets can be booked in advance by contacting the ticket office of the Great Guild or Latgale Embassy GORS and indicating your name, surname, phone number and/or e-mail address, the chosen concert or set of concerts, and the preferred price range. Purchase of tickets will be made available as soon as authorisation is given to hold on-site events in summer.

Ticket prices: 30, 40, 50 EUR

There is possibility to book a set of concerts:

• one day ticket set (“LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS”) – 50 EUR
• two day ticket set (“LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS” + “”LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS”) – 75 EUR

GORS:

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 64633303; [email protected]

GREAT GUILD: 

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 67213643; [email protected]

Lukas GENIUŠAS – piano

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

· Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture 

· Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto no. 1

In cooperation with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra

Tchaikovsky’s majestic stature and emotional ambit will be revealed in the concert with symphonic boldness. In his Piano Concerto no. 1, whose opening is an iconic example of romantic music, the solo will be performed by Lukas Geniušas, one of the most renowned pianists of his generation who enriches many prestigious festivals and concert halls with his presence. The Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, evidently inspired by Shakespeare’s timeless play, unveils a truly romantic perception and musical representation of the world, although initially the piece was not well received and even jeered at. Nowadays, however, the expressive theme of love can be heard in countless films, TV series, ballets, pop music arrangements, and even video games.

Due to the current epidemiological situation, tickets can be booked in advance by contacting the ticket office of the Great Guild or Latgale Embassy GORS and indicating your name, surname, phone number and/or e-mail address, the chosen concert or set of concerts, and the preferred price range. Purchase of tickets will be made available as soon as authorisation is given to hold on-site events in summer.

Ticket prices: 10, 20, 30 EUR

There is possibility to book a set of concerts:

• one day ticket set (“LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS”) – 50 EUR
• two day ticket set (“LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS” + “”LNSO AND TCHAIKOVSKY” + “LNSO AND RAIMONDS PAULS”) – 75 EUR

GORS:

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 64633303; [email protected]

GREAT GUILD: 

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 67213643; [email protected]

Dream Teller: Kristīne LIEDE – vocals and composition, Edgars CĪRULIS – piano and composition, Svens VILSONS – guitars, Jānis RUBIKS – double bass, Rūdolfs DANKFELDS – percussion

Formed by jazz pianist and composer Edgars Cīrulis and vocalist Kristīne Liede, the Dream Teller ensemble was established with the aim of inspiring listeners to live mindfully and make their voices heard. As explained by the musicians: “Just as dreams shows us which steps to take in life, the compositions of this ensemble contain lessons from the lives of their authors, which they have considered important to share. They allow us to unlock our core values: composure, compassion, love, and peace. Due to the pandemic, we were forced to put concerts aside and reflect on our creative activities. We concluded that finding inner peace and balance was difficult in these increasingly confusing times, so we decided to write a new programme that would reflect our paths towards introspection. We are both deeply interested in the subconscious mind and its interaction with the forces of nature, as well as the role of dreams in our daily lives, which are also the main themes of our music.” The core of the ensemble will be accompanied by their good friends – guitarist Svens Vilsons, double bassist Jānis Rubiks, and percussionist Rūdolfs Dankfelds.

Due to the current epidemiological situation, tickets can be booked in advance by contacting the ticket office of the Great Guild or Latgale Embassy GORS and indicating your name, surname, phone number and/or e-mail address, the chosen concert or set of concerts, and the preferred price range. Purchase of tickets will be made available as soon as authorisation is given to hold on-site events in summer.

Ticket prices: 15, 20 EUR

GORS:

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 64633303; [email protected]

GREAT GUILD: 

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 67213643; [email protected]

Closing concert of the masterclass, opening concert of the festival

Andris VECUMNIEKS, Inese ZANDERE

With the participation of students and teachers of Jānis Ivanovs Rēzekne Secondary Music School

LNSO musicians

Director Una ROZENBAUMA

Artist Kristīne ABIKA

Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS

Inese Zandere and the composer Andris Vecumnieks have written a new musical fairy tale especially for the LNSO. It will bring musical instruments to life, turning them into a king (guess which one), princes and princesses, a wizard, a duke and his family, and a lord of birds. Together with children, the storyteller Believe-It-Or-Not will explore the enchanting kingdom of music.

Due to the current epidemiological situation, tickets can be booked in advance by contacting the ticket office of the Great Guild or Latgale Embassy GORS and indicating your name, surname, phone number and/or e-mail address, the chosen concert or set of concerts, and the preferred price range. Purchase of tickets will be made available as soon as authorisation is given to hold on-site events in summer.

Ticket price: 5 EUR

There is possibility to book:

• family ticket – three tickets (13 EUR)
• family ticket – four tickets (16 EUR)
• family ticket – five tickets (20 EUR)

GORS:

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 64633303; [email protected]

GREAT GUILD: 

Ticket office working hours: weekdays 12:00–18:00

Contact us: (+371) 67213643; [email protected]

Set of three LNSO season’s closing concerts here.

Online broadcast available here.

LNSO concludes its concert season with three excellent online concerts! This April and May, the LNSO will conclude its 2020-2021 concert season with three magnificent online concerts. They will reunite distinguished conductors and pianists: Lithuanian maestro Modestas Pitrėnas and Reinis Zariņš, Andris Poga in his final concert as the music director of the LNSO and Elīna Bērtiņa, while the legendary Vladimir Fedoseyev will take the stage together with Georgijs Osokins.

LNSO, BRAHMS, SCHUMANN, AND LEIMANE | April 30th 19:00Reinis ZARIŅŠ – pianoConductor Modests PITRENSLive concert on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika, lnso.lv and bilesuparadize.lv.Programme:

• Linda LEIMANE Enantiomorphic Chambers
• Robert SCHUMANN Manfred Overture
• Johannes BRAHMS Piano Concerto no. 2

This season, we will hear Enantiomorphic Chambers, the third opus by the LNSO’s talented composer-in-residence Linda Leimane. Inspired by the work of the poet and cult artist of the 20th century Robert Smithson, this piece attests to the composer’s subtle and intricate approach to music writing, allowing her to create a nuanced and multi-layered atmosphere. The award-winning pianist Reinis Zariņš describes Brahms’ Piano Concerto no. 2 as one of the most monumental and beautiful piano concerts, a true symphony. According to the skilful master of the instrument, the work embodies all that is noble, precious, and deeply human. Meanwhile, upon creating music for the production of Lord Byron’s Manfred, Robert Schumann considered the overture to be one of his greatest pieces. Its stormy and intense music has been well received by both critics and audiences.

LNSO, PROKOFIEV, AND BRUCKNER | May 14th 19;00Elīna BĒRTIŅA – pianoConductor Andris POGALive concert on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika, lnso.lv and bilesuparadize.lv.Programme:

• Sergei PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto no. 1
• Anton BRUCKNER Symphony no. 9

Regarding his farewell concert as the music director of the LNSO, Andris Poga says: “Conducting Bruckner is always a challenge, but at the same time it brings extraordinary, even otherworldly joy. Rather than resembling an easy, well-trodden path surrounded by familiar landscapes, it is more comparable to space exploration in the sense of finding answers to age-old, existential questions about the nature of things. Bruckner’s Symphony no. 9 represents one of the highest peaks in the symphonic repertoire. It is like Mount Everest, which is hard to climb, yet if you manage to reach the top, beware of getting blinded by the sun.” A fine pianist will shine alongside this Everest – the award-winning master of the instrument Elīna Bērtiņa whose virtuosity will be revealed in Prokofiev’s no. 1, which brought its composer the Anton Rubinstein Prize. Despite defying conventions and confusing critics who said it must have been written by a madman, the work did become one of the most characteristic opuses of the 20th century and its author, Sergei Prokofiev.

LNSO, GEORGIJS OSOKINS, AND VLADIMIR FEDOSEYEV | May 21st 19:00Olesya PETROVA – mezzo-sopranoGeorgijs OSOKINS – pianoState Choir LATVIJAConductor Vladimir FEDOSEYEVLive concert on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika, lnso.lv and bilesuparadize.lv.Programme:

• Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto no. 4
• Sergey PROKOFIEV Alexander Nevsky Cantata

“Refined, impeccable technique, musical ideas – simply great piano playing.” This is how the French radio lauded the sensitive ivory tickler Georgijs Osokins, and the world of music agrees. He will meet the legendary Russian maestro Vladimir Fedoseyev in the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Shortly after its premiere, the Vienna press wrote that Concerto no. 4 “is the most admirable, singular, artistic, and complex Beethoven concerto ever”. So, it will be interesting to hear it rendered by the hands of Osokins. Meanwhile, the Alexander Nevsky Cantata was conceived because Sergei Eisenstein invited Prokofiev to write a score for his film. It turned out to be so successful that the composer transformed the music into an independent piece, and who better to interpret it truthfully and emphatically than the Russian maestro Fedoseyev who is already well known to Latvia’s audience. So is Petrova, who has performed at the Metropolitan Opera and on other prestigious stages around the world, including that of our own opera house.You will receive an access link and a code with which you will be able to watch concerts from anywhere in the world, not only live, but also recorded at any convenient time until May 31.es. Its stormy and intense music has been well received by both critics and audiences. 

ONLINE BROADCAST AVAILABLE HERE 

Tickets here.

Set of three LNSO season’s closing concerts here.

Elīna BĒRTIŅA – piano

Conductor Andris POGA

Programme:

· Sergei PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto no. 1

· Anton BRUCKNER Symphony no. 9

Regarding his farewell concert as the music director of the LNSO, Andris Poga says: “Conducting Bruckner is always a challenge, but at the same time it brings extraordinary, even otherworldly joy. Rather than resembling an easy, well-trodden path surrounded by familiar landscapes, it is more comparable to space exploration in the sense of finding answers to age-old, existential questions about the nature of things. Bruckner’s Symphony no. 9 represents one of the highest peaks in the symphonic repertoire. It is like Mount Everest, which is hard to climb, yet if you manage to reach the top, beware of getting blinded by the sun.” A fine pianist will shine alongside this Everest – the award-winning master of the instrument Elīna Bērtiņa whose virtuosity will be revealed in Prokofiev’s no. 1, which brought its composer the Anton Rubinstein Prize. Despite defying conventions and confusing critics who said it must have been written by a madman, the work did become one of the most characteristic opuses of the 20th century and its author, Sergei Prokofiev.

ONLINE BROADCAST AVAILABLE HERE

Live concert on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika 

The LNSO Piano Trio:

Indulis CINTIŅŠ – violin

Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE – cello

Mārtiņš ZILBERTS – piano

Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet

Programme:

· Anton ARENSKI Piano Trio no. 1

· Johannes BRAHMS Trio for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano Op. 114

· Srul Irving GLICK The Klezmer’s Wedding

Contemporaries of the romantic era Arenski and Brahms meet in the classical part of the programme. The Russian composer dedicated his Piano Trio no. 1 to Karl Davydov, a cellist born in Kuldīga who was later referred to as the tsar of cellists in the Russian Empire. Brahms, on the other hand, despite having announced that he would never compose again, returned to the life of music with his clarinet trio. Meanwhile, one of Canada’s most prolific and prominent composers Glick brings listeners to the energetic, touching, bright, and dazzling klezmer’s wedding. 

Tickets here.

Set of three LNSO season’s closing concerts here.

Online broadcast available here.

Reinis ZARIŅŠ – piano

Conductor Modests PITRENS

Programme:

· Robert SCHUMANN Manfred Overture

· Johannes BRAHMS Piano Concerto no. 2

The first of the three concerts marking the end of the LNSO season will bring together the sophisticated pianist Reinis Zariņš and the Lithuanian maestro Modestas Pitrėnas to perform the classics of the romantic era. The award-winning pianist Reinis Zariņš describes Brahms’ Piano Concerto no. 2 as one of the most monumental and beautiful piano concerts, a true symphony. According to the skilful master of the instrument, the work embodies all that is noble, precious, and deeply human. Meanwhile, upon creating music for the production of Lord Byron’s Manfred, Robert Schumann considered the overture to be one of his greatest pieces. Its stormy and intense music has been well received by both critics and audiences.

Tickets here.

Set of three LNSO season’s closing concerts here.

ONLINE BROADCAST AVAILABLE here

Georgijs OSOKINS – piano

Conductor Vladimir FEDOSEYEV

Programme:

· Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto no. 4

·  Franz SCHUBERT Symphony no. 9

“Refined, impeccable technique, musical ideas – simply great piano playing.” This is how the Radio Francce lauded the sensitive ivory tickler Georgijs Osokins, and the world of music agrees. He will meet the legendary Russian maestro Vladimir Fedoseyev in the music of Ludwig van Beethoven. Shortly after its premiere, the Vienna press wrote that Concerto no. 4 “is the most admirable, singular, artistic, and complex Beethoven concerto ever”. So, it will be interesting to hear it rendered by the hands of Osokins. 

Beethoven’s music was particularly admired by Franz Schubert, and this concert will feature his Ninth, which is often called his most outstanding symphonic opus. It demonstrates Schubert’s talent of composer and melody writer with the style of instrumentation inspired by Beethoven, which would also be later reflected in the music of Robert Schumann.

The concert will be broadcasted online on LNSO website, “Facebook” page and “YouTube” account.

Goran Gora – narrator

Roberts RUBĪNS – director

Conductor TAAVI ORAMO

Programme:

· Jean SIBELIUS The Swan of Tuonela

· Jean SIBELIUS Symphony No. 6

· Emīls DĀRZIŅŠ The Melancholic Waltz

Dārziņš and Sibelius. Perhaps no other composers have ever had such an enigmatic relationship. The Finnish composer’s Swan of Tuonela left a grave mark on Dārziņš, as he was accused of copying Sibelius’s work in his own composition The Lonely Pine Tree. Legend has it, these allegations devastated the sensitive composer, who then retrieved the score from the publisher and burned it in a fireplace in Kazarov’s Wine Cellar, a bar in Riga. We will never know what it sounded like; all we have is Dārziņš’s brilliant Melancholic Waltz with its delicate lyricism. And we have music to reconcile the two composers who, by chance, became enemies.

Live concert on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika

Maija ZANDBERGA – flute

Jānis SEMJONOVS – bassoon

Sandis ŠTEINBERGS – violin

Oskars BOKANOVS – double bass

Ieva SALIETE – harpsichord

Programme:

Philipp Friedrich BÖDDECKER Sonata Sopra La Monica for Bassoon, Double Bass, and Positive Organ / Harpsichord

Henry ECCLES Sonata for Double Bass in G Minor

Giovanni Benedetto PLATTI Sonata for Flute and Basso Continuo in G Major, Op. 3 No 6

Georg Philipp TELEMANN Trio Sonata for Flute, Violin, and Basso Continuo in G Major, TWV 42:G1

Georg Philipp TELEMANN Quartet for Flute, Violin, Bassoon, and Basso Continuo in D Major, TWV 43:D1

On Maundy Thursday, which this year also coincides with April Fools’ Day, the outstanding LNSO chamber musicians will offer a baroque music programme full of luxurious harmonies, pure instrumentation colours, varied affects, and excellent virtuosity. Semjonovs has been nominated for the Latvian Grand Music Award precisely for his interpretations of baroque music, and his other LNSO colleagues are also true baroque enthusiasts, not to mention the meticulous, elegant harpsichordist Ieva Saliete who has performed with prestigious baroque ensembles and orchestras across Europe and cooperated with, among others, Cecilia Bartoli, Sol Gabetta, Bobby McFerrin, and Angelika Kirchschlager.

The concert will be broadcast online on the LNSO Facebook page and live on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika.  

Agnese EGLIŅA – piano

Tommaso PRATOLA – flute

Edgars SAKSONS – percussion

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Hosted by Orests SILABRIEDIS  

In 1990, having returned to Latvia after many years, Ķeniņš was deeply touched by the freedom restoration efforts in his homeland, as a result, he writes a composition in the concerto genre. This time it will be performed by the virtuoso Agnese Egliņa as the soloist. For Mozart’s concerto, the honour to perform the solo will be given to the master of the flute Tommaso Pratola, whose gentle and sonorous performance will enchant and captivate all flute aficionados. The concert also includes a Tchaikovsky suite that was written in honour of the 100th anniversary of the opera Don Giovanni as a dedication to Mozart, a brother of the quill Tchaikovsky deeply respected.  

PROGRAM:

• Tālivaldis ĶENIŅŠ Concerto for Piano, String Orchestra and Percussion
• Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Orchestral Suite No. 4 Mozartiana
• Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Concerto for Flute and Orchestra in D Major 

Concert will be broadcasted on Latvian Radio 3 Klasika.

Georg SARKISJAN – violin, viola

Daniil BULAYEV – violin, piano

Programme: Johann Wenzel KALLIWODA, Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART, Paul HINDEMITH, Béla BARTÓK, Louis SPOHR, Charles-Auguste de BÉRIOT, Johan HALVORSEN

The LNSO’s concertmaster Sarkisjan invites the young talent nominated for Latvia’s Grand Music Award Daniil Bulayev to perform together in a live concert. It will include concise compositions by Hindemith, Bartók, Berio, and Spohr along with more extensive duets by Kalliwoda and Mozart, as well as the display of new skills and surprises – who would have thought that violinists could so easily switch to the viola and also play the piano? Both musicians are graceful masters of the instrument who bring elegant string chamber music to their interpretations guaranteed to delight their listeners.

Goran GORA – narrator

Justīne KĻAVA – writer

Roberts RUBĪNS – director

Conductor Guntis KUZMA

Programme:

Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6

If someone thinks that Beethoven’s music can only be dramatic and thunderous, this is the best opportunity to join Goran Gora and get to know a different Beethoven entirely. He is not the most loquacious composer, but he did comment on his Sixth, whose full title is Pastoral Symphony, or Recollections of Country Life, that it is “more an expression of feeling than painting”. Each movement has poetic titles in addition to the habitual indication of tempo, and it only serves to prove how important this work was for the composer. The pastoral score will reflect springtime in nature, bringing joy and freshness to your ears.

<p></p><p></p><p>Adina AARON – soprano<br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/vestards-simkus">Vestards ŠIMKUS</a> – piano<br>Youth choir Kamēr…</p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/andris-poga">Andris POGA</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><ul> <li>Alexander BORODIN Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor</li> <li>Franz LISZT Fantasy on motives from Beethoven’s Ruins of Athens</li> <li>George GERSHWIN Cuban Overture, Rhapsody No. 2, Fragments from the opera Porgy and Bess</li></ul><p><br></p><p>The LNSO New Year’s Eve concerts will burn with flames of passion in powerful Cuban rhythms, brilliant piano solos, lively voices of youth, and symphonic delight. You will hear Borodin’s untamed "Polovtsian Dances"; Beethoven’s anniversary year will conclude with a version of his Turkish March by the romantic pianist superstar Liszt, and the programme will culminate with Gershwin’s cheerful dedication to Cuban rumba, born in the Congolese jungle, a fresh rhapsody, and his story about Porgy and Bess’s tempestuous love. Led by the LNSO’s Chief Conductor Andris Poga, the programme welcomes two special guests: unmatched Latvian pianist Vestards Šimkus, and renowned American singer Adina Aaron, who has sung the roles of Aida, Tosca, and Lady Macbeth in operas across the world and is known for her deep, rich, incredibly supple voice, and her fascinating, alluring performances of Gershwin.</p>

<p></p><p>Adina AARON – soprano<br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/vestards-simkus">Vestards ŠIMKUS </a>– piano<br>Youth choir Kamēr…</p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/andris-poga">Andris POGA</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><ul> <li>Alexander BORODIN Polovtsian Dances from the opera Prince Igor</li> <li>Franz LISZT Fantasy on motives from Beethoven’s Ruins of Athens</li> <li>George GERSHWIN Cuban Overture, Rhapsody No. 2, Fragments from the opera Porgy and Bess</li></ul><p><br></p><p>The LNSO New Year’s Eve concerts will burn with flames of passion in powerful Cuban rhythms, brilliant piano solos, lively voices of youth, and symphonic delight. You will hear Borodin’s untamed "Polovtsian Dances"; Beethoven’s anniversary year will conclude with a version of his Turkish March by the romantic pianist superstar Liszt, and the programme will culminate with Gershwin’s cheerful dedication to Cuban rumba, born in the Congolese jungle, a fresh rhapsody, and his story about Porgy and Bess’s tempestuous love. Led by the LNSO’s Chief Conductor Andris Poga, the programme welcomes two special guests: unmatched Latvian pianist Vestards Šimkus, and renowned American singer Adina Aaron, who has sung the roles of Aida, Tosca, and Lady Macbeth in operas across the world and is known for her deep, rich, incredibly supple voice, and her fascinating, alluring performances of Gershwin.</p>

<p><br></p><p>Goran Gora – narrator</p><p>Roberts RUBĪNS – director</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor TAAVI ORAMO</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Jean SIBELIUS <em>The Swan of Tuonela</em></p><p>· Jean SIBELIUS Symphony No. 6</p><p>· Emīls DĀRZIŅŠ <em>The Melancholic Waltz</em></p><p><br></p><p>Dārziņš and Sibelius. Perhaps no other composers have ever had such an enigmatic relationship. The Finnish composer’s <em>Swan of Tuonela</em> left a grave mark on Dārziņš, as he was accused of copying Sibelius’s work in his own composition <em>The</em> <em>Lonely Pine Tree</em>. Legend has it, these allegations devastated the sensitive composer, who then retrieved the score from the publisher and burned it in a fireplace in Kazarov’s Wine Cellar, a bar in Riga. We will never know what it sounded like; all we have is Dārziņš’s brilliant <em>Melancholic Waltz</em> with its delicate lyricism. And we have music to reconcile the two composers who, by chance, became enemies.</p>

<p>Elīna BĒRTIŅA – piano</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor Guntis KUZMA</p><p><br></p><p>Programme:</p><p>Arvo PÄRT <em>Wenn Bach Bienen Gezüchtet Hätte</em></p><p>Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART Piano Concerto No. 21</p><p>Franz SCHUBERT Symphony No. 6 <br></p><p>While the second movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 21 is characterised by boundless, time‑stopping beauty, the rest belongs to a realm of intricate energy. This time, brought to life by the subtle touch of pianist Elīna Bērtiņa, winner of several international competitions. Meanwhile, Schubert in his Symphony No. 6, having tried out Haydn’s and Beethoven’s expression, develops his own manner, whose core feature is melodiousness. Finally, Pärt, who celebrates his 85th anniversary this year, ponders with irony – what if the great Bach had been a beekeeper? The work features the sounds of bees rendered by string instruments, but, back in 1976, it was a serious introduction to Pärt’s invention – the <em>tintinnabuli</em> or bell style.</p>

<p><br>BUY TICKETS</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Jānis SEMJONOVS – bassoon</p><p>Inga KALNA – soprano</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor Andris POGA</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Christopher THEOFANIDIS Concerto for bassoon and chamber orchestra</p><p>· Gustav MAHLER Symphony No. 4</p><p><br></p><p>Despite its seeming simplicity and traditional nature, compared to his later works, Mahler’s Fourth is full of new discoveries and musical ideas. Inevitably, it has the peculiar aesthetic, beauty, and subtlety characteristic of all Mahler’s works. Central to this work is a specific song recurring through the first three movements, and, in the final part, it bursts into bloom with the help of an angelic soprano – Inga Kalna. We will also hear a Concerto for bassoon by the somewhat obscure Theofanidis – his work is reminiscent of sacral Greek melodies and impressions from Bulgaria and other lands of the Balkan Peninsula. Solo by Latvia’s most renowned bassoon player Jānis Semjonovs.</p>

<p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Concerts are cancelled.</strong><br></p><p>Actors – Valdis VANAGS and Aleksejs GEIKO</p><p><br></p><p>Director Una ROZENBAUMA</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Robert SCHUMANN pieces from <em>Scenes from Childhood</em>, <em>Carnaval</em></p><p><br></p><p>LeNeSOn and the youngest listeners will learn about Schumann’s <em>Scenes from Childhood</em>, originally written for the piano, but this time, in a magnificent arrangement for orchestra. The music will tell exciting stories about foreign lands and their people, playing blind man’s bluff, a cozy time at the fireside, knights and their horses, something frightening, something serious, a poet’s speech, but the most popular scene of them all is called <em>Dreaming</em>. As usual, the children can draw together, learn about musical instruments and engage in other activities during the intermission.</p>

<p><strong>Concert is being rescheduled for 8 October. </strong><br></p><p></p><p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/elina-simkus">Elīna ŠIMKUS</a> – soprano</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/laura-grecka">Laura GRECKA</a> – mezzo-soprano</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/edgars-montvidas">Edgaras MONTVIDAS</a> – tenor</p><p>Kostas SMORIGINAS – baritone</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/vak">State Choir LATVIJA</a></p><p><br></p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/zans-klods-kazadesi">Jean-Claude CASADESUS</a></p><p><br></p><p>PROGRAMME:</p><p>Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 1</p><p>Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 9</p><p><br></p><p>The beginning and end of a genius – two symphonies, two different Beethovens. In the First,</p><p>a young, well-educated, aspiring revolutionary making his entrance and simultaneously</p><p>abandoning the conservative canons. In the Ninth, he reaches an apex, an explosive</p><p>climax of all-consuming sparks – he dreams of connecting millions and creates a hymn</p><p>to unity and freedom. Beethoven’s devotion to music is rivalled by the conductor of</p><p>tonight’s concert, the elegant French maestro Casadesus, who rejoins the LNSO to fulfil</p><p>his motto – “to serve, to venture, to give and to get”. In his view, music is the purest path</p><p>towards absolute spirituality, and Beethoven would have certainly agreed. A season closing</p><p>performance of profound humanity and grandeur!</p>

<p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Concerts are cancelled.</strong><br></p><p>Actors – Valdis VANAGS and Aleksejs GEIKO</p><p><br></p><p>Director Una ROZENBAUMA</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Robert SCHUMANN pieces from <em>Scenes from Childhood</em>, <em>Carnaval</em></p><p><br></p><p>LeNeSOn and the youngest listeners will learn about Schumann’s <em>Scenes from Childhood</em>, originally written for the piano, but this time, in a magnificent arrangement for orchestra. The music will tell exciting stories about foreign lands and their people, playing blind man’s bluff, a cozy time at the fireside, knights and their horses, something frightening, something serious, a poet’s speech, but the most popular scene of them all is called <em>Dreaming</em>. As usual, the children can draw together, learn about musical instruments and engage in other activities during the intermission.</p>

<p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Concerts are cancelled.</strong><br></p><p>Actors – Valdis VANAGS and Aleksejs GEIKO</p><p><br></p><p>Director Una ROZENBAUMA</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor Andris VECUMNIEKS</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Robert SCHUMANN pieces from <em>Scenes from Childhood</em>, <em>Carnaval</em></p><p><br></p><p>LeNeSOn and the youngest listeners will learn about Schumann’s <em>Scenes from Childhood</em>, originally written for the piano, but this time, in a magnificent arrangement for orchestra. The music will tell exciting stories about foreign lands and their people, playing blind man’s bluff, a cozy time at the fireside, knights and their horses, something frightening, something serious, a poet’s speech, but the most popular scene of them all is called <em>Dreaming</em>. As usual, the children can draw together, learn about musical instruments and engage in other activities during the intermission.</p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="http://straume.lmt.lv/lv/kultura/koncerti/caikovskis-sibeliuss/1060696">NLINE BROADCAST available here</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Lukas GENIUŠAS – piano</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor Kristīna POSKA</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Liisa HIRSCH <em>Threshold</em></p><p>· Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY Piano Concerto No. 1</p><p>· Jean SIBELIUS Symphony No. 2</p><p><br></p><p>Tchaikovsky’s majestic stature and emotional ambit is on display in his Piano Concerto No. 1, whose opening is an iconic example of how broad romantic music can be. Let’s find out how it will sound in the joint concert of Baltic musicians in the hands of Lukas Geniušas – a young, but mature and renowned pianist. Uncharacteristically of Finns, who are typically introverted, Sibelius has stated that his Second is the confession of his soul, while some critics have called it Finland’s independence symphony, having noticed an echo of the great Beethoven. Estonian composer Hirsch brings you into the realm of northern music slowly, but steadily – you might resist at first, but you will not want to let go.</p><p><br></p><p>Programme available <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XQAXcQjut6_STZ7FNhZ6dDLWYYU_o3JN/view?usp=sharing">here</a></p>

<p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/83811">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Trio </strong><em><strong>Tempus Balticus</strong></em><strong>:</strong></p><p>Kristīne BALANAS – violin</p><p>Māra BOTMANE – cello</p><p>Johan RANDVERE – piano</p><p>Ieva PARŠA – vocals</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Bronius KUTAVIČIUS <em>8 Stasio miniatiūros</em> for violin, cello, and piano</p><p>· Erkki-Sven TÜÜR <em>Dedication</em> for cello and piano</p><p>· Pēteris PLAKIDIS Three songs based on poems by Ojārs Vācietis for vocals and piano</p><p>· Linda LEIMANE <em>Masculine</em> for vocals, cello, and piano (premiere of second version)</p><p>· Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Trio in E-flat major, Op. 38 for violin, cello, and piano</p><p>· Jāzeps MEDIŅŠ <em>Sapņojums</em> for vocals, violin, cello, and piano</p><p><br></p><p><em>Tempus Balticus</em> remain faithful to their composition as a trio, and this time they team up with excellent world-renowned violinist Kristīne Balanas and unsurpassed chamber music performer Ieva Parša, the owner of a warm, far-reaching voice. Their joint efforts will reveal Leimane’s elegance and unmatched creativity as a chamber composer, the unique charm of Plakidis’s songs, and Mediņš’s romantic exultation. A miniature by a young Tüür will represent our Scandinavian-minded neighbour from the north, while Kutavičius will showcase Lithuanian minimalism. The heart of the programme is one of Beethoven’s best early chamber works, whose gracile elegance and energetic simplicity will take you away.</p><p><br></p><p>Programme available <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FpX-btZCH9DUUSD-lvV6K2MRmN2VY8Bg/view?usp=sharing">here</a></p>

<p></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/82467">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><br></p><p>Iveta APKALNA – organ</p><p>Raimonds PAULS – piano</p><p>Conductor Jānis STAFECKIS</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>Works by Raimonds PAULS, Giya KANCHELI, and Samuel BARBER</p><p><br></p><p>The brilliant organist Iveta Apkalna, honorary artist of Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and Raimonds Pauls, master of melodies and a unique improvisation style, meet on stage and in music for the first time. Pauls’s talent will be on display in his miniature from the series <em>Naktstauriņi </em>(<em>The Moths</em>), theatre music, and score from the film <em>Homo novus</em>. Pauls is also a long‑time friend of his like-minded colleague, heartfelt Georgian composer Kancheli, whose best film scores are arranged in a dazzling suite. The magnificence and scope of the organ will appear in Barber’s <em>Toccata festiva</em>, where lightning speed contrasts with melodic episodes, brilliant fanfares – with pensive retreats.</p>

<p><br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/83824">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Edgars CĪRULIS – piano</p><p>Jānis RUBIKS – double bass</p><p>Rūdolfs DANKFELDS – percussion</p><p>String quartet: Alexey BAHIR, Kristiāna OZOLIŅA – violin, Ivars BRĪNUMS – viola, Dārta SVĒTIŅA – cello</p><p>Rokas ZUBOVAS – piano</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>Works by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis arranged by Edgars Cīrulis, Jānis Rubiks, and Rokas Zubovas</p><p><br></p><p>Latvian classical and jazz musicians share the stage in honour of the 145th anniversary of Lithuanian composer and painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The basis of the programme is Čiurlionis’s 1907 series of 12 paintings <em>The Zodiac</em>, transferred to sound by Čiurlionis’s great-grandson Rokas Zubovas, pianist Edgars Cīrulis, and double bass player Jānis Rubiks. We will hear works and improvisations by the young musicians, as well as Čiurlionis’s own compositions. While jazz and classical performers do not play together that often, considering that tonight is in the hands of Latvia’s Grand Music Award nominee Edgars Cīrulis and one of the most intelligent Latvian double bass players Jānis Rubiks, the team is bound to shine – just like in their past concerts and recordings.</p><p><br></p><p>Programme availabe <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BVkuNzuJO57uSx1zYTD_8ZoAZlqlM1Jp/view?usp=sharing">here</a></p>

<p><br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/83810">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><br></p><p>Egils UPATNIEKS – oboe</p><p>Mārtiņš CIRCENIS – clarinet</p><p>Jānis SEMJONOVS – bassoon</p><p>Artūrs ŠULTS – French horn</p><p>Goran GORA – narrator</p><p>Roberts RUBĪNS – director</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor Modestas BARKAUSKAS</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART <em>Sinfonia concertante</em></p><p>· Sergei PROKOFIEV Symphony No. 1 (the <em>Classical</em>)</p><p><br></p><p>When Prokofiev was writing his First, he already knew that educated professors would reject it as sacrilege against Mozart; they would fiercely condemn the young composer’s insolence that made the great master turn in his grave. He also knew that the audience would enjoy the light, clear, authentic music, which is why he called it the <em>Classical</em>. The four soloists envisioned for Mozart’s <em>Concertante</em> were completely enamoured with the work of the genius; unfortunately, the work took more than a century to premiere. The two masters, who were separated by over a hundred years, will now meet in one concert to showcase the similarities, differences, and various expressions of classicism.</p>

<p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Artistic Director<strong> Oskars BOKANOVS</strong></p><p>Musicians: the LNSO double bass players, fellow musicians from other Latvian ensembles, legendary teacher Miloslav Jelínek and his younger colleagues</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>Hans ZIMMER, Carlos GARDEL, John WILLIAMS, Miloslav GAJDOŠ,</p><p>Antonio VIVALDI, Gundega ŠMITE (premiere), Dimitris MARONIDIS (premiere)</p><p><br></p><p>The LNSO’s principal double bass, open and friendly Oskars Bokanovs has had his share of piano duets in the previous season, and he now invites friends and colleagues from near and far to surprise you with double bass solos, duets, quartets and even a double bass orchestra. The programme includes music of all styles and eras – from Vivaldi to film scores, from tango to Czech engravings, as well as new works by Gundega Šmite and Dimitris Maronidis. The stately instrument will reveal its melodic and virtuoso strings, a feast for musicians and listeners alike, because 20 double bass players on a single stage – it is not to be missed.</p>

<p><br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/83809">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="http://live.tiesraides.lv/lmtstraume.lv/live2/31">ONLINE BROADCAST</a></p><p><br></p><p>Daumants LIEPIŅŠ – piano</p><p>Conductor Andris POGA</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>· Linda LEIMANE <em>Longing. Flashing. Bonding</em> (premiere)</p><p>· Sergei PROKOFIEV Piano Concerto No. 2</p><p>· Alexander SCRIABIN Symphony No. 2</p><p><br></p><p>The <em>Pianist</em> magazine lists Daumants Liepiņš among four young pianists to look out for in 2020. One such opportunity will be the LNSO season opening concert, where you will see Liepiņš deliver a brilliant interpretation of Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a work of untamed temperament, one of the most virtuosic piano concertos in the history of music. You will also hear Scriabin’s exciting, suggestive Symphony No. 2, composed of wistful mysticism and ecstatic beauty. Tonight’s surprise is a new work by Linda Leimane, the LNSO’s mysterious, intriguing composer at residence whose talent lies in her finesse not unlike the French.</p><p><br></p><p>Programm available <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/13ycoes6gI4NVriOOQlLjpr_w2tz0g1CA/view">here</a></p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/84016">BUY TICKETS</a><br></p><p></p><p>Cast – Aleksejs GEIKO, Valdis VANAGS</p><p>Director – Una ROZENBAUMA</p><p>Conductor Raimonds GULBIS</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>Jāzeps VĪTOLS, Arvīds ŽILINSKIS, Indulis KALNIŅŠ</p><p><br></p><p>Sprīdītis, the young hero of Anna Brigadere’s story, travels the world, defeats his foes Lutausis and Sīkstulis, earns a kingdom and the hand of a princess, only to realise that the best place on Earth is home. This poignant message and story has inspired Latvian composers to write an overture, an opera, and a film score. Children’s musical friend LeNeSOn will introduce these works to the orchestra’s youngest audience. During the intermission, children can engage in creative activities, learn about musical instruments, and more.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Please note: not more than four people from the same household may sit next to one another without keeping a distance. Tickets for young children who do not need a separate seat will be available for purchase on the day of the concert.</p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/84015">BUY TICKETS</a><br></p><p></p><p>Cast – Aleksejs GEIKO, Valdis VANAGS</p><p>Director – Una ROZENBAUMA</p><p>Conductor Raimonds GULBIS</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Programme:</strong></p><p>Jāzeps VĪTOLS, Arvīds ŽILINSKIS, Indulis KALNIŅŠ</p><p><br></p><p>Sprīdītis, the young hero of Anna Brigadere’s story, travels the world, defeats his foes Lutausis and Sīkstulis, earns a kingdom and the hand of a princess, only to realise that the best place on Earth is home. This poignant message and story has inspired Latvian composers to write an overture, an opera, and a film score. Children’s musical friend LeNeSOn will introduce these works to the orchestra’s youngest audience. During the intermission, children can engage in creative activities, learn about musical instruments, and more.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Please note: not more than four people from the same household may sit next to one another without keeping a distance. Tickets for young children who do not need a separate seat will be available for purchase on the day of the concert.</p>

<p><br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/83493">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Maximilian HORNUNG – cello</p><p>Kristīne BLAUMANE – cello</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/andris-poga">Andris POGA</a></p><p><br></p><p>Programme:</p><p><br></p><p>Ludwig van Beethovon Overture <em>Leonore</em></p><p>Ottorino Respighi Adagio with variations for cello and orchestra</p><p>Richard Strauss Tone poem <em>Don Quixote</em></p><p><br></p><p>The festival gala concert will include the imaginative, impressive orchestral tone poem <em>Don Quixote</em> by leading composer of the romantic era Richard Strauss, performed by the LNSO and young German cellist Maximilian Hornung. The work is subtitled ‘Fantastic Variations on a Theme of Knightly Character’, the protagonist is borrowed from Miguel de Cervantes’s famous novel, and thus the composition is openly programmatic: the music clearly depicts scenes from Cervantes’s novel, creating, in a way, a symphonic animated film. You will also discover the rich, broad sound of the cello in Adagio by Italian composer Ottorino Respighi, interpreted by outstanding Latvian cellist Kristīne Blaumane.</p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.lnso.lv/tiessaiste">ONLINE BROADAST</a></p><p></p><p>According to Tchaikovsky himself, the composition process was blissful and calm. Yet the music illustrates a Shakespearean storm of passion, not unlike the Russian romanticist’s own experience. He was also an avid admirer of his Norwegian colleague Grieg, whose Piano Concerto combines majestic breadths, dignity, melodiousness, simplicity and overwhelming energy. Rachmaninoff’s return to the symphony genre resulted in an epitome of absolute beauty on the brink of 20th century tragedy. This lavish romantic programme was prepared by Rubiķis, who has assumed the music director’s post at the Komische Opera Berlin, but still finds the time to give the gift of music to Latvian audiences.</p><p><br></p><h3>SOLOIST/-S</h3><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/vestards-simkus">Vestard Shimkus</a> – piano</p><h3>CONDUCTOR</h3><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/ainars-subikis">Ainars Rubikis</a></p><h3>PROGRAM</h3><ul> <li>Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY The Storm</li> <li>Edward GRIEG Piano Concerto</li> <li>Sergei RACHMANINOFF Symphony No. 2</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Program available <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DeVEbwMPcZpO6HL5gzqJyLTeMOa0LRqj/view?usp=sharing">here</a></p>

<p><br></p><p></p><p>According to Tchaikovsky himself, the composition process was blissful and calm. Yet the music illustrates a Shakespearean storm of passion, not unlike the Russian romanticist’s own experience. He was also an avid admirer of his Norwegian colleague Grieg, whose Piano Concerto combines majestic breadths, dignity, melodiousness, simplicity and overwhelming energy. Rachmaninoff’s return to the symphony genre resulted in an epitome of absolute beauty on the brink of 20th century tragedy. This lavish romantic programme was prepared by Rubiķis, who has assumed the music director’s post at the Komische Opera Berlin, but still finds the time to give the gift of music to Latvian audiences.</p><p><br></p><h3>SOLOIST/-S</h3><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/vestards-simkus">Vestard Shimkus</a> – piano</p><h3>CONDUCTOR</h3><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/ainars-rubikis">Ainars Rubikis</a></p><h3>PROGRAM</h3><ul> <li>Pyotr TCHAIKOVSKY The Storm</li> <li>Edward GRIEG Piano Concerto</li> <li>Sergei RACHMANINOFF Symphony No. 2</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Program available <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DeVEbwMPcZpO6HL5gzqJyLTeMOa0LRqj/view?usp=sharing">here</a></p>

<p>BUY TICKETS:</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/82086">BROADCAST</a> ( VALID UNTIL 20TH OF JUNE )</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/82085">AT THE VENUE</a></p><p><br></p><p>Reinis ZARIŅŠ – piano</p><p><br></p><p>Conductors Guntis KUZMA, Andris POGA</p><p><br></p><p>From Classical master Mozart to striking soundsmith Ķeniņš, featuring romantic philosopher Brahms, and Stravinsky’s raving experiments – the LNSO presents a dazzling and diverse programme for its 12 June concert. The LNSO’s two conductors will appear in front of the orchestra, while the audience’s favourite Reinis Zariņš takes the piano. Each listener can choose their preferred setting for enjoying the concert – under the trees by the holiday house, the middle of the forest, the bustling city, or unending rural calm. Wherever the audience might be, the LNSO will bring <em>Eine kleine Nachtmusik</em>, a serenade, and other musical treats.</p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/event/81785">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><br></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/tiessaiste">ENTER CODE HERE</a></p><p><br></p><p>The LNSO Wind Quintet: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/maija-zandberga">Maija ZANDBERGA</a> – flute, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/egils-upatnieks">Egils UPATNIEKS</a> – oboe, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/martins-circenis">Mārtiņš CIRCENIS</a> – clarinet, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/janis-semjonovs">Jānis SEMJONOVS</a> – bassoon, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/arturs-sults">Artūrs ŠULTS</a> – French horn, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/agnese-eglina">Agnese EGLIŅA</a> – piano</p><p><br></p><p>Programme:</p><ul> <li>Mauricio KAGEL 4 parts from the cycle <em>Ludwig van</em></li> <li>Ludwig van BEETHOVEN Quintet in E-flat major, Op.16</li> <li>André JOLIVET <em>Chant de Linos</em>for flute and piano</li> <li>Gundega ŠMITE <em>Trokšņu iela</em> for instrumental ensemble</li> <li>Jean FRANÇAIX <em>L’heure du Berger</em></li></ul><p>Beethoven, Old Riga, Linos – indeed, no meeting or voyage is impossible in music. The thespian Kagel sends his best anniversary wishes to Beethoven, whose quintet was, in turn, inspired by Mozart. Šmite’s composition takes us for a walk through Old Riga, where we can hear the sounds of Trokšņu Street, whereas Jolivet’s Mediterranean cruise takes us to the island of Linos, the home of only a few hundred people. Françaix encounters shepherds, and the LNSO’s Wind Quintet together with Agnese Egliņa bring it all together. To make things more interesting, one of the performers will have learned the basics of percussion, but only the concert will reveal which one of them will display their new skills.</p><p><br></p><p>Programm available <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://1drv.ms/b/s!ArccZ3BJRFwSiNUQAexIQ-8xyQ0QCQ?e=eP8Tb2"><strong>here</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>CANCELED -</strong></p><p></p><p></p><p>PROGRAMME:</p><p>Johannes BRAHMS A German Requiem</p><p><br></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/elina-simkus">Elīna ŠIMKUS</a> – soprano</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/rihards-millers">Rihards MILLERS</a> – baritone</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/vak">State Choir Latvija</a></p><p><br></p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/andris-poga">Andris POGA</a></p><p><br></p><p>The Easter time will be a meeting – of Elīna Šimkus’s lucid, delicate, lithe, graceful soprano, and of Rihards Millers’s saturated, tender, manly, powerful baritone. The two will team up with an orchestra and a choir to perform Brahms’s remarkable German Requiem. The composer himself wanted to name it A Human Requiem, namely, in his view, the work could connect, unite, strengthen and inspire people. Many will agree that he succeeded, as in this requiem soothing contemplation and luminous peace triumph over the habitual sense of dejection and impending doom.</p>

<p>According to Greif, a Polish-French composer of Jewish origin, his concerto was inspired by “death, which in its dance revokes the customary societal divide”. Piano quartet <em>RIX</em> seldom performs in its full composition back home, as the musicians spend their daily lives in various orchestras in Europe, but they gather in Latvia every year to perform some little- or unknown piece, and a concerto for four soloists is a rare sight indeed. A performance of Mahler’s Fifth is a more frequent phenomenon, but every one who admires Visconti and Venice will attest that the <em>Adagietto’s</em> beauty is unparalleled, and one can never get enough of it.</p><p><br></p><p>THE RIX QUARTET: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/sandis-steinbergs">Sandis ŠTEINBERGS</a> – violin, Ilze KĻAVA – viola, Reinis BIRZNIEKS – cello, Jānis MAĻECKIS – piano</p><p><br></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><h3>CONDUCTOR</h3><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/andris-poga">Andris Poga</a></p><h3>PROGRAM</h3><ul> <li>Olivier GREIF Concerto La danse des morts</li> <li>Gustav MAHLER Symphony No. 5</li></ul><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tgomaahWicM9f32sUXdgER2V0dFXkj7r/view?usp=sharing">Programm available here</a></p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/events/event/76490">BUY TICKETS</a> -</p><p><br></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/daumants-liepins">Daumants LIEPIŅŠ</a> – piano</p><p><br></p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/kaspars-adamsons">Kaspars ĀDAMSONS</a></p><p><br></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/goran-gora">Goran GORA</a> – narrator</p><p>Justīne KĻAVA – writer</p><p>Roberts RUBĪNS – director</p><p><br></p><p>Programme:</p><ul> <li>George GERSHWIN <em>Porgy and Bess</em></li> <li>George GERSHWIN <em>Rhapsody in Blue</em></li></ul><p>Our captivating storyteller Goran Gora introduces George Gerswin – a composer of brilliant melodies that surpassed their author in fame! Case in point, <em>Rhapsody in Blue</em> was written in just three weeks, because Gershwin learned about the upcoming performance of the work from an advertisement in a newspaper, even before he had started composing it. The piano part will be performed by award-winning Daumants Liepiņš, and all signs point to his further success. Liepiņš has shown great prowess at classical and romantic genres, and he is ripe to explore more freedom. The LNSO will also perform tunes from <em>Porgy and Bess</em>, the best-known one being the lullaby <em>Summertime</em></p>

<p>Actors – Valdis VANAGS and Aleksejs GEIKO</p><p>Director Una ROZENBAUMA</p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/aivis-greters">Aivis GRETERS</a></p><p>Programme:</p><ul> <li>Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART <em>Bastien and Bastienne</em></li></ul><p>Children’s best musical friend LeNeSOn introduces an opera by Mozart, written at the age of twelve, about a shepherd boy and girl who get into an argument and, thanks to the local magician, make up again. Pastoral scenes, simple melodies and arias, amusing recitatives – that is the gist of the light, merry one-act piece, bound to put a smile on any listener’s face. Additionally, young fans of music will have the opportunity to learn about instruments, draw, and engage in other hands-on activities.</p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/events/event/76487">BUY TICKETS</a> -</p><p><br></p><p>Actors – Valdis VANAGS and Aleksejs GEIKO</p><p>Director Una ROZENBAUMA</p><p>Conductor <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/aivis-greters">Aivis GRETERS</a></p><p>Programme:</p><ul> <li>Wolfgang Amadeus MOZART <em>Bastien and Bastienne</em></li></ul><p>Children’s best musical friend LeNeSOn introduces an opera by Mozart, written at the age of twelve, about a shepherd boy and girl who get into an argument and, thanks to the local magician, make up again. Pastoral scenes, simple melodies and arias, amusing recitatives – that is the gist of the light, merry one-act piece, bound to put a smile on any listener’s face. Additionally, young fans of music will have the opportunity to learn about instruments, draw, and engage in other hands-on activities.</p>

<p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/events/event/76486">BUY TICKETS</a> -</p><p><br><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/lnso-klaviertrio">The LNSO Piano Trio</a>: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/indulis-cintins">Indulis CINTIŅŠ</a> – violin, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/dace-zalite-zilberte">Dace ZĀLĪTE-ZILBERTE</a> – cello,</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/martins-zilberts">Mārtiņš ZILBERTS</a> – piano</p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://en.lnso.lv/sandis-steinbergs">Sandis ŠTEINBERGS</a> – violin</p><p><br></p><p>PROGRAMME:</p><p>Tālivaldis ĶENIŅŠ Concertino barocco for two violins</p><p>Johannes BRAHMS Piano Trio no. 3 in C minor, op. 101</p><p>Erich Wolfgang KORNGOLD Suite for two violins, cello, and piano left hand, op. 23</p><p><br></p><p>The LNSO Piano Trio has reached its five-year anniversary, and they continue to interpret</p><p>monumental classics as well as lesser-known contemporary works. Tonight’s programme includes Brahms’s shortest and the least frequently performed piano trio, rife with unrest and challenges, emotional turbulence and flare-ups. Korngold, a successful author of Hollywood scores, wrote a work dedicated to Wittgenstein the pianist, the very same to whom Ravel dedicated his Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. The music written in 1930 looks back at a foregone Vienna in retrospect, in a somewhat grotesque and sentimental manner. Ķeniņš, however, circles back to Baroque, attesting his talent, which we should remember and appreciate more often</p><p><br></p><p><a rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oWWnENhKQhHrfkPyRR72aEqWecUMopuU">Programm available here</a></p>