The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and the LNSO Foundation are developing a concert production based on the Japanese folk tale “Akinosuke’s Dream.” Its main goal is to introduce young audiences to the acoustic sound of symphonic music and to convey a broader message to society: that people with special needs are capable of achieving far more than is commonly assumed — provided they are given the opportunity.
In this production, Rihards Zaļupe’s original music meets Japanese folklore, while musicians of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra perform together with the Rhythm Group of Riga 1st Primary School – Development Centre and the beloved actor Andris Keišs. Through music, they tell the Japanese folk tale, which — in combination with the specially composed score — introduces not only universal human values but also portrays the worlds of dreams and reality, which are not always clearly separated.
The tale also reflects an essential aspect of Japanese culture: a special respect for nature, its phenomena, animals, insects, and all living beings. These core values form the foundation of an inclusive, understanding, highly developed, and tolerant society — values that children should learn from an early age.