The International Piano Music Festival “Kuldīga Piano” returns to Latvia from September 11 to 13 for its fifth anniversary edition, bringing three days of public performances, international artists, and masterclasses to Kuldīga, according to festival organizers.
From Airport Terminals to Concert Halls: The Festival Schedule
According to festival creator and “Dagamba” group pianist Dainis Tenis, the anniversary program begins ahead of the official opening on Friday, September 4, at Riga Airport. Young and talented pianists will perform in both public and passenger zones to greet travelers. The main three-day schedule kicks off on September 11 at the “Duna” concert hall with a performance by composer and pianist Uldis Marhilevičs. “This year’s festival, which has grown over the years into a platform for contemporary piano music, stands out with several significant innovations,” Tenis states. Two new solo projects created specifically for the Kuldīga program will receive their premiere performances, and the Kuldīga Art House joins the lineup of traditional venues.
Did you know?
Swedish pianist Peter Sandberg, performing at the festival, gained millions of streams globally for his cinematic compositions featured in the series Stranger Things.
Weekend Highlights: Arvo Pärt, Bangerts, and ‘Stranger Things’ Soundtracks
The weekend events feature distinct performances across Kuldīga landmarks, according to the official schedule. On September 12 at 11:00 AM, Rihards Plešanovs performs the music of Arvo Pärt and Erik Satie in the Town Castle Garden. At 12:00 PM, Kārlis Lācis takes over the “Bangerts” restaurant, while young pianists perform classical works at St. Anne’s Church at 17:00 PM. The central festival event follows at 19:00 PM at the “Duna” concert hall, featuring Swedish pianist Peter Sandberg in his first visit to Latvia. Mārtiņš Lāpāns, a participant in the festival’s masterclasses since its inaugural year, performs ahead of Sandberg, and Rūdolfs Macats closes the evening using analog synthesizers and electronic sounds. On September 13, local pianist Toms Mikāls concludes the festival with a dedicated Father’s Day concert at the Kuldīga Art House.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where does the “Kuldīga Piano” festival take place?
The fifth anniversary festival runs from September 11 to 13 across multiple venues in Kuldīga, including the “Duna” concert hall, St. Anne’s Church, the Town Castle Garden, the “Bangerts” restaurant, and the Kuldīga Art House.
Are the festival concerts free to attend?
Yes, according to organizers, the three-day festival offers a diverse program of free concerts, masterclasses for young pianists, and interactive pop-up events in the urban environment.
Who are the headline performers for the fifth anniversary event?
The lineup includes Uldis Marhilevičs, Rihards Plešanovs, Kārlis Lācis, international guest Peter Sandberg from Sweden, Mārtiņš Lāpāns, Rūdolfs Macats, and local pianist Toms Mikāls.
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