Latvian National Symphony Orchestra Celebrates Centennial with Ambitious Program
The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) is embarking on a year-long celebration of its centennial, marked by a diverse program of concerts, tours, and collaborations. The season promises a blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary works, showcasing the orchestra’s commitment to both tradition and innovation.
Wagner, Garanca, and a French Tour
The LNSO’s centennial year will prominently feature the works of Richard Wagner. The celebration begins on August 8th in Cēsis with a concert performance of Wagner’s Lohengrin, conducted by Tarmo Peltokoski. This performance is part of the Cēsis Arts Festival. Later in the season, the orchestra will present Wagner’s Wesendonck Songs alongside Gustav Mahler’s Second Symphony, featuring the renowned Elīna Garanča in a performance with conductor Karel Mark Chichon.
A significant aspect of the centennial program is a concert tour to France from August 19th to 21st. The LNSO, along with the Latvian State Choir Latvija, will perform a new work by Pēteris Vasks, which will have its premiere in Latvia in April. They will also debut an oratorio by French composer Éric Montel. The Latvian State Choir Latvija will also perform a program of Latvian music separately during the festival in France.
Regional Engagement and Financial Support
The LNSO is committed to extending its reach beyond Riga, with performances scheduled in Rēzekne’s Gora, and Cēsis. Indra Lūkina, the LNSO director, highlighted the importance of regional concert halls. Financial support for the centennial celebrations and the orchestra’s ongoing activities is being provided by Signet Banka, which has committed to a three-year patronage.
Key Concerts and Performances
The centennial program includes several notable concerts. On August 28th, Andris Poga will conduct the LNSO in a performance featuring Frank Peter Zimmermann on violin, with works by William Walton and Gustav Mahler. A concert on September 10th, as part of the International Sacred Music Festival, will showcase the works of Pēteris Vasks, conducted by Māris Sirmais.
Further performances include a concert featuring Baiba Skride and Kristina Poska performing Sofia Gubaidulina’s Third Violin Concerto, alongside works by Ilona Breģe and Mahler. Another concert will feature conductor Jean-Claude Casadesus and artist Iveta Apkalna performing Francis Poulenc’s Concerto for Organ and Orchestra, along with works by Hector Berlioz and Camille Saint-Saëns. The centennial year will culminate on October 25th with a concert featuring Elīna Garanča, Karel Mark Chichon, and the LNSO.
LNSO Vasarnīca and Kamermūzika
The traditional LNSO Vasarnīca (Summer Residence) festival will take place in Latgales vēstniecība Gors on August 29th and 30th. The festival will include a “First Concert in the World” for young audiences, as well as performances of Walton and Mahler. A chamber music concert, “Baroque and Tango,” will feature a diverse ensemble of musicians performing works by Telemann, Piazzolla, and Cīrulis. The festival will conclude with a performance featuring Raimonds Pauls, the Latvian Radio Large Band, and soloists Aija Vītoliņa and Daumants Kalniņš.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LNSO Vasarnīca?
LNSO Vasarnīca is the orchestra’s traditional summer residence festival, offering a variety of concerts and events.
Who is conducting the performance of Lohengrin?
Tarmo Peltokoski will be conducting the performance of Wagner’s Lohengrin.
Where can I purchase tickets for LNSO concerts?
Tickets are available for individual concerts and as part of autumn season subscriptions.
Is Elīna Garanča performing opera during the centennial?
No, Elīna Garanča will be performing Wagner’s Wesendonck Songs and Mahler’s Second Symphony, not operatic works.
What role does Signet Banka play in supporting the LNSO?
Signet Banka is the patron of the LNSO, providing financial support for its activities over a three-year period.
