Ralfs Eilands: From Ukrainian Support Concerts to the Quiet Moments After the Stage
Four years ago, musician Ralfs Eilands spearheaded a support concert for Ukraine’s Freedom, becoming one of the first to demonstrate a willingness to act. He has consistently emphasized the importance of continuing to live and celebrate life, even amidst challenging circumstances.
While Eilands continues to participate in Latvian Television’s Ukrainian support concerts, he no longer organizes events independently, including the annual gatherings at the Rīga Congress Hall in support of Ukraine. His initial motivation was to show courage and solidarity with Ukraine, but he now believes the responsibility lies with politicians worldwide. He expresses frustration with the lack of decisive global action, stating that it “should have been done a long time ago.” He and his family continue to offer support through donations, recently contributing their old car to Ukrainian aid efforts.
The Performing Life: Energy Onstage, Reflection Offstage
Eilands finds himself more at peace in the moments after a performance. He enjoys the preparation process for large concerts and events, but cherishes the ten minutes of solitude following a show, a brief period for personal reflection before memories begin to fade.
He acknowledges the need to amplify emotions onstage, stating that feelings must be “multiplied by ten” during a performance. He contrasts this with his everyday persona, noting that he isn’t always as energetic or captivating in daily life. He admits that people sometimes perceive him as sad upon first meeting, but clarifies that this isn’t necessarily the case.
“Ralfs is when I need to be serious, when I need to do responsible things. But for most of the day, I endeavor to be Ralfiņš and mess around,” he explains.
Concerts as a Catalyst for Wider Support
The concert held at the Rīga Congress Hall on February 25th, 2022, was a spontaneous event, bringing together participants from the Latvian Song Festival movement – choirs, brass bands, and conductors – alongside pop and rock stars. The event lasted nearly seven hours and was broadcast live by nearly all Latvian media outlets. It was organized through the initiative of Ralfs Eilands and in collaboration with the Rīga City Council and the Latvian National Cultural Centre.
In February 2023, a similar concert, “Ukraine’s Freedom,” took place at the Rīga Congress Hall, running from noon to 5 PM. The organizers emphasized that music is a powerful tool for expressing support for Ukraine and protesting against the Russian-led war. The concert was also available as a livestream on tv3.lv.
The February 25th, 2022 concert has also been made available on the European cultural television channel “Arte” in a shortened format, accessible free of charge throughout Europe.
Did you know?
The initial concert at the Rīga Congress Hall took place opposite the Russian embassy, symbolizing a direct expression of protest against the invasion of Ukraine.
FAQ
Q: What was Ralfs Eilands’ initial role in supporting Ukraine?
A: He organized the first support concert for Ukraine’s Freedom four years ago.
Q: Is Ralfs Eilands still actively organizing support concerts?
A: No, he now believes the responsibility for action lies with politicians.
Q: Where can I find a recording of the February 25th, 2022 concert?
A: A shortened version is available on the “Arte TV” platform.
Q: What motivated the organization of the concert at the Rīga Congress Hall?
A: To demonstrate courage and solidarity with Ukraine and protest against the Russian invasion.
Pro Tip: Supporting Ukraine doesn’t always require large gestures. Consider donating to reputable organizations or simply spreading awareness about the ongoing situation.
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