According to announcements regarding upcoming classical music programming, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) and the State Choir Latvija will present a series of sacred music concerts featuring works from the German mature romanticism, Swiss neo-Renaissance, and contemporary Latvian and French repertoires. Conductors Māris Sirmais and Andris Poga will lead the ensembles, joined by soloists including soprano Ilze Grēveli-Skaraine, mezzo-soprano Zanda Švēde, and Polish tenor Macejs Kvasņikovski.
Festival Opening Features Contemporary Premieres at St. Peter’s Church
According to festival organizers, the opening event titled “Pirmatskaņojumi” (Premieres) will take place on the evening of August 14 at Riga St. Peter’s Church. Dedicated to performing new music, this year’s opening program features newly composed works by Raivis Misjuns, Andris Dzenītis, Matīss Čudars, and Andrejs Selickis. Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika” will broadcast the opening concert live, allowing audiences across the country to tune in.
Frank Martin’s Renaissance Mass Highlights the Viļaka Concert
According to concert schedules, the festival continues on August 29 at the Viļaka Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church. Māris Sirmais will lead the State Choir Latvija in a performance of Frank Martin’s “Mass for Double Choir a cappella,” an opus from the 20th century often referred to by music critics as the “lost Renaissance mass.” The program will also encompass sacred and folk music opuses by Latvian composers Juris Vaivods, Jānis Ivanovs, Rihards Dubra, Ilona Rupaine, Laura Jēkabsone, and Ēriks Ešenvalds. Admission to the Viļaka concert is free of charge.
Andris Poga Leads Brahms and Montalbeti in Riga
According to event details, conductor Andris Poga will lead the LNSO, the State Choir Latvija men’s group, and soloist Zanda Švēde on September 4 at Riga St. Peter’s Church. The program pairs Johannes Brahms’s vocal-symphonic opus “Schicksalslied” and “Alto Rhapsody” with the Latvian premiere of contemporary French composer Ērika Montalbeti’s “Fragments pour une messe.” Polish tenor Macejs Kvasņikovski will join the ensembles for the Montalbeti performance.
Festival Finale Celebrates Pēteris Vasks at Riga Dome
According to festival coordinators, the closing concert titled “Vaskam 80” will take place on September 10 at the Riga Dome, honoring composer Pēteris Vasks on his milestone. Māris Sirmais will conduct the State Choir Latvija, the LNSO, and soprano Ilze Grēveli-Skaraine in performing works written over the past five decades, including “Pater Noster,” “Viatore,” “Credo,” “Lūgšana mātei,” “Laudate Dominum,” and the premiere of a new work titled “Ticība.” Latvijas Radio 3 “Klasika” will record the final concert for future broadcast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I purchase tickets for the concert series?
According to the ticket distribution details, tickets are available through the Biļešu paradīze network, though the Viļaka concert on August 29 is open to the public without an entry fee.
Which radio station is broadcasting the performances?
According to media partnership announcements, Latvijas Radio 3 “Klasika” will provide a live radio broadcast of the opening concert and an audio recording of the closing concert.
Who are the featured guest soloists?
According to the artist roster, the vocal soloists for the programs include soprano Ilze Grēveli-Skaraine, mezzo-soprano Zanda Švēde, and Polish tenor Macejs Kvasņikovski.
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