Daugavpils Hosts the Grand finale of “Musical Bank” Celebrating 25 years of Latvian Music
Table of Contents
This Saturday, the city of Daugavpils will transform into the epicenter of Latvian music as it hosts the grand finale of the Musical Bank, a prestigious event celebrating its 25th anniversary. The occasion also marks the beginning of the centenary celebrations of Latvian Radio, adding an extra layer of significance to this year’s festivities.
The Daugavpils Unity House is buzzing with excitement as its artistic collectives—the mixed choir Daugava, the chamber orchestra Daugavpils Sinfonietta, and the professional brass band Daugava—prepare to deliver unforgettable performances. These ensembles are polishing their final notes, ensuring that the event will be nothing short of spectacular.
A Celebration of Music and Heritage
The Musical Bank is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of Latvian culture and musical excellence. This year, the event holds special importance as it coincides with the 100th anniversary of Latvian Radio, a cornerstone of the nation’s cultural heritage.
evgeny Ustinskov, the artistic director and conductor of Daugavpils Sinfonietta, expressed his enthusiasm: “We will play for the sixth year in the ‘Musical Bank’ with us in Daugavpils. We have great pleasure in participating in this event, and we will give our hearts to Latvia as a whole.”
The Daugavpils Sinfonietta is no stranger to the Musical Bank,having participated for six consecutive years. Their dedication to the event reflects the city’s commitment to fostering musical talent and celebrating Latvian culture.
A Challenging Yet Rewarding Experience
Preparing for the Musical Bank is no small feat. The finalists are tasked with mastering 15 songs in less than two weeks, a challenge that requires both skill and passion.Members of the Daugavpils Sinfonietta shared their thoughts on the experience:
“It’s a great honor for Daugavpils that there is such an event, and every musician involved awaits it in an uplifting mood. The repertoire changes every year, and it’s a kind of pleasant challenge to discover new notes and new pieces.”
The event also brings a sense of pride to the city. As one member noted, “It is nice to be aware that for at least a few days, we become the capital of the popular Latvian song, because all the eyes of Latvia are turned to us. It is very pleasant and very necesary.”
A Grand Show at the Olympic Center
The grand finale will take place at the Daugavpils Olympic Center, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and eager audiences. Harry Vucin, the event’s author, has been overseeing the stage preparations as Wednesday, ensuring that every detail is perfect for the big night.
The Musical Bank is not just a competition but a celebration of Latvian music, bringing together some of the nation’s most talented artists.As one participant aptly put it, “It’s a great return, the hall is always full, and we enjoy performing in such an atmosphere. Not so often do all the most popular, recognizable Latvian musicians come to daugavpils.”
Key Highlights of the Event
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | Musical Bank Finale |
| Location | Daugavpils Olympic Center |
| Participants | Daugavpils Sinfonietta, Daugava Choir, Daugava Brass Band |
| Special Occasion | 25th Anniversary of Musical Bank and 100th Anniversary of Latvian Radio|
| Date | This Saturday |
A Call to Celebrate Latvian Music
As Daugavpils prepares to host this grand event, the city invites music lovers from across Latvia to join in the celebration. whether you’re a fan of classical, pop, or rock music, the Musical Bank promises an unforgettable experience.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the best of Latvian music in one of the country’s most vibrant cultural hubs. Tune in to Latvian Radio or visit the Daugavpils Olympic Center to be part of this historic celebration.Let the music play, and let Daugavpils shine as the capital of Latvian song, if only for a weekend.Daugavpils Gears Up for the Spectacular ”Musical Bank” Event
The city of Daugavpils is abuzz with excitement as it prepares to host the highly anticipated “Musical Bank” event at the Daugavpils Olympic center. This year’s celebration promises to be a grand showcase of music, technology, and cultural pride, marking a significant milestone in the city’s event-hosting capabilities.
“The Daugavpils Olympic Center is ready. Daugavpils shows its ability to cope with the same level of events as the Citadel. The volume is that it is indeed an international show,with all the technologies of the 21st century that viewers will then see,” noted Vucins,highlighting the city’s readiness to deliver a world-class experience.
The event, which has become a cornerstone of Latvian music culture, will feature performances by some of the nation’s most celebrated artists, including the renowned Daugavpils Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra. The orchestra has been diligently preparing for the event, as captured in stunning photographs by Silvija heavyweight of Latvian radio.
Vucin emphasized the significance of this year’s event, stating, “Musical Bank is a special event in Daugavpils this year, this is the year of many anniversaries.” This statement underscores the cultural and ancient importance of the event, which continues to draw attention from music enthusiasts across the country.
Key Highlights of “Musical Bank” 2025
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Venue | Daugavpils Olympic Center |
| Featured Performers | Daugavpils Sinfonietta Chamber Orchestra, top Latvian artists |
| Technology | Cutting-edge 21st-century production |
| Significance | Marks multiple anniversaries, showcasing Daugavpils’ event-hosting prowess |
The event is not just a celebration of music but also a testament to Daugavpils’ growing reputation as a hub for international events. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to excellence, the city is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees and viewers alike.
As the countdown to the event continues, all eyes are on Daugavpils, where music, culture, and innovation will converge in a spectacular display of talent and creativity. Don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary celebration of Latvian music and heritage.For more facts and updates, visit the official event page here.
Musical Bank 2024: Celebrating 25 Years of Latvian Music Excellence
This year marks a significant milestone for Latvian Radio 2’s iconic music survey, Musical Bank, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.Coinciding with the 750th anniversary of Daugavpils and the centenary of Latvian Radio, the event promises to be a grand celebration of Latvian music, culture, and artistry.
A star-Studded Finale in Daugavpils
The Musical Bank 2024 Great finals will take place at the Daugavpils Olympic Center, a venue that will be buzzing with energy as thousands gather to witness the crowning of the most beloved Latvian song of the year. The event will be hosted by latvian Radio 2 personalities Kaspars Mauriņš and Līna Grīniece, alongside their colleagues Kaspars Markševics, Velga Vitola, Līga Robegniece, and Martins Kanter, who will engage with the artists in insightful conversations.
The live broadcast will be available on Latvian Radio 2, LTV1, and lsm.lv, ensuring that fans across the country can tune in to the festivities.
The Contenders: A Diverse Lineup of talent
This year’s Musical Bank features a diverse array of songs,each vying for the title of the most valuable Latvian song. The finalists, listed in alphabetical order, include:
| Song Title | Artist |
|————————-|————————–|
| “Morning Morning” | Aminata, “Sudden Lights” |
| “Baltic life to live” | Antra Stafecka, “Jumprava” |
| “bill” | “Don” |
| “I’m going out” | Intars Busulis, “Subscription Orchestra” |
| “To glow” | “Musiqq” |
| “Magnetic Storm” | Linda Leen |
| ”Nejauis Kadri” | “Sudden Lights” |
| “Awake” | Chris Noah |
| “Run” | “something kite” |
| “Ordinary Girl” | Viktor Buntovsky |
| “Heart ashes” | emily |
| “Stupid conscience” | Mick Galvanovsky |
| ”You fell into me” | “Tools” |
| “Close” | “yut” |
| “Maybe” | Karl Būmeisters |
Commemorative Awards: A Nod to Magnetism
All finalists will receive specially designed commemorative awards crafted by Armands Jēkabsons. This year’s theme revolves around magnetism, symbolizing the artist’s effort to attract and captivate their audience. The awards reflect the fusion of technology and nature,mirroring the dedication required to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.
A Jury of Esteemed Professionals
The songs were judged by an independent and professional jury, including:
- Emil Zilbert, composer and musician
- Brigita Reisone, opera singer
- Felix Kegel, composer and musician
- Una Stade, conductor, vocal teacher, and singer
- Artūrs Uskāns, musician, folklorist, and producer
- Zelma Jegere, rapper and musician
- Maxim Busel, actor and singer
- Guntars Račs, poet
- Signe Lagzdiņa, musicologist and program manager of Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika”
- Mārtiņš Paberzis, Latvian Radio 5
What is Musical Bank?
Musical Bank is an annual survey organized by Latvian Radio 2, where listeners vote for their favorite domestic songs. The program airs three times a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 14.05 and Saturdays at 12.00. Throughout the year, fans can cast their votes on the official website, making it a truly listener-driven event.
Join the Celebration
As Musical Bank turns 25, it continues to be a cornerstone of Latvian music culture. Whether you’re attending the event in Daugavpils or tuning in from home,this year’s finals promise to be a memorable celebration of talent,creativity,and the enduring power of music.
Don’t miss the live broadcast on Latvian Radio 2, LTV1, and lsm.lv—be part of the journey to crown the most beloved Latvian song of 2024!
Dons Triumphs at “Muzikālā Banka 2023” with “Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts”
Latvia’s most prestigious music survey, Muzikālā banka, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2023 with a grand finale that crowned Dons as the winner.His song,“Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts” (Broken spear Kingdom),emerged as the most valuable song of the year,solidifying his place in Latvian music history. The event,known for its ambitious award ceremonies,brought together songwriters,performers,and music enthusiasts to honor the best in pop and rock music.
The competition, organized by Latvijas Radio, evaluates songs based on votes from radio listeners and a professional jury. This year’s jury included notable figures such as composer Zigmars Liepiņš, pianist Kristaps Krievkalns, and opera singer Raimonds Bramanis, ensuring a fair and expert assessment of the entries.
The Winning tracks
While Dons took the top spot,the competition was fierce. The second place went to the band Sudden Lights with their song “Mēs turpināmies” (We Continue), a track that resonated deeply with listeners. Third place was claimed by Antra Stafecka and Ivo Grīsniņš-Grīslis for their composition “Dzīparos”, showcasing the diversity of Latvian music.
Here’s a summary of the top three songs:
| Place | Artist | Song |
|———–|————————–|———————————–|
| 1st | Dons | Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts |
| 2nd | Sudden Lights | Mēs turpināmies |
| 3rd | Antra Stafecka & Ivo Grīsniņš-Grīslis | Dzīparos |
A Milestone for Latvian Music
The 25th edition of Muzikālā Banka was a testament to the enduring popularity of the event, which has become a cornerstone of Latvian music culture. The survey not only highlights the year’s most beloved songs but also provides a platform for emerging artists to shine.
Dons, a household name in Latvia, has once again proven his ability to connect with audiences through his heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies. His victory with “Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts” marks another milestone in his illustrious career.
Looking Ahead
As Muzikālā Banka continues to evolve, it remains a vital part of Latvia’s musical landscape. The event not only celebrates the past year’s achievements but also sets the stage for future talent. For those who missed the ceremony, you can relive the highlights and explore the winning songs on the official Latvijas Radio website.
Whether you’re a fan of Dons, sudden Lights, or the dynamic duo of Antra Stafecka and Ivo grīsniņš-Grīslis, Muzikālā Banka 2023 offered something for everyone. Stay tuned for next year’s edition,where new stars will rise,and timeless melodies will be born.
For more details on the event and the full list of results, visit the official Muzikālā Banka page.
Interview with the Stars of “Muzikālā Banka 2023”
Dons on Winning with “Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts”
Q: Congratulations on your win, Dons! How does it feel to have “Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts” crowned as the most valuable song of the year?
Dons: Thank you so much! It’s an unbelievable honor, especially in a competition as prestigious as Muzikālā banka. This song is very personal to me, and to see it resonate with so many people is truly humbling.
Q: Can you share the inspiration behind the song?
dons: “Lauzto šķēpu karaļvalsts” is about resilience and finding strength in vulnerability. It’s a reminder that even when things seem broken, ther’s always a way to rebuild and move forward. I wanted to create something that woudl inspire listeners to keep going, no matter what challenges they face.
Sudden Lights on Their Second-Place Finish with “Mēs turpināmies”
Q: Sudden Lights,congratulations on placing second with “Mēs turpināmies”! How does it feel to have such a strong connection with your audience?
Sudden Lights: Thank you! It’s amazing to know that our music speaks to people on such a deep level. we’ve always believed in the power of music to bring people together, and this recognition is a testament to that belief.
Q: What was the creative process like for this song?
Sudden Lights: “Mēs turpināmies” was born out of a desire to express continuity and hope. We wanted to create a song that felt both introspective and uplifting, something that listeners could turn to in both good times and bad.
antra Stafecka and Ivo Grīsniņš-Grīslis on their Third-Place Hit “Dzīparos”
Q: Antra and Ivo, congratulations on your third-place finish! What does this recognition mean to you?
Antra Stafecka & Ivo Grīsniņš-grīslis: Thank you so much! It’s a huge honor to be recognized alongside such talented artists. This song is very dear to our hearts, and we’re thrilled that it has resonated with so many listeners.
Q: How did you approach writing “Dzīparos”?
Antra Stafecka & Ivo Grīsniņš-Grīslis: “Dzīparos” is a festivity of life’s unexpected moments. We wanted to capture the beauty and chaos of everyday experiences, blending traditional and modern elements to create something unique.
Conclusion
The 2023 edition of Muzikālā banka showcased the incredible talent and diversity within Latvian music.From Dons’ powerful anthem of resilience to sudden Lights’ message of continuity and Antra Stafecka and Ivo Grīsniņš-Grīslis’ celebration of life, this year’s winners have proven the enduring power of music to inspire, connect, and uplift. Here’s to another 25 years of celebrating the best in Latvian music!
