A Centennial Celebration of Music and Culture: The Latgale Song Festival in Daugavpils
This summer, the city of Daugavpils will host a historic event—the Latgale Song Festival, marking its 100th anniversary. The festival, set to take place at the iconic Hive Stage, will be a cornerstone of Latvian cultural heritage, celebrating a century of music, tradition, and community.
The festival is part of a broader cultural celebration in Latvia, coinciding with the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Celebration in Riga. Both events highlight the nation’s commitment to preserving and promoting its musical traditions, with a particular focus on engaging the younger generation.
The Maestro Behind the Music
At the helm of this monumental event is Evgeny Ustinskov, the festival’s chief conductor and artistic director. A graduate of the Daugavpils Music School and a seasoned educator,ustinskov has spent over two decades nurturing young talent. His work with choirs, including the renowned boys’ choir—one of the best in Latvia—has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
“Yes, our schools united, now we are a high school, but we have preserved all our choirs, as well as the boys’ choirs, one of the best in Latvia, including the girls’ choirs and, of course, the lovely choir, which sings about 50 students,” Ustinskov shared.
A Repertoire That Resonates
The festival’s repertoire, meticulously curated over two years, is designed to captivate both performers and audiences. It features songs inspired by Latvian poets, including works by the late Janis Peters and the uplifting anthem “Follow Their Dreams” by Uldis Marhilevich.
“The repertoire is big, we have been working on it for two years, I hope the holiday will be splendid as the repertoire is wonderful and the songs are very fond of students,” Ustinskov noted.
Latvian language teachers have praised the festival for introducing students to the works of prominent Latvian poets, enriching their understanding of the nation’s literary heritage.
Music as a Language of Unity
For many students, particularly those from minority backgrounds, singing in the choir has become a powerful tool for learning Latvian.
“of course, singing in the choir helps to learn Latvian, because we mostly sing songs in Latvian,” Ustinskov explained. “Wherever we need,we translate,especially in the younger classes. Then the language remains better in memory. Not all children know the official language so well. Singing the language is easier to learn, just like the pronunciation.”
This approach not only fosters linguistic skills but also strengthens cultural identity, making the festival a celebration of both music and unity.
A Legacy of Excellence
Ustinskov’s journey in music began at the Daugavpils Music School, where he studied under the renowned Teresa Brock. Recognizing a lack of young voices, particularly among boys, he dedicated himself to nurturing new talent, eventually forming a male choir and other ensembles that have become integral to the festival’s success.
Key Highlights of the Latgale Song Festival
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Hive Stage, Daugavpils |
| date | Summer 2025 |
| Importance | 100th anniversary of the Latgale Song Festival |
| Conductor | Evgeny Ustinskov |
| Repertoire | Songs by Latvian poets, including Janis peters and Uldis Marhilevich |
| Special Focus | Engaging the younger generation and promoting Latvian language and culture |
Join the Celebration
the Latgale Song festival is more than just a musical event—it’s a testament to Latvia’s enduring cultural spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of choral music or a newcomer eager to experience Latvian traditions,this centennial celebration promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Mark your calendars and join us in Daugavpils for a summer of song, unity, and heritage. For more details, visit the official Latgale Song festival page.
A Teacher Who Loves His Job: Evgeny Ustinskov and the Power of Music in Daugavpils
In the heart of Daugavpils, Latvia, music is more than just an art form—it’s a way of life. At the center of this musical tradition is Evgeny Ustinskov, a dedicated choir conductor whose passion for teaching and love for his students have made him a beloved figure in the community.
The Role of a Choir Conductor: Educator, Psychologist, and Mentor
Evgeny Ustinskov is not just a conductor; he is an educator, psychologist, and mentor rolled into one. As he puts it, “The leader of the choir is not only an educator but also a psychologist.He must understand the wishes of the young, and he is also a teacher.” This multifaceted approach has allowed him to connect deeply with his students, fostering an environment where they can thrive both musically and personally.
His teaching philosophy is rooted in a balance of firmness and love. “Without some firmness, you can’t achieve results, it’s just like in sports, but you also need to love children. Then the children will give their hearts,” he explains. This combination of discipline and affection has earned him the admiration of his students, who describe him as “firm but very good.”
A Tradition of Music and Community
Music has long been a cornerstone of Latvian culture, and the tradition of the Song Festival is a testament to its enduring significance. In Daugavpils,this tradition is kept alive by the efforts of educators like Ustinskov and the enthusiasm of young singers.
Students at Ustinskov’s school begin singing from the first grade, immersing themselves in music for 12 years. “It is important that the children start singing from the first grade, then it leaves a lasting impact,” he notes. This early exposure helps cultivate a lifelong appreciation for music and ensures the continuity of Latvia’s rich choral heritage.
Despite challenges, such as the decline in choir participation following the COVID-19 pandemic, Ustinskov remains optimistic. “We had difficult times after the pandemic,when the number of singers and choirs had really decreased,but it was gradually recovering. I hope the number will be higher each year,” he says.
The Heart of the Choir
For Ustinskov’s students, singing is more than just an activity—it’s a passion. “We like to sing; music is our lives.so we sing in the choir, every week we go to the choir to sound the song in our hearts,” one student shared. This dedication is a testament to the impact of Ustinskov’s teaching and the supportive environment he has created.The choir’s commitment to their craft is also a reflection of their love for their conductor. “He is firm but very good. We like him, have a good teacher, love our job, and we like to sing,” another student added.
Continuing the Legacy
As the choir prepares for the next Song Festival, their focus remains on honoring tradition while embracing the future. ”We continue the tradition of continuing the Song Festival,” a student proudly stated. This dedication to preserving Latvia’s musical heritage ensures that the next generation will carry the torch forward.
Evgeny Ustinskov’s work is a shining example of how passion, dedication, and love can transform lives. Through his leadership,the students of Daugavpils are not just learning to sing—they are learning to express themselves,connect with others,and carry forward a legacy that is deeply rooted in their culture.
| Key Highlights |
|———————|
| Conductor: Evgeny Ustinskov |
| Location: Daugavpils, Latvia |
| Teaching Philosophy: Firmness combined with love |
| Tradition: Continuation of the Song Festival |
| Student Perspective: “Music is our lives” |
For more inspiring stories about educators and their impact, visit Latvian Radio.Evgeny Ustinskov, a renowned choir master and artistic director, continues to inspire both his colleagues and students with his dedication to Latvian choir music. Working alongside Angela Peceviča, a school music teacher, Ustinskov has earned praise for his professionalism and welcoming demeanor. ”With Evgeny Ustinskov, it is very nice to work because he is a big professional, a great master,” Peceviča shared. “He has the choir ‘Daugava,’ the ‘Forte’ choir, and also our school choir. He is always the most welcoming.”
This year holds special significance as Latvia celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first Song Festival in Latgale. Ustinskov, who has served as the artistic director for multiple festivals, including those in 2005, 2010, and 2015, is once again at the forefront of this cultural milestone. “With the Latgale Song Festival, there is an active process now,” he explained. “Over 80 choirs have already applied, but the application time has not yet been completed. It will be a big celebration with a large number of participants, including not only choirs but also brass bands, accordion orchestras, and dancers.”
The festival, set to take place on the Stropu Stage in Daugavpils this summer, promises to be a grand event. Ustinskov expressed his enthusiasm for the widespread participation, noting, ”I like that there is a lot of responsiveness from all over Latvia, all regions, collectives from Riga, Liepaja. I hope our holiday will be big and glamorous, working to be an interesting repertoire with such a Latgalian flavor.”
One of the highlights of Latgalian choir music is the piece “Behind the Azara High Colors,” which has become a regional symbol. Another popular piece, “Behind Azara Bolti Barzi,” arranged by Stanislav Brock, holds a special place in the hearts of locals. These compositions reflect the rich cultural heritage of Latgale and its enduring love for choir music.
Ustinskov remains optimistic about the future of Latvian choir traditions. “When it comes to Latvian choir music,I am optimistic,” he said. “I think everything will remain, and the singing tradition will evolve. It is very important, of course, the attitude of the country, but also our people. People have a tendency to sing, so the Song Festival will last forever.”
Key Highlights of the Latgale Song Festival 2023
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Anniversary | 100th anniversary of the first Song Festival in Latgale |
| Location | Stropu Stage, Daugavpils |
| Artistic Director | Evgeny Ustinskov |
| Participants | Over 80 choirs, brass bands, accordion orchestras, and dancers |
| Featured Music | “Behind the Azara high Colors,” “Behind Azara Bolti barzi” by Stanislav Brock |
The Latgale Song Festival is not just a celebration of music but a testament to the enduring spirit of Latvian culture. As Ustinskov and his team prepare for this monumental event, the anticipation grows for what promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.
