Outstanding Latvian artists, loved by the public, participated in the festive event: author and muse of the project “Christmas Preludes”, opera diva Inese Galante, world-famous composer and organist Aivars Kalējs, pianist – virtuoso Andrejs Osokins , Jāzepa Mediņa Riga 1st The director of the boys’ choir of the Romāna Vanaga School of Music under the guidance, as well as in line with one of the main objectives of the Inese Galante Foundation – to support talented young performers, the winners of the “Inese Galante Talents” competition took part in the concert competition – pianist Marija Michela Jaunzeme, violinist Andrejs Yegorovs, cellist Katrīna Anna Rando, pianist Daniils Mickevičs, as well as brilliant singers who have already become LNO soloists – tenor Artjoms Safronovs and soprano Viktorija Pakalniece.
The canonical Christmas compositions of the world’s greatest composers resounded in the vaults of the domed church. In the masterful performance of Andrejs Kalėjs, the music of Handel and Monteverdi was revealed in all its magnificence, the Christmas composition “O sanctissima” (“Oh, happy”) was played, Andrejs Osokins performed Bach’s pieces – Prelude in B minor and Largo from Concerto for harpsichord with orchestra in F minor.
The inimitable and velvety titular soprano Inese Galante has performed famous pieces by Caccini, Verdi, Albioni, Pergoleze. D. Pergolēze’s most popular composition “Stabat mater” was brilliantly performed by two sopranos in a duet with Viktorija Pakalniec. The tenor Artyom Safronov performed the aria “Ombra mai fu” by G. Handel and “Pieta, Signore” by A. Stradella. Pianist Marija Michela Jaunzeme performed Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Etudes – a painting in G minor from Op. 33, while the trio – violinist Andrejs Yegorovs, cellist Katrīna Anna Rando and pianist Daniil Mickevičs – Bach’s aria “Erbarme dich, mein Gott” from the Matej Passion. The boys’ choir of the 1st Jāzeps Mediņš Riga music school traditionally sang one of the greatest Christmas compositions – the hymn “Silent night, holy night”.
At the end of the program, a musical surprise awaited the guests: Inese Galante sang in a duet with the young vocalist Germani Mironenko (13 years old), for whom it was the first performance for a wider audience.
Thanks to a unique lighting project created by the “NA company”, a unique Christmas atmosphere reigned in the Cathedral church. The luxurious and dynamic light decorations transformed the room, allowing the audience to enjoy a beautiful winter fairy tale. The scenography and the concept of the lighting solutions were developed by Diana Galante, director of the Inese Galante Foundation and producer of the event.
At the end of the festive evening, Inese Galante thanked the audience: “I want to thank the beloved audience, all the artists and partners who have already become a big family with us, for your love of music, your warm attitude and sincere. It’s wonderful that our meetings before Christmas have become a tradition, we share good mood, see each other’s smiles. May the new year bring us peace, love and hope!”
The “Christmas Prelude” concerts are organized by: Fondazione Inese Galante.
Event partners: Anders Walls Stiftelse, Turaida district, law office KLOTINI//SERGIS, Latvijas Nafta, Luxury Motors Latvia, LIDO, Laima, Lavazza, typography Eveko, AS Antalis, Do you sell.
Information partners: Riga Vilnius publishing house, magazines Vip Lounge, Lublu!, Otkritij gorod, L’Officiel, Titanium, Subbota.
