This summer, the tradition of the International Latvian Young Musicians’ Master Classes has been renewed

Interpretation of music today – this is the central theme of the XIV International Latvian Young Musicians’ Master Class. The program includes lectures, master classes, and concerts that will take place digitally and, with some exceptions, in person. The organizers of the master classes emphasize the importance of continuing the professional development of young musicians, even through online, because professional advice is very necessary for further growth. Also this year, the participants will have the opportunity to collaborate with performers, whom they do not meet on a daily basis.

The artistic director, composer Dace Aperāne, awaits the 14th International Master Classes of Latvian Young Musicians with bright feelings: “I am happy that our tradition of master classes continues this summer, despite the pandemic [..].

I am very grateful that we can also hold master classes in the digital environment.

Part of the closing concert will take place “live”, right on the spot. “

The leader of the master class, pianist Ventis Zilberts, shares the joy of the opportunity to work with Aperan. He does not deny that educating musicians and improving their skills in the digital environment remains what can be achieved by working face-to-face – they are only 65%. However, even in the current circumstances, using the opportunities that are available, it is important to maintain communication and come up with a professional name. As it turns out, the potential masters and lecture leaders, who were addressed at the beginning of the year, were also convinced of that.

The artistic director of the master classes in the Latvian Radio program “Kultūras rondo” points out that the tradition of introducing the participants to performing artists, whom they do not encounter in their educational institutions on a daily basis, remains unchanged:

“Meeting them with an excellent master is very inspiring. There will be new insights into your interpretations and perhaps a new recommendation.

Everyone will have a whole hour dedicated to working with great artists. ” Some teachers will also attend schools in person.

As a composer, Aperāne hopes to follow the composition seminars led by masters Gundega Šmite and Dimitris Maronidis from Greece.

During the master class, participants will create new compositions for solo voice, which will be interpreted by mezzo-soprano Helena Sorokina. Video recordings of the new works will be heard in the July 24 concert.

Other professionals from Latvia will also share their experience in the 14th International Latvian Young Musicians’ Master Classes – Agnese Egliņa, Guntars Freibergs, Antra Jankava, Dita Krenberga, Ēriks Kiršfelds, Guntis Kuzma, Andrejs Osokins, Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča, Reinis Zūmane – Pauls Berkolds, Ilona Kudiņa, from Australia – Jānis Laurs and from Germany – Andris Dārziņš. The main lectures will be given by musicologist Boris Avramecs and pianist Diāna Zandberga.

The master course leader discovers that

The laconic opening concert is dedicated to our composers, who are celebrating significant anniversaries this year, and they are Imants Zemzaris and Pēteris Vasks.

Zemzar’s work will feature the opus of the youth days “Liv Songs”, which Kirschfeld has put on cello and piano, as well as the opus, the name of which Zilbert offers to decipher as “The First Truth”.

Asked whether he himself has noticed changes in the way he feels and interprets music over the years, Ventis Zilberts answers: “Over time, the perception of compositions, of tempo, of some nuances changes. You could say with a little smile that comes the wisdom present to the performer and the experience. The basic things remain – the stylistic features that come from the composer, the seal of tradition, which is important. ” However, he does not always agree with his interpretations of his youth – from time to time he has to think that he would play it exactly the same today.

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