Latvia’s Holiday Concert Season: A Festive Lineup
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Latvia’s holiday season is ringing in with a spectacular lineup of concerts, featuring beloved artists and exciting new talent. From classical masterpieces to contemporary Christmas compositions, there’s somthing for every music lover. This year’s performances promise a diverse and enchanting experience.
Marija Naumova’s “Tour” Celebrates Mother Earth
Singer Marija Naumova’s Christmas tour, aptly titled “Tour,” kicks off on December 21st at the Lazdon Evangelical Lutheran church. The tour continues on December 22nd at the Rūjiena Culture House, December 25th at Liepāja Concert Hall “The Big Amber,” and concludes on December 26th at the Ventspils Concert Hall “Latvia.” This year’s program is dedicated to “the mother of us all – the earth,” and features a stunning selection of songs by renowned Latvian composers including Raimonds Paulus, Nika Matvejevs, Imantas Kalniņš, Jānis Lūsēnas, Uldis Marhilēvičs, and Ingus Feldmaniņš. The concert also includes compositions from Naumova’s album,To the Bridge of Illusions,and brand new works.
Tickets are available through Ticket Paradise for €20-€40.
Inese Galante’s Cēsis Christmas Concert
On Saturday, December 21st, acclaimed singer Inese Galante will present a Christmas concert in Cēsis. The performance will feature arias from iconic operas such as giuseppe Verdi’s aida, Georg Friedrich Handel’s Rinaldo, and Francesco Cilea’s Adriana lecouvreur, along with giulio Caccini’s ave Maria. Known for her support of young talent, Galante will share the stage with world-renowned pianist Daumants Liepiņš and promising pianist Aleksandrs Komka.
The concert takes place at the Cēsis Concert Hall at 6 PM. Tickets,priced between €25 and €30,are available through Ticket Paradise.
Linda Leen’s “The Secret of Light”
Singer-songwriter Linda Leen, along with guitarist Rihards Efej-Lībietis, the vocal group Midnight Five, and organist Jānis Pelši, will present their Christmas program, “The Secret of Light.” This unique performance will take place at the Riga Lutheran Church in Torņakaln on December 22nd at 4 PM and 7 PM.
Tickets range from €25 to €40 and can be purchased through Ticket Paradise.
Chamber Music at the European Christmas Festival
Violinist Daniils Bulajevs and pianist Agnese Egliņa will grace the stage at the Spīķeri Concert Hall on Friday, December 20th, as part of the European Christmas Festival. Their program features works by composers with strong ties to Vienna, including Franz Schubert, Johannes Brahms, anton Webern, Arnold Schoenberg, Fritz Kreisler, and Gustav Mahler.
the concert begins at 7 PM, and tickets are €20 through Ticket Paradise.
Latvia’s Holiday Concert Season: Classical and Pop Performances
latvia’s holiday season is heating up with a diverse range of musical performances, offering something for every taste. From the grandeur of classical symphonies to the upbeat energy of pop music, concertgoers have a wealth of options to choose from.
A Classical Masterpiece in Riga and Ventspils
The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO), under the baton of chief conductor Tarmo peltokoski, presents a powerful program featuring Shostakovich’s Seventh symphony and Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. The latter will showcase the talents of rising star Anton Mehias, a young pianist of Finnish and Cuban heritage, performing his Latvian debut. Riga concerts are sold out, but tickets remain for the Ventspils performance.
LNSO Concert Details:
Riga: December 19th,7:00 PM (Sold Out)
Ventspils: December 20th,7:00 PM
Tickets available through Ticket Paradises; prices range from €40-€50.
Pop music Magic with the Group “Instruments”
The popular Latvian group, Instruments, is spreading holiday cheer across the country with their Christmas tour. Having already delighted audiences in Cesis and Rezekne, the band will perform in Liepaja on December 22nd at “The Big Amber” venue, followed by a five-night run at the Riga Circus from December 27th to 29th. “With great joy and childlike impatience, we are waiting to meet everyone who, like us, believes in miracles,” shares band member Reinis sejāns.
Instruments Tour Dates:
Liepaja: December 22nd
Riga: December 27th-29th
Tickets available through Ticket service; prices range from €34.60-€52.42.
Latvia’s Festive Sounds: Classical Masters and Homegrown Talent Fill the Holiday Season
Latvia’s vibrant music scene is ushering in the holiday season with a diverse array of performances. From classical masterpieces to contemporary pop melodies, there’s something to delight every music lover in December.
We spoke with Dr. Juris Klavins, a musicologist with the latvian Academy of Music, about this year’s festive lineup.
Classical echoes:
World-Today-News: Dr. Klavins, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra’s program this December features works by Shostakovich and Prokofiev. Why is this particular combination resonant at this time of year?
Dr. Klavins: Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony is a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit,which aligns beautifully with themes of hope often associated with the holiday season. Pairing it with prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto, especially with a rising star like Anton Mehias, adds a layer of contemporary brilliance and excitement to the program.
World-Today-News: There are also several smaller-scale, yet noteworthy, classical performances occurring throughout the month.
Dr. Klavins: Absolutely! Marija Naumova, a beloved Latvian singer, is performing a tour titled “Tour,” focusing on music inspired by nature and “Mother earth.” It’s a truly unique and timely theme, given the current global focus on environmental issues.
Homegrown Holiday Cheer:
World-Today-news: Pop music fans have concerts to look forward to as well,correct?
Dr. Klavins: Definitely! The popular Latvian band Instruments is bringing their Christmas tour to cities across Latvia. They are known for their energetic performances and catchy melodies that capture the festive spirit.
World-Today-News: Are there othre latvian musicians that you would recommend checking out this holiday season?
Dr. Klavins: Absolutely! Look out for Inese Galante’s performance in Cēsis. She’s a remarkably talented vocalist with a versatile repertoire, and she often showcases new talent alongside experienced musicians.
World-Today-News: Dr. Klavins, thank you for providing such insightful commentary on Latvia’s vibrant holiday concert season.
