Culture Programme

Latvian Presidency of the Council of the

January – June 2015

CONTEMPORANEITY UNIQUENESS

EXCELLENCE

Culture Programme Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

January – June 2015

Photo: f64 photo agency

Last year, when was awarded the title of the European Capital of Culture, The Latvian cultural events will take place in different European Union countries it became the focus of international attention. This will only increase with the (Belgium, , , the , Luxembourg, and ) and be- Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2015, and will signifi- yond – the USA, , Belarus, , China, etc. All of the Latvian embassies cantly draw the international public’s interest to our country and its culture. We are abroad will also take part in these events, and 76 world libraries will receive books proud that is not only in the spotlight of the political stage, but also has the about Latvia and Latvian cultural history as gifts. opportunity to showcase its rich culture, history and traditions to the international The Presidency has given Latvia a unique opportunity not only to be at the cen- community. tre of attention, but also to bring together the salient values of Latvian culture, and The extensive cultural programme in its contemporaneity, excellence and create outstanding and effective presentations in the main venues of the Presiden- uniqueness can be experienced in each of the programme’s six themed projects: cy in Riga, Brussels and Luxembourg, and elsewhere. the idea of a united ; the end of World War II; the road to contemporaneity We invite you to get to know Latvia! in professional art; the synthesis of artistic genres and addressing topical societal issues in art; and dance celebrations on the Amber Road; and engaging the diaspora in the Presidency. We are especially proud of the Latvian Star Programme, which brings together the most gifted and world-renowned artists – , , conductors, Edgars Rinkēvičs theatre companies, choirs and orchestras. Their performances will include classical and jazz concerts, opera, ballet and theatre, as well as art exhibitions and Minister for Foreign Affairs multimedia projects, literature readings and cinema days. of the Republic of Latvia

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Photo: J. deinats

“Someone great is someone who bears great responsibility,” said the classic Lat- resources or oil, but we consider that the wealth of our country and community vian poet Rainis whose 150th birthday we will celebrate in 2015. This is how Latvia, a lies in our creative and talented people, regardless of the fields they represent. small country in terms of geography and population, is feeling right now at the start who have already left their mark on the history of culture in Latvia and the of its first Presidency of the Council of the European Union. wider world include: Elīna Garanča, Aleksandrs Antoņenko, , , Gidons Krēmers, Pēteris Vasks, Alvis Hermanis, the Latvian Radio Choir, the For Latvia this is a time full of challenges and great opportunities. In 2014, Riga State Choir Latvija, Iveta Apkalna, Baiba Skride, Mikhail Baryshnikov, , was the European Capital of Culture and this year we have started our Presidency Vija Celmins, Gunnar Birkerts, Mark Rothko and many others who can trace their of the Council of the European Union. In addition, we are approaching 2018 when roots back to Latvia. several European countries – including Latvia – will celebrate 100 years of inde- pendence. When showcasing our culture to the world, we often talk about Latvian and culture is our strength and common identity, as you will identity, who we are, what our roots are and where we belong. What, however, certainly be able to witness if you spend any length of time in Latvia. We hope to does the world know about us? be able to showcase this national identity through the Presidency’s official cultural programme in the designated countries. In addition, Latvian embassies have also Latvia can be proud of its rich cultural heritage, ancient language and beautiful planned a variety of events during the Presidency. traditions which have been preserved and nurtured over hundreds of years and generations. It is said that only by understanding and respecting the past can one I am delighted that culture can act as a powerful ambassador in presenting Lat- fully understand the present. In Latvia, we attach great value to this aphorism in via to the world. Discover Latvia! our everyday life by creating a cultural space in which the old blends with the new, and the traces left by European and world culture naturally entwine with Latvian cultural symbols. Culture has had a great impact on the formation of Latvia as a country – both at the beginning of the 20th century and towards its end when Latvia regained its Dace Melbārde independence from the Soviet regime. We are truly proud of our Latvian culture Minister for Culture which is also enjoyed by the international community. Latvia is not rich in natural of the Republic of Latvia

4 5 Contents

Story of Presidency Logo ...... 8 Latvia ...... 31

Design of Latvia: The Official Souvenirs ...... 10 Belgium ...... 40

Kremerata Baltica Chamber Orchestra ...... 12 Belarus ...... 57

Sinfonietta Rīga Chamber Orchestra ...... 14 China ...... 61

Latvian Radio Choir ...... 16 France ...... 65

Latvian Radio Big ...... 18 Germany ...... 70

State Choir Latvija ...... 20 Italy ...... 75

Latvian National Symphony Orchestra ...... 22 Luxembourg ...... 79

Latvian Cinema Programme and Film Selection ...... 24 Russia ...... 87

The Presidency Venue ...... 26 Ukraine ...... 90

Literature Programme ...... 27 United Kingdom ...... 93

Travelling Exhibitions ...... 28 USA ...... 97

Special Edition 2 Euro Coin and Presidency Stamp ...... 30 Other Countries ...... 103

6 7 The Presidency Logo

esigning a special and unique logo has The circular shape of the grinding stone become a tradition for every country hold- suggests unity and wholeness – the commonly Ding the Presidency of the Council of the held ideals and values upon which the European European Union. The logo tells the story of each project is built. The dynamic movement of the nation – a story that is rooted in its individual his- rotating grinding stone brings about the energy tory and traditions, but at the same time reaches and growth with which Europe meets new towards the united future of the European Union. challenges. With Latvia at the wheel, Europeans The logo is one of the most visible symbols of the are certain to gain new perspectives. Latvian Presidency, and is used in documents, publications and presentations, souvenirs, and The author of the Latvian Presidency logo is objects in different environments, including the the graphic designer Gunārs Lūsis, who is best digital one. It also adorns the buildings of the known as the “Father of the Latvian Lat” as he Council of the EU in Brussels, event venues and designed the first coins used in Latvia after the brochures all around the world. country regained independence over twenty years ago. Last year, however, Latvia joined The logo for the Latvian Presidency is based the Eurozone and it has now begun its first on the classic image of a grinding stone, which Presidency of the Council of the European Union. has been known throughout Europe for centuries It is therefore very symbolic that Gunārs Lūsis and is rich in associations. The grinding stone designed the logo of the first Latvian Presidency – was once a significant innovation and a trigger another fresh challenge. of change in households across Europe. Today, it remains the instrument that brings about bread, Following the pattern of other Presidencies, the symbol of nourishment and prosperity. Made for the Presidency Culture Programme a special from stone, it can endure centuries of motion derivation of logo was created – as vibrant and and still sustain productivity. energetic as the cultural life in Latvia.

8 9 Design of Latvia: Official Souvenirs

ith special care we have selected extraor- dinary gifts for the heads of delegations in Wsome of the events. Bug is a Latvian brand that specializes in wooden accessories and was born as a contemporary take on the classic gentlemen’s bow tie. Using a unique technology and only natural traditional part of Presidency’s cultural and public diplomacy programme are the souvenirs: not materials, this twenty first century bow tie is hand only the official scarfs and ties, but also a special gift, representing the presiding nation’s culture, cut in Riga from the finest wood veneers, polished to Atraditions and design. In Latvia, this special gift is svilpaunieks (ceramic whistle). perfection with natural oils, wax or shellac. The clear sound of the svilpaunieks tells the story of Latvian ceramic tradition – a craft perfected over See more on www.bugbowtie.com hundreds of years that is still thriving today. There can be many forms of svilpaunieks, originating and derived from the Latvian flora and fauna. For the Presidency, we chose the form to be a bird. These svilpaunieki have been handmade by almost 40 ceramic artists from various parts of Latvia. It means that every single one of the little birds is unique, and, before opening the box, you can never know if you will find a pigeon, duck, owl, rooster or even a hoopoe there. The artisans have used very different techniques and stylistics. The oldest artisan is 83 years old, and the youngest one – 26. See more on www.eu2015.lv/svilpaunieks

unique technology is used also by Ginta Sičeva – Latvian designer who creates magnificent jew- ellery as well as other accessories like bags, scarves, gloves, hair and makeup accessories, carnival A masks, stationary and Christmas decorations. The accessories are laser cut and then hand-stitched from artificial leathers. For the Presidency, the artist has made three types of amazing brooches. See more on www.ginta.co.uk

special gift is prepared also for the heads of delegations in Eastern Partnership A Summit – silver brooches for the ladies and set of cufflinks for gentlemen, designed by the well-known Latvian metal design artist Juris raditionally the Presidency scarfs and ties are made of silk. Using the pattern of the Presidency logo – Gagainis and handmade in Latvia. The inspiration the motive of grinding-stone – this silk tie has been designed by Arvīds Priedīte, a well-known textile for this artwork he has drawn from the Latvian Tartist, interior designer and author of the design of several award-winning Latvian coins. ethnographic brooch sakta and the grinding- However, the scarf we chose to make from linen – a more traditional material for the Baltic region. stone of the Presidency logo, both in form and Using the colours of the Presidency logo – cool grey and red – this linen scarf has been designed by facture. In the centre of the brooch – a gilded Latvian textile artist Kristīne Ramane. circle of sun with a golden dewdrop, symbolically elevating Latvia in the light of European Union. 10 Photo: F64 Photo agency 11

including the Vienna Konzerthaus, Musikverein, all of the world’s leading violinists, Gidon Bozar, Carnegie Hall, Rudolfinum, the Royal Albert Kremer has perhaps had the most un- Hall, Suntory Hall, and many others. Since 2003 Of conventional career. Born in Riga, Latvia, Kremerata Baltica have also been holding their he began studying at the age of four with his father own festival in Sigulda, Latvia. They have released and grandfather, both of whom were distinguished more than twenty CDs, won Praemium Imperiale string players. At the age of seven, he entered Riga Grant for Young Artists in 2009, received Grammy . At sixteen, he was awarded his first Award and ECHO prize in 2002, were nominat- Grand Music Award of Latvia and two years later ed for another Grammy in 2015. Among the he began his studies with David Oistrakh at the celebrated soloists with whom Kremerata Baltica Conservatory. He went on to win presti- has played are soprano Jessye Norman, pianists gious awards including the 1967 Queen Elizabeth Martha Argerich, Mikhail Pletnev, Evgeny Kissin, Competition and first prize in both Paganini and Daniil Trifonov, and Oleg Maisenberg, violinists Tchaikovsky international competitions. Thomas Zehetmair and Vadim Repin, and cellists Boris Pergamenschikov, Yo-Yo Ma, and Mischa This success launched Gidon Kremer’s distin- Maisky, whilst conductors include Sir Simon Rattle, guished career, in the course of which he has Esa-Pekka Salonen, Christoph Eschenbach, Kent established a worldwide reputation as one of the Nagano, Heinz Holliger, and Vladimir Ashkenazy. most original and compelling artists of his gene­ Each of these musicians has contributed to the ration. He has appeared on virtually every major shaping of the chamber orchestra. concert stage with the most celebrated orchestras of Europe and North America. In addition, he has Essential to Kremerata Baltica’s artistic perso­ collaborated with today’s foremost conductors.

Photo: andreas malkmus nality is their creative approach to program- Gidon Kremer’s repertoire is unusually extensive, Photo: Kristaps kalns ming, which often looks beyond the mainstream encompassing all of the standard classical and ro- 1997, ’s legendary Lockenhaus and has given rise to numerous world premieres mantic violin works, as well as music by twen­tieth Prix du Disque, the Deutscher Schallplattenpreis, Chamber Music Festival was a witness to of works by composers such as Arvo Pärt, Giya and twenty-first century masters such as Henze, the Ernst-von-Siemens Musikpreis, the Bundesver- In a small revolution, when the violinist Gi- Kancheli, Pēteris Vasks, Leonid Desyatnikov and Berg and Stockhausen. He also championed the dienstkreuz, the Premio dell Accademia Musicale don Kremer presented a brand new orchestra by Alexander Raskatov. The orchestra’s wide-ranging works of living Russian and Eastern European Chigiana, the Triumph Prize 2000 (Moscow), the the name of Kremerata Baltica, which comprised and carefully chosen repertoire is also showcased composers and has performed many important Unesco Prize in 2001, the Saeculum-Glashütte a total of 23 young players from Latvia, in its numerous and much-praised CD record- new compositions, several of them dedicated to Original-Musikfestspielpreis Dresden in 2007 and and . They conquered the discerning ings. After Mozart, a twenty-first century take on him. He has become asso­ciated with such diverse the Rolf-Schock Prize in 2008, Stockholm, the audience immediately, injecting new blood into the , won the internationally-coveted composers as Alfred Schnittke, Arvo Pärt, Giya “Life Achievement” prize of the Istanbul Music the festival with their exuberance, energy and joy Grammy Award and German ECHO prize in Kancheli, Sofia Gubaidulina, Valentin Silvestrov, Festival in 2010, and the Una Vita Nella Musica – in playing. 2002. Some of the latest CDs from the record Luigi Nono, Aribert Reimann, Pēteris Vasks, John Artur Rubinstein Prize (Venice) in 2011 which label Nonesuch include De Profundis and Hymns Adams, Victor Kissine, Michael Nyman, Philip Glass, is considered to be the Nobel Prize of music, Kremerata Baltica, an educational project with and Prayers with Gidon Kremer, and The Art of Leonid Desyatnikov, and Astor Piazzolla, bringing among many others. a long-term vision, was Kremer’s fiftieth birthday Instrumentation: Homage to Glenn Gould (released their music to audiences in a way that respects present to himself: a way of passing on his rich in September 2012 for Glenn Gould’s eightieth tradition and yet remains contemporary. It would In 1997, he founded the Kremerata Baltica artistic experience to his young colleagues from birthday), an comprising eleven pieces be fair to say that no other soloist of his interna- chamber orchestra to foster outstanding young the Baltic States whilst making no compromises and by contemporary composers tional stature has done as much for contemporary musicians from the three Baltic States. Since on his artistic standards as he nurtured and that quote from or are inspired by works, mostly composers in the past thirty years. then, Mr Kremer has been touring extensively inspired musical life in the region. In a few years by , that Glenn Gould with the orchestra, appearing at the world’s most the talented group of musicians managed to de- famously recorded during his career. An exceptionally prolific recording artist, Gidon prestigious festivals and concert halls. Gidon velop into one of the best international chamber Kremer has made more than 120 , many Kremer plays a Nicola Amati, which is dated to orchestras in the world, and they have cemented The most recent recording was released in Ja­ of which brought him prestigious international 1641. He is also the author of four books that their international reputation in major concert nuary 2014, entitled Mieczysław Weinberg (ECM). awards and prizes in recognition of his exception- have been translated into a large number of venues around the world. It was recorded with Gidon Kremer and soloists al interpretative powers. These include the Grand languages, which reflect his artistic pursuits. at Neuhardenberg and Lockenhaus in 2012 and www.gidonkremer.net In the last fifteen years, Kremerata Baltica has 2013, and makes a strong case for Shostakovich’s www.kremeratabaltica.com played in more than fifty countries, performing assertion that Weinberg was one of the great in 600 cities and giving more than a thousand composers of his era. The recording was highly concerts across the world. It is one of the Euro- appreciated by music professionals and lovers Performing in: pean chamber orchestras that tours the most and recieved a Grammy nomination in “Classical Brussels, Belgium (see page 52 – 53) and has performed in the most prestigious halls, Compendium” category. Milan, Italy (see page 76) Luxembourg (see page 81) Odessa, Ukraine (see page 91) 12 13 Sinfonietta Rīga

uvenescent fervour and vitality, a thirst for Along with the concerts in Latvia and the knowledge and high levels of professionalism, Baltic States, Sinfonietta Rīga has toured Jexcellent work and enthusiasm, all of which and Paris, the Herkulessaal (Hercules Hall) in form part of the formula for the Sinfonietta Rīga Munich, and the Lincoln Center in New York. State Chamber Orchestra. Since the orchestra This year the orchestra is going to the Old Opera was founded in 2006, Normunds Šnē has been House (Alte Oper) in Frankfurt, the Laeiszhalle in its artistic director and chief conductor. The musi- , the Herkulessaal in Munich, and is cians of Sinfonietta Rīga are young and are open also ready for concerts at the Philharmonic Halls to creative challenge. They are studying the tra- in Kiev and St Petersburg. ditions of Baroque musical performances and the nuances behind the interpretation of Classical The contribution of Sinfonietta Rīga to the music; they are brilliant performers of contempo- recording of the album, Adam’s Lament, by rary music and do not shy away from non-aca- Estonian composer Arvo Pärt (ECM) has won a demic experiments and crossover projects. The Grammy Award; but the rest of the seven recor­ promotion of the genre of chamber symphony in ded albums have been released by the devoted Latvian music is among the orchestra’s ambitions, partners of Sinfonietta Rīga: Wergo, Ondine and and to this end Sinfonietta Rīga commissions a Challenge Records. Twice the orchestra has been new score twice a year. awarded the highest prize available in its country for achievement in culture and music, the Latvian Sinfonietta Rīga regularly enjoys collabo- Grand Music Award. rating with guest conductors. A number of programmes have been staged in cooperation Normunds Šnē is among those Latvian conduc- with Paavo and Kristjan Järvi, Heinz Holliger, tors who are eager to urge composers to write new John Storgårds, Christoph Poppen, Juha Kangas, opuses to be performed. All of the orchestras that Tõnu Kaljuste and Ariel Zuckermann. Brilliant he has initiated, be it the Riga Festival Orchestra soloists have performed together with Sinfo- or the predecessor of Sinfonietta Rīga – the Riga nietta Rīga: Monica Groop, Inga Kalna and Olga Chamber Musicians, were keen to perform those Pasichnyk (Pasiecznik); as well as pianists Kristian scores that were written in the twentieth and early Bezuidenhout and Alexander (Lexo) Toradze; the twenty-first centuries in order to single out the best most prominent Latvian organist, Iveta Apkalna, masterpieces and newly created opuses. Normunds violinists Kolja Blacher, Isabelle Faust, Tho­ Šnē has conducted the Latvian National Symphony mas Gould, Alina Pogostkina and Baiba Skride, Orchestra, the Liepāja Symphony Amber Sound Or- Augustin Dumay and Alexander Janiczek, plus chestra, and the Orchestra. the violist Maxim Rysanov, the trombone soloist He has worked with a number of internationally Christian Lindberg, jazz drummer Peter Erskine, renowned soloists: pianists Peter Donohoe and sllc “latvijas koncerti” publicity photo accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, flutist Patrick Kristian Bezuidenhout, violinists Tatiana Grindenko, Gallois and the experts in early music, Andrew Gidon Kremer, Alina Pogostkina, Vadim Gluzman, Lawrence-King and Enrico Onofri. The orchestra Baiba Skride and Isabelle Faust, cellists Natalia Performing in: is working together with the Latvian Radio Choir Gutman, , David Geringas and Minsk, Belarus (see page 58) and its conductor, Sigvards Kļava. Together, they Truls Mørk, trombone soloist Christian Lindberg, Frankfurt, Germany (see page 72) have staged several annual musical programmes percussionist Peter Erskin, jazzman Joe Zawinul, Hamburg, Germany (see page 72) including the first performances of Latvian sacred and others. Normunds Šnē was amongst the Munich, Germany (see page 72) music. founders of the ARENA New Music Festival in Latvia St Petersburg, Russia (see page 88) in 2003. He is still also an oboist. Kiev, Ukraine (see page 91) www.sinfoniettariga.lv

14 15 The Latvian Radio Choir

he Latvian Radio Choir (the LRC) ranks The choir has participated in the top interna- among the top professional chamber choirs tional musical forums in Salzburg and Montpel- Tin Europe, and its refined taste for musical lier, the Baltic Sea Festival, Klangspuren Schwaz, material, its fineness of expression and vocals La Musica, Ultima, the , the White that are of unbelievably immense compass have Light Festival USA, and Soundstreams in Canada; charted its course as a noted brand on the world and has performed in renowned concert halls stage. Since 1992, the LRC has two conductors, such as the Concertgebouw and Muziekgebouw in Sigvards Kļava as the musical director and prin- Amsterdam, the Konzerthaus in Berlin, and Cité cipal conductor, and Kaspars Putniņš. de la Musique in Paris, the Lincoln Center in New York, and in Dresden’s Frauenkirche. The LRC The LRC’s repertoire ranges from Renaissance has successfully worked with many outstanding music to the most sophisticated scores by guest conductors, including Riccardo Muti, Heinz modern composers; and it could be described as Holliger, Lars Ulrik Mortensen, Stephen Layton, a sound laboratory in which the singers explore Tõnu Kaljuste, James Wood, and Essa-Pekka their skills by turning to the mysteries of tradi- Salonen, amongst others. tional singing, as well as to the art of quartertone and overtone singing and other sound produc- The Latvian Radio Choir records on a regular tion techniques. The choir has established a new basis. Every season, three or four new CDs appear understanding of the possibilities inherent in the in collaboration with labels such as Hyperion human voice; one could also say that the choir Records, BIS, GB Records, Ondine, and Naïve. is the creator of a new choral paradigm: every Released on the ECM label, the opus by Estonian singer is a distinct individual with his or her own composer Arvo Pärt, entitled Adam’s Lament, vocal signature and roles in performances. The received the prestigious Grammy for the best expertise of singers has made the LRC a remark- choral performance: the LRC, along with ably flexible ensemble that is able to deal with the chamber orchestra, Sinfonietta Rīga, the vocal and instrumental music, as well as with ensemble, Vox Clamantis, the Estonian Philhar- operatic performances, multi-media projects, monic Chamber Choir and the Tallinn Chamber intimate a capella talks, and theatrical shows in Orchestra took part in the recording under the which singers can express themselves as soloists baton of Tõnu Kaljuste. and talented actors. Amongst the most valued recordings is Sergey LRC concert programmes always contain Rachmaninov’s All-Night Vigil (praised in February well-considered and refined musical messa­ 2013 by the renowned music magazine, Gramo- ges. These include Sacred Chants, Night Prayer, phone, as the best recording and ranked as one Meeting in Music, Evening Conversations at of the 25 best albums of the year by American St John’s, and various projects with contemporary radio station, NPR). The choir has also participa­ composers, among many others. Every year, the ted in the recording of the latest album by Elīna choir commissions about ten new works from Garanča released by one of the world’s oldest Latvian composers. The choir actively popula­rises and most respectable recording companies, the music of Latvian composers around the Deutsche Grammophon, in October 2014. world. The choir’s recordings of works by Ēriks Ešenvalds, Kristaps Pētersons, and Mārtiņš Viļums The choir has been awarded the most es- publicity Photo have won each of them first prize at the UNESCO teemed musical prize in Latvia, the Grand Music International Rostrum of Composers. The LRC is Award, a total of seven times (in 1994, 2000, Performing in: one of the four founders of the European profes- 2004, 2005, 2007, 2010 and 2011). In autumn Bruges, Belgium (see page 50) sional chamber choirs’ association, Tenso. In 2010 2014 LRC also received the Award of the Cabinet Brussels, Belgium (see page 51) the LRC was proud to complete the international of Ministers – the highest official award for an Minsk, Belarus (see page 58) overtone singing project, Consrescence, which outstanding contribution in Latvian music and Naples, Italy (see page 77) was curated by Lasse Thoresen. achievements on the international stage. Kiev, Ukraine (see page 91) www.radiokoris.lv London, United Kingdom (see page 94)

16 17 Latvian Radio Big Band and

ne of the greatest Latvian composers in the fields of , jazz, and clas- Osical music is the pianist Raimonds Pauls (born 1936). He is one of the most famous Latvi- an composers not only in Latvia but also beyond its borders. His music has been performed in countless countries, in the most prestige concert halls. His rich, creative imagination has combined the intonations of Latvian , jazz, blues, rock’n’roll, French chanson, German schlager, and popular with elements of world- wide trends, creating modern, interesting, and democratic music for everyone. Built on modern rhythms and arrangements, his refined sense of harmony helps the composer to avoid the monotony that is unfortunately present in many contemporary examples of pop music. Pauls is often the interpreter or the concert master for performers of his compositions. His piano playing latvian radio big band style is marked by a very individual, accented short touch, making his style easy to recognise. pianist, composer, maestro raimonds pauls However, he is not afraid to trust other creative cert shows. He has filled the post of minister of “The Latvian Radio Big Band is great. This big band deserves a bright and spectacular future!” collectives with interpreting his compositions culture for the Republic of Latvia and has served — Kurt Elling while he also brings together special groups of as the artistic director of numerous musical “The Latvian Radio Big Band is a Latvian treasure.” performing artists by producing his own music. collectives and the organiser of musical contests. — Peter Eldridge, New York Voices This maestro has also composed music for Maestro Raimonds Pauls is a winner of numerous films, the theatre, and the ballet, as well as for awards and has been named Commander of the he Latvian Radio Big Band has played a trumpeter and flugelhornist, Randy Brecker, and musicals; he has done numerous seasonal con- Three Star Order of Latvia. significant part in the history of Latvian jazz singer Ester Rada, as well as the Mare Balticum Tmusic and, since 2012, after a sixteen year project which was developed under the aegis of www.raimondspauls.lv break, the legendary jazz band has resumed its the Capital of Culture Riga 2014 programme and www.rigasritmi.lv active creative existence. The leader of the Lat- featured the great Australian multi-instrumen- vian Radio Big Band is the artistic director of the talist, trumpet specialist James Morrison. On 28 Rigas Ritmi international music festival and the November, within the framework of the project, a Performing in: Riga Jazz Stage international jazz artistes contest, unique body of musical material was performed Brussels, Belgium (see page 56) and producer, Māris Briežkalns, while in the shape of Latvian songs of the sea, arranged Moscow, Russia (see page 88) the other leader, and also conductor and musi- in jazz rhythms. cian, is Kārlis Vanags, with Maestro Raimonds Pauls serving as the orchestra’s patron. In 1966, both the Latvian Radio Big Band (then named Latvian SSR Television) and the Radio The big band performs quality jazz music and Popular Music Orchestra were founded. In 1992 recordings in collaboration with world class artists they were combined under the new name of the which include Italian singer Roberta Gambarini, Radio Light and Jazz Music Orchestra. Their first jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, drummer Jojo Mayer, and leader and conductor was composer Ringolds vocal band New York Voices. Maestro Raimonds Ore and, from 1968 to 1991, violin player and Pauls and the renowned Georgian composer, Giya arranger Alnis Zaķis. The Latvian Radio Big Band Kancheli, have made special arrangements of their has also been led by Raimonds Pauls and Gunārs compositions for the big band. Rozenbergs. However, in 1996 the orchestra was disbanded. After its liquidation, development of In 2014 the big band was working on several the jazz movement in Latvia was taken up by the projects, in particular the closing concert for the Rigas Ritmi festival. At the moment the Latvian international music festival, Rigas Ritmi 2014, Radio Big Band exists under the management of which took place on 5 July at the Riga Congress PLLC Latvijas Koncerti and the Rigas Ritmi festival Centre and featured Grammy Award-winning on a project-by-project basis.

18 19 The State Choir Latvija

he State Choir Latvija is one of the greatest conductors such as Mariss Jansons, Zubin Mehta, beacons of Latvian culture with its rays of Neeme and Paavo Järvi, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Tmusical sunshine and its perfect, warm, Valery Gergiev, Simone Young, Stephen Layton, instrumentally nuanced vocal tradition, and the Andris Nelsons, Vladimir Fedoseyev, etc. It has also peculiar sound of Latvian choir culture, which been part of recordings that have been produced seems so marvellous to the rest of the world. It is by Warner Brothers, Harmonia Mundi, Wergo, and no wonder that the world’s greatest orchestras and Ondine, as well as numerous music recordings by conductors want to see the largest professional Latvian, German, and other production compa- choir in the Baltics in their concert programmes nies. The choir is a seven-time winner of Latvia’s on a regular basis. Since 1997 the artistic leader Grand Music Award, winner of the Cabinet of and chief conduc­ ­tor of the choir has been Māris Ministers’ award in 2003, and also of the annual Sirmais, while its director has been Māris Ošlejs. award by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic In 2017 the State Choir Latvija will celebrate its of Latvia in 2007. The choir’s greatest achieve- seventy-fifth anniversary. ment is a series of concerts with Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and conductor The musical intelligence and vocal skills of its Mariss Jansons on a world tour to celebrate the fifty members makes it a universal team that is orchestra’s 125th anniversary. capable of painting exquisite a cappella murals and creating a magnificent vocal symphony In Latvia, particularly cherished is the Annual with a triple orchestra. The choir has collaborated Sacred Music Festival, which was first organised with world class symphonic orchestras, such as in 1998 by the State Choir Latvija, and which Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, has featured special guests that included world the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, the famous composers Arvo Pärt, Giya Kancheli, John London Philharmonic Orchestra, the Berliner Phil- Tavener, Sofia Gubaidulina, Valentyn Sylvestrov, harmoniker, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and John Rutter, Krzysztof Penderecki, etc. the Philharmonic Orchestra, and also with Finnish, Singaporean, Israeli, German, US, Estoni- This choir is an internationally-demanded, an, Muscovite, and symphony solid trademark, and an academic value that is Photo: ansis starks orchestras. The choir has performed in prestig- always open to innovative projects, covering ious concert halls all around the world, including everything from collaborating with musicians of Performing in: the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, the Laeiszhalle the likes of Sigur Rós, performing jazz composi- Riga, Latvia (see page 32 and 38) Hamburg, the Culture and Congress Centre in tions by Joe Zawinul, performing with Kristjan Paris, France (see page 68) Lucerne, the Hall in Montreux, the Jaärvi’s electro-acoustic band, Absolute Ensemble, Berlin, Germany (see page 71) Gasteig München, the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in creating computer game and soundtrack record- New York, USA (see page 100) Moscow, the Saint Petersburg Philharmonic, the ings, and providing operatic concert perfor- Lincoln Center in New York City, and many more. mances and vocal instrumentals to large-scale The choir has performed with numerous great performances. www.koris.lv

20 21 The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra

he Latvian National Symphony Orchestra but demanding, even to the extent of being (the LNSO) is one of the cornerstones of Lat- picky. However, this resulted in a slow but even Tvian culture, the animator of achievements improvement in the orchestra’s ensemble playing in musical creativity, the keeper and polisher of that reached a level of freedom and uplift in the classical treasures, and a source of thoughtful performance that earlier had been witnessed relaxation. only on rare occasions. Moreover, the allure of Chichon’s personality, his complete devotion to The LNSO was founded in 1926 as the Latvian music-making, resulted in a rapid increase in the Radio Symphony Orchestra. In the years follow- number of concert goers. ing the war, despite the initially quite crippled and deformed repertoire policy, the orchestra From October 2013 the chief conductor of the even managed to get state support (as a LNSO is Andris Poga. Alongside these duties he mouthpiece for propaganda), and the conduc- continues to work as assistant (from 2011) to the tors, together with some of the Latvian Radio music director of L’Orchestre de Paris, Paavo Järvi, management, created the possibility of gradually and assistant conductor (from 2012) with the being able to free themselves of the dross and Boston Symphony Orchestra. ideological demands. The explosive and colourful personality of Leonīds Vīgners stood out Apart from the conductors mentioned, over especially (chief conductor in 1949–1963 and the years the orchestra has worked with many 1966–1975). Many of the concerts he conducted outstanding conductors and internationally created a true furore, setting both orchestra and acclaimed soloists. Among them we could name public alight in genuine flames of art. Edgars such masters as Valery Gergiev, Arvīds and Mariss Tons’ time as chief conductor was short (1963– Jansons, Kristjan, Neeme and Paavo Järvi, Kirill 1966) but brilliant and richly creative. The instal- Kondrashin, Kurt Masur, Krzysztof Penderecki, lation of Vassily Sinaisky (1975–1987) brought , Leonard Slatkin, Yuri new breath, musical gravitas and greatness. Simonov and Evgeny Svetlanov. These days we This charismatic and well-educated musician can also add our own Andris Nelsons to the (alongside , he had also studied the list. Amongst the finest soloists we should note piano and ) integrated smoothly into Natalia Gutman, Van Cliburn, Alexander Knyazev, the orchestra’s best traditions, often creating real Alexei Lyubimov, David Oistrakh, Vadim Repin, music festivals for everyone (including expansive Sviatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostropovich, Grigory vocal-symphonic compositions as well as the Sokolov, Rodion Shchedrin (as soloist and con- great works of and Gustav ductor), Paul Tortelier, Maxim Vengerov. Early on, Mahler). In addition, Sinaisky was responsible this stellar constellation had included numerous for introducing a great many Latvian works into home-grown stars who are now widely known Photo: agnese tauriņa the concert scene, primarily the monumental in the world: Elīna Garanča, Ilze Graubiņa, Filippe Performing in: symphonies of Jānis Ivanovs. Hirschhorn, Inga Kalna, Maija Kovaļevska, Gidon Riga, Latvia (see page 32) Kremer, Mischa Maisky, Kristīne Opolais, Marina Paris, France (see page 68) For several years the chief conductors were Rebeka, Egils Siliņš, Baiba Skride, Vestards Šim- foreign musicians. Paul Mägi (1990–1994) kus, and Egils Upatnieks to name a few. brought intelligence and demanded much from the orchestra. To a certain extent this was There’s another aspect to the life of the continued by the work of Olari Elts (2001–2006) orchestra that deserves special mention: their that stood out with the diversity of programmes, concert tours in Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech sophisticated musicianship and restrained Republic, Gibraltar, Greece, Italy, Japan (Suntory elegance. A major turn and a leap in quality was Hall, Tokyo), Russia (the Great Hall of the Moscow seen when Karel Mark Chichon took over the Conservatory), the Netherlands (Concertgebouw, reins in 2009, having worked with the orchestra Amsterdam), , , Portugal, , before on several occasions. As the leader of the Spain, Switzerland, Germany (Berlin State Opera, orchestra, Chichon was considerate, low-key Leipzig Gewandhaus) and Sweden. www.lnso.lv

22 23 Latvian Cinema Days in Europe and Film Selection

pon becoming the presiding country of In the realm of documentary films, Latvia’s ceive recognition from film critics and accolades the Council of the European Union, it is name has been written into the pages of film his- in international film festivals, and films that are Uvery important that Latvia demonstrates tory since the early 1960s by means of a particular aimed at a wide range of viewers, including both to other countries what kind of a country it phenomenon, this being the school of poetic quality family films, as well as historically patriotic really is. This should be done not simply by documentary film with an entire range of directors and comprehensive productions. Ideally, it is pointing it out on a map and not by citing pop- and cameramen active in this field. The likes of possible to bring together both of these trends, ulation figures and economic indicators, but by Hercs Franks, and Ivars Seleckis as with director Jānis Nords’ feature, Mammu, portraying its soul and depicting emotions that all achieved worldwide fame in their respective es tevi mīlu (Mother, I Love You, 2013). An award are typical only to this country. In seeking to eras, and the film collection includes their legend- at the Berlin International Film Festival and fulfil this aim there is no more potent tool than ary films as well as those of other filmmakers. recognition at a number of other festivals did film. This synthesis of various art forms not only not prevent the film from being well received by supplies effect with story and other ‘measurable Animation was born comparatively late in viewers at home. quantities’; much more so, it speaks the lan- Latvia – only in the mid-1960s. However, from the guage of feelings, demonstrating the mentality start, two equally powerful, talented personali- Contemporary documentary film demonstrates of the people through intangible nuances. Film ties simultaneously developed this genre in two the tremendously broad range of genres, from is also the most accurate testimony of an era different energy-based directions. For almost pictorial examples of contemplative documen- down to the most minute detail, reflecting a thirty years, director Arnolds Burovs was show- taries to works enriched with visually surprising world of changing events over the course of an ing the way by putting in place a stable founda- and internationally significant historical research; entire century. tion for stop motion (puppet) animation, while from extravagant documentaries of multilayered the creative tandem of director Roze Stiebra and saturation to attractive stories of ‘common people’ The National Film Centre of Latvia has devel- cameraman (later director and producer) Ansis that nevertheless pose important questions about oped a portrait in the form of a comprehensive Bērziņš worked productively and successfully, life and even film. collection of films, ranging from the classics to the first using the cut-out technique and, beginning contemporaries and encompassing seventy films in the early 1980s, also drawn animation to tell In terms of the number of films, the most com- of various lengths and genres, these being the their stories. prehensive part of the collection is comprised most poignant and characteristic pages of Latvian of contemporary animation films. This is also the film. These collections are to be sent to Latvian Shortly before the turn of the century, togeth- genre that brings contemporary Latvia its most embassies worldwide. er with the whole of society Latvian film expe- diverse and numerous points of recognition on rienced radical changes. The country regained the international film scene. Signe Baumane, The classics section of the film collection independence, and both the economic situation Vladimirs Leščovs (Vladimir Leschiov), Nils shows that Latvia was already a fully-fledged as well as the circumstances for creative work Skapāns and others are world-famous auteur European country long before it joined the changed at their very core. This, however, did not filmmakers who work in animation. Latvian films European Union. Feature films from this period affect the creative potential of the filmmakers. have been included in the programmes of the (the 1960s to the 1980s) demonstrate a broad This is demonstrated in the contemporary sec- most significant animation festivals, for example spectrum from temperamental nineteenth cen- tion of the film collection, which is comprised of Annecy International Animation Film Festival tury melodramas based on literary works to the live-action feature films as well as documentaries, and the Short Films Section of the Cannes Film Soviet-era domestic comedy that has become with animation for children as well as adults. Festival, where the Latvian film To Swallow a Toad folklore, and the most popular Latvian film of all (2009) was included. Available for viewing are time; from the ironically striking social criticisms The contemporary feature film set indicates two feature-length animation films, an indication of the 1930s to a story of forbidden love without that in twenty-first century Latvia two trends are of the maturity of the animation field and its a happy end. And we even have our own ‘new equally apparent – marked auteur films that re- professional ability. wave’, just like the French or the Czechs – the www.nkc.gov.lv free thought of the 1960s and a yearning for spiritual disengagement, a rebellious hero, and a system that seeks to destroy him. Stills from the documentary, Ten Minutes Older (Hercs Franks, 10’, Rigas Kinostudija, 1978)

Watch Latvian Cinema in: Belgium (see page 48 – 49) Belarus (see page 60) Ukraine (see page 92)

24 25 The Presidency Venue – Exchange Programme the Castle of Light for Writers and Translators

elebrating the trio Presidency of Italy, important as the future. Its historic former town Latvia and Luxembourg, an exchange hall has been remodelled as a centre for writers C programme for writers and translators has and translators from around the world, providing been organized in cooperation with an opportunity for them to meet and work. “Here, Writers’ and Translators’ House of Latvia. One Ital- everything is in one place: solitude and conversa- ian and one Luxembourgian writer or translator tion, work and respite, daily bread and wine,” says will each have the chance to visit Ventspils – the homepage. a well-maintained coastal city where, in each Similarly, Luxembourg and Italy will be visited house, street, yard and square, the past is just as by one translator or writer from Latvia. www.ventspilshouse.lv

Latvian Literature Readings

April and May 2015, selected readings authors’ books published in the English language from will take place (Nora Ikstena’s collection of short stories Life In in several cities in the of Stories, Liāna Langa’s selected poem collection America (New York, Rochester, Minneapolis, Deadly Nightshade, Edvīns Raups’ collected Indianapolis, Lincoln and Washington), thereby poems then touch me here, and Zigmunds Skujiņš’ launching and presenting several Latvian novel Flesh-Coloured Dominoes). www.literature.lv

Photo: Indriķis Stūrmanis he venue for most of the events in Latvia for the world-renowned architect, Gunnar Birkerts The Book the Presidency of the Council of the European (USA), who is of Latvian origin. In subsequent T Union will be the new National Library of Lat- years, the project was developed together with Donation via (NLL) building, also known as the Castle of Light Modris Ģelzis and other Latvian architects and (Gaismas pils). It is a landmark of the city of Riga, a engineers. The official Inauguration of the Castle spacious and functional place of learning equipped of Light was held on 29 August 2014, and it was introduce the international with state-of-the-art technology. The pyramidal also one of the central venues for Riga's events as audience to stories about structure, which rises 68 meters high on the Dau- the European Capital of Culture. To and from Latvia, and to gava riverbank opposite the historic city centre, support the expansion of library col- is among the greatest projects of the 21st century The National Library of Latvia (NLL) is a centre lections, the Book Donation is a signif- in Latvia. At the same time, it is one of the largest of culture, science and education of national sig- icant event in the culture programme cultural buildings in Northern Europe in the nificance established on 29 August 1919. The goal for the Latvian Presidency of the 21st century. This makes the library a world-class, of the NLL is to create and maintain a collection of Council of the European Union, in co- modern and creative informational and cultural national and global literature, ensuring its long- operation with the National Library of centre. The library provides collections, services term and free accessibility to each and every local Latvia. With the help of our embassies, and premises for education, research, self-improve- resident, and to foster its creative use. The NLL’s 73 libraries and high schools abroad ment and leisure purposes. Besides the standard collection exceeds 4 million units and predom- will receive in total 22 titles on history services and routine operations, the Castle of Light inantly includes publications from Latvia and and politics, culture, language, litera- and its infrastructure serve as a platform for the abroad about Latvia and Latvians, works issued in ture, art and architecture. The selected activities of various partners in cooperation, and a Latvia and works by Latvian authors. In addition, books represent the Latvian publish- place of unique creative synergies. special collections are available to readers: rare ing tradition and support the general books, manuscripts, the Letonica collection, the principles of the Presidency’s culture The first sketch of the building – an expressive collection of the Baltic Central Library, art and mu- programme – contemporaneity and image of Modernism inspired by the nation’s sic, audio recordings, graphic productions, small quality. In historical context and in age-old cultural traditions – was drawn in 1989 by print materials, and maps. line with the Latvian Presidency of www.lnb.lv the Council of the EU, Latvia’s ties with Europe have been emphasized. 26 Photo: F64 photo agency 27 objekts2_panelis 3 _600x2000 Strelnieku 4A

The Travelling Exhibitions

As a part of the Presidency’s cultural programme, in the Latvian diplomatic missions you will be able to visit travelling exhibitions telling the tales of the history, development and achievements of Latvian culture.

he exhibition, The Fatherland and Freedom. Age of Vikings in Latvia is an exhibition on the Sculptor Kārlis Zāle. The Brothers’ Cemetery importance of Latvian inhabitants in Northern T and the , is devoted to and Eastern Europe from the 7th to 12th centuries. the Freedom Monument, the Riga Brothers’ Cem- It showcases their rich culture and influence in etery and the sculptor who created them – Kārlis the region, reveals contacts between inhabitants Zāle. The exhibition reveals Zāle as the most gifted of the East Baltic region and Scandinavia, and monument sculptor in Latvia. It also tells the tale proves that Latvia played a significant part in the of the process of building the complex cultural animated world of the Vikings. The exhibition monuments, the symbolic meaning behind the shares the evidence on East Baltic geography, sculptures in the groups of objects and their refer- mutual contacts and conflicts described in Scan- ences to Latvian history. The exhibition celebrates dinavian runes, sagas and chronicles. It also tells the high artistic value of the monuments in an the story of the river as one of the most international context, and also reveals their role in significant trade routes in Eastern Europe, and the nation’s self-preservation process. In 2015 we provides a look at Scandinavian artefacts found will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the unveiling in the monuments of the Kurshi, the Livs and the the fashion show organised by the ministry of light industry, of the Freedom Monument. Semigallians. january 1966. latvia state archive of audiovisual documents, photo: v. Nikolājevs Latvian amber, linen, wood and clay, leather Latvia can be seen from a bird’s eye view in and metal can be seen in PROUD LATVIA. Lat- Wondrous Latvia, with aerial photographs by The exhibition, Let’s Talk About Fashion. Latvia vian Design Success Stories. It reveals creative Juris Kalniņš. The exhibition displays vibrant and Fashion from the ’50s until Now, proves that developments in Latvian design. The exhibition landscape photographs from all four seasons. certain pages of fashion history can tell a great is a series of stories about materials used in creat- Latvian nature can be moody and emotional, deal about Latvia and Latvians. The starting point ing design works. Amber, linen, wood and other yet well-balanced. The dominant theme of the of the exhibition is 1948, when Rīgas Modeļu nams materials are a natural match for the Latvian spirit exhibition is Green Latvia. Without the white win- (Riga Fashion House) was established in the capital and understanding of the aesthetic environment. ter and beautiful autumn, the whole exhibition city of Latvia. The exhibition showcases how not Thus, for the last decade Latvian designers have would be green. only fashion trends but also the way we talk about been using more and more of these materials them have changed over time. You will discover that have been tested throughout centuries, The world’s smallest camera VEF Minox, the living fashion outside the fashion magazines, as transforming them into modern and fashionable Photo: Ansis Starks, 2014 medicines Ftorafur and Meldonium, plasterboard well as Latvia’s enthusiastic interest in ethnograph- pieces. and citric acid – you will be able to find out about ic symbols. In this exhibition, you will learn about Station. But the symbol of a modern state is the all of these products developed in Latvia in the the Untamed Fashion Assembly in Riga as one of In the exhibition, Building the State. 9th–21st new building for the National Library of Latvia in exhibition, Latvia’s Achievements in the 20th – the focal points in 1990s fashion, and about the Century Latvia. Destinations and Symbols of Riga, designed by Gunnar Birkerts. 21st Centuries. Its aim is to showcase Latvia’s works of contemporary Latvian designers. Latvia, you will find over one hundred pho- achievements and scientific potential in Europe tos of diverse Latvia. The oldest architectural Nine buildings in Riga, Liepāja and Ventspils and the world. The basis of the exhibition is a example is the Āraiši Lake dwelling site made have been selected in the Art Nouveau Architec- selection of noteworthy facts which have left of wood, which was reconstructed from the ture in Riga and Latvia photography exhibition, their mark on the world’s map. archaeological finds in the Āraiši Lake. In the representing the most outstanding Art Nouveau 12th century, German builders arrived in Livonia, examples in Latvia. One can recognise the The in Latvia exhibition introduces visi- bringing along the new stone house building characteristics of Latvian Art Nouveau in these tors to Latvian Olympic medallists. Over the course technique. Furthermore, Latvia’s presence in buildings: eclecticism, occasional exaggeration of 100 years, Latvian sportspeople have participat- the events of European geopolitical space can and decorative saturation, as well as elements ed in the international sporting events represent- be characterised by gothic and baroque style of national romanticism. Art Nouveau’s roots in ing three different states, and winning 86 medals examples from Hanseatic League cities. The Riga trace back to the first years of the 20th cen- in the Olympic Games in 20 disciplines. A notable example representing the aristocratic lifestyle is tury, when industry and trade experienced rapid part of the exhibition is devoted to Latvian basket- the Rundāle Palace designed in a baroque style growth, and the population grew significantly. ball teams, players, and the best racing car by Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, whereas the Almost 40% of the stone buildings built during drivers and motorbike riders. There is also a variety economic potential of Latvia in the interwar years this period in the capital city of Latvia belong to of photographs capturing the strength, speed and is showcased by the Ķegums Hydroelectric Power different forms of Art Nouveau. joy of movement in . Photo: Latvian Olympic Committee archive, photo: Ilmārs Znotiņš

28 29 Special Edition 2 Euro Coin Latvia

1 January – 31 March Exhibition “1514. Book. 2014” 8 January The Opening Event for the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

publicity Photo 8 January – 28 August Design Exhibition “REPUTATION” atvia can do it! The most obvious the Latvian Presidency logo – the grinding manifestation of this encouraging and stone – but has also designed the special L national self-awareness-raising motto is Latvian Presidency 2 euro coin. Jānis Strupulis 7 February – 19 April the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the is the author of the plaster model. Exhibition “Two Centuries of Italian Portrait Painting. 1580 – 1780” European Union. Latvia is in the global spotlight The weight of a grinding stone as it rotates and this provides a historical opportunity for accumulates the energy that has ensured the the country to demonstrate its achievements in basis of existence for Latvians. Once ground, 23 April – 10 June various areas and its ability to take a responsible grain is transformed into rye bread loaves, giving The 5th Riga International Textile and Fibre Art Triennial approach to addressing complicated tasks. It is the people the strength to work and sparking “DIVERSITY&UNITY” this perception that inspired the Latvian graphic off celebration expressed in song and dance for designer, Gunārs Lūsis, who not only devised centuries. 27 April Symphony “Northern Light” by Ēriks Ešenvalds Presidency 1 – 2 May Stamp Conference Dedicated to the 150th Anniversary of Rainis and Aspazija ssuing a stamp dedicated 15 May – 5 July to the Presidency of the EU I Council is a tradition of the Mikhail Baryshnikov Collection of Baryshnikov Arts Center presiding country’s public postal service provider. The 27 June – 6 September Latvian stamp features the Presidency’s grinding stone Exhibition “Edward Steichen. Photography” logo which symbolises the basis of European welfare – 28 June hard work and the ability to strive for shared values – by The Closing Event of the Latvian Presidency: combining the traditional and Closing Concert of the Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival the contemporary. The stamp was designed by Ģirts Grīva. publicity Photo

30 31 LATVIA LATVIA

The Opening Event for the Latvian Presidency Design Exhibition “REPUTATION” of the Council of the European Union National Library of Latvia, Riga 8 January – 28 August www.lnb.lv 8 January 18:00 Latvian National Opera, Riga he REPUTATION exhibition showcases the The exhibition features large-format prints of www.opera.lv most notable achievements in Latvian design works that have been awarded prestigious T contemporary design in the global arena international awards in recognised design compe- and the interaction between different design dis- titions. A total of 19 outstanding examples of Latvi- ciplines and other sectors. It focuses on examples an design – products, packaging, graphics, fashion, of Latvian design and their originality to convey interior design, mobile applications and design the message that “Design in Latvia is great and management – are featured in the exhibition. has a worldwide reputation!” REPUTATION is the first of four contemporary With this exhibition, the authors wish to design exhibitions organised under the joint title broaden the local and international community's DESIGN MANIFESTATION. It is a unique project in understanding of Latvian design and find ways the showcased in four interrelated of harnessing the reputation it has gained more exhibitions – REPUTATION, HUMANISATION, effectively in order to transform these outstanding INFORMATION and SITUATION – that represent our achievements into tangible benefits for Latvia country and its achievements in design over the more often and more successfully. last 15 years on such a large scale. www.dizainamanifestacija.lv

he theme of this exhibi- The 5th Riga International tion was selected due to T the fact that Latvia is the Textile and Fibre Art Triennial presiding country of the EU “DIVERSITY&UNITY” Council in 2015, therefore the the Latvian National Opera emphasis lies on the national 23 April – 10 June Ēriks Kiršfelds, cello State Choir Latvija identity in the context of EU Reinis Zariņš, piano Latvian National Symphony Orchestra and the global world. The exhi- The Arsenāls Exhibition Hall of the Conductor Andris Poga bition presents the topical and LNMA, Riga most innovative current trends www.lnmm.lv/en/arsenals/ in the field of textile and fibre he concert will open with a new opus men and global joy. The brilliant underlying art and the aim of the Triennial created especially for this event by the theme of this opus is his song Gegenliebe. The is to contribute for development T critically acclaimed Latvian composer Ēriks audience will recognize this theme as a precursor of professional art and creative Ešenvalds. About his new piece, After the Storm, of the magnificent­ melody of the finale of the artistic processes. Ešenvalds says: “It conjures up an ancient Latvian Symphony No. 9 – The Ode to Joy. The piano solo 85 artists from 29 countries scene just after a thunderstorm. As the clouds will be performed by Reinis Zariņš, a two-time were accepted for the show subside, shepherds emerge from their shelters and recipient of the Latvian Grand Music Award (2012 and two guest artists are invited call out to each other, rejoicing in the sun, the lush and 2013) and winner of 11 international music to exhibit: Edīte Pauls-Vīg- grass and the beauty of nature’s bounty.” competitions. He has performed all over the nere from Latvia and for the Pēteris Vasks’ Cello Concerto will recall the world, including the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, first time – the world famous threats against the newly recovered indepen- the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York’s Michael Brennand-Wood from dence of the Baltic States in January and August Steinway Hall, the Wigmore Hall in London and the United Kingdom. 1991. In this piece, Vasks’ ideals and anxieties the Glazunov Hall in St Petersburg. Alongside with the main can be clearly discerned: it embodies light and Conductor Andris Poga has been the Artistic Triennial exhibition several hope that do not leave the composer even in the Director of the Latvian National Symphony sattelite events are planned: darkest of days, but at the same time it is a mirror Orchestra since November 2013. Having studied a guest exhibition from Latin of darkness and aggression. Ēriks Kiršfelds, the philosophy as well as conducting, he was Assistant America “wonderwoman – concertmaster of the Liepāja Symphony Orches- Conductor of the Orchestre de Paris and the Boston BRA art” , exhibition of young tra’s cello section and long-time concertmaster of Symphony Orchestra. He was in charge of the Latvian textile artists “DIVERSI- the Kremerata Baltica Chamber Orchestra’s cello Munich Philharmonic’s tour to , Shanghai TY&UNITY: NEW VOICES” and Barbara Ābele. Served. Re-served. Pre-served. Cotton, polyurethane, 2014 section, will perform the cello solo. and Taipei in October 2014, which received great also one-man shows in several Finally, in his Choral Fantasia, Ludwig van critical acclaim. He received the Latvian Grand Rigan Galleries. Beethoven will speak of the brotherhood of Music Award for an exceptional debut, in 2007. www.lnmm.lv 32 33 LATVIA LATVIA

Exhibition he exhibition “1514. Book. 2014” is a unique Edward Steichen. Photography 2015, when Latvia and Luxem- and deeply personal chance to travel bourg share the Presidency of “1514. Book. 2014” T 500 years into the past – to understand 27 June – 6 September In the Council of the European that the book was and is a powerful medium Union, it is especially important to 1 January – 31 March in every person’s life, even if some may say that Photographs from the collection of the Luxembourg strengthen international collabora- they don’t read books. The exhibition, which National Museum of History and Art tion between cultural institutions. National Library of Latvia, Riga EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA includes more than 60 books published in This provides the possibility for the EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE The Arsenāls Exhibition Hall of the LNMA, Riga www.lnb.lv 1514, shows that contact with books, as a special public to become acquainted with art www.lnmm.lv/en/arsenals/ kind of collective experience,­ has shaped every treasures that are significant for the one of us. whole of Europe. In the summer of The exhibition aims to illustrate the ‘great 2015, the Latvian National Museum of culture’ of 1514, reflecting intellectual life, and Art (LNMA), in collaboration with the ‘small culture’, the everyday life, the native Luxembourg National Museum of His- place and customs. It will therefore include tory and Art, will hold an exhibition of not only the works of humanists, liturgical and works by the outstanding­ photogra- prayer books, but also books of calculations pher Edward Steichen (1879-1973) in and cookbooks, calendars and even novels Riga at the Arsenāls Exhibition Hall of about knights, which belong to the medieval the LNMA. tradition of courtly culture. It will not be pos- Steichen, who was born in sible to physically leaf through the books; they Luxembourg and emigrated to the will be in showcases. However, the content of USA, is distinguished in the history Ulrich Tengler, Der neue Leyenspiegel [...], Strassburg: Matthias the books will be accessible using interactive of photography as one of the most Hupfuff, 1514. Photo: courtesy of the national library of latvia, photo: normunds brasliņš tablets placed next to each showcase. outstanding and influential photo- graphic artists of his time. He gained the greatest recognition as an un- surpassed portraitist. Through the talian art from past centuries, Exhibition “Two Centuries of Italian eye of the camera, he immortalised especially painting, has pride of Portrait Painting. 1580 – 1780” countless contemporaries and famous Iplace in the displays of countless historical figures – Winston Churchill, Western European art museums, Auguste Rodin and Henri Matisse, to and they especially welcome 7 February – 19 April , Riga name but three. In the USA he worked exhibitions relating to the art of www.rigasbirza.lv Edward steichen, Actress Pola negri, 1925. mnha 1985-030/081 © 2014 the estate of edward steichen/artists rights society alongside Alfred Stieglitz, the founder th th th the 15 , 16 and 17 centuries. As (ars), new york of photography as art. Latvia takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU, treasures from the museums of Bologna will be arriving as a greeting from Italy. The Mikhail Baryshnikov im? Contemporary Arts Centre in collaboration choice of this city is no coincidence with Baryshnikov Arts Center (BAC) in New York because Bologna and Latvia have Collection of k(USA) and Art Museum Riga Bourse offers an ancient historical ties. During his Baryshnikov Arts insight into the art collection of Riga-born and world- European tour in 1785, Peter, the famous choreographer and dancer Mikhail Barysh- Duke of , fell in love with Center nikov. Mikhail Baryshnikov’s interest and fascination the city and as a memento of his with the world of visual arts started in the 1970’s when presence, he founded an art prize 15 May – 5 July he began to assemble a variety of small-scale works at the Bologna Academy of Art. This on paper. A few of the works came to Baryshnikov as Art Museum Riga Bourse, prestigious competition came to be gifts, but he procured a vast majority of the collection Bosse’s Hall and Art Nouveau Salon known as the Concorso Curlandese purchasing individual pieces he appreciated aestheti- www.rigasbirza.lv and endured long after the Duchy cally over many years. of Courland had been forgotten. In The collection is proof of bright intellect, expertise Latvia this story was rediscovered and intuition. One of its notable aspects is stylistic in the 20th century. diversity marked by a journey from realism to impres- The exhibition comprises the sionism, including several later styles such as surrealism works of Lavinia Fontana, Annibale and some works of theatre, set and costume design. Carracci, his brother Agostino and The collection was first shown at ABA Gallery, cousin Ludovico, Guido Reni, New York in 2012 and later at the Pushkin Museum, Giuseppe Maria Crespi, Donato Creti, Moscow in 2013. Exhibition in Riga is accompanied Gaetano Gandolfi and other artists. by a catalogue and an educational program. GUIDO reni (1575 – 1642), portrait of mother ginevra pucci, 1610/1612. 34 Publicity photo 35 LATVIA LATVIA

Rainis and Aspazija 150th Anniversary Short Film Series “Thoughts hold great power: what you think #mindpower is who you are.” ainis (Jānis Pliekšāns, 1865–1929) and Aspazija (Elza Rozenberga, 1865–1943) were European — Rainis and world class litterateurs and public figures. For over a century their creative work has Rainis – musician Goran Gora served as a measure of Latvian literature and political public opinion. The contribution by he short film series #mindpower R Aspazija – Eva Ikstena-Strapcāne, news is based on the work of the great these poets, especially Rainis, is still significant to the development of philosophical thought. They presenter at Latvian Television wrote plays and poems, worked as journalists, and translated world classics – Goethe, Ibsen, Shake- Latvian writers and public figures of Tth th speare and Pushkin. He got involved in politics and became the minister for education. She fought Director Olafs Okonovs 19 /20 century, Rainis and Aspazija, who for women’s rights and didn’t shy away from speaking about the inconsistent human nature. were active supporters and promoters www.jps.lv of modern­ European ideas. In 2015, we Rainis always lived with a vision of the future. Being a visionary of the new age with a broad th view of the world, he was the builder of identity for his nation, a developer and promoter of celebrate their 150 anniversary. the idea of a national state, a pioneer of the new age in Latvian literature. The poet’s vision is To present their literary heritage, opin- comprehensive and topical as it solves the issues involved in the relationship of individuals and ion-leaders and celebrities from each EU society as a whole in educational and cultural aspects, stressing their driving force for future country will read fragments of the Latvian development, and seeing prospects for the integration of Latvian culture into the European writers’ works in their native language. TV cultural space. His works are integral parts of Latvian culture, along with Aspazija’s feminine, star Per Morberg (Sweden), bishop of Helsin- tender, and deeply thoughtful poetry and once so-sharp, modern and still-topical plays, The ki Irja Askola (Finland), actors Tadas Gryn and Silver Veil and The Lost Rights. Toma Vaškevičiūte (Lithuania) are among them. Starting from 7 January, one short film will be released on the official website of the Latvian Presidency – EU2015.LV – and in social media every week. #mindpower th ver the past 150 years, Europe Conference Dedicated to the 150 is produced by Juris Podnieks studio and has seen tidal changes of Anniversary of Rainis and Aspazija supported by the airBaltic airline, Jūrmala – Ovarious political ideologies, the capital city of Rainis and Aspazija – and accompanied by the change of vari- the EP Information Office. ous forms of po­wer – an interchange Between Truth and Power. The Role of Join the #mindpower, watch a new short of monarchy, democracy, authoritari- Authors in Building and Changing Europe filmevery week and tra­vel through Europe anism, and totalitarianism. In evaluat- for half a year! ing the past importance of authors in Ziedonis Hall, National Library of Latvia, Riga meeting­ the challenges of their eras 1 – 2 May www.lnb.lv in diverse cultural, social and political milieus, one wonders what the interaction of the written word with his exhibition is intended as a Aspazija/Rainis: Rebel/Humanist today’s socio-political proces­ses is. Is dialogue between two perso­ the relationship between the writer T nalities through their ideas and The Story of Two Latvian Poets and power in contemporary Europe creative work. An essential role is played as pertinent a subject as it once was? here by mutual correspondence How was this affected by the advent between the poets – their love, their of globalisation and digitisation? quest for creative work, and their future What is the Europe envisioned by vision. At the same time, letters ensure today’s writers, and how do these the linear (chronological) development visions gel with those of their prede- of the exhibition and serve as a cessors? How will the recent wave of reason for a dialogue about literature, populism and rekindled nationalism philosophical and societal ideas, and play out, and what are the possible developments in global politics and the exits writers see from what seems poets’ personal lives. like a severe crisis of ‘European The correspondence between the identity’? In Latvia, no one has better poets began right after they met in demonstrated the dilemmas faced February 1894, and continued until by writers engaged in politics, the Rainis passed away in 1929. The corres­ inherent conflict between truth and pondence is included in the Latvian Na- power, than the eminent literary tional Register of UNESCO’s Memory of Rainis, 1901. Photo: M. Polakov. Aspazija, 1903. Photo: Osvalds RTMM 74116 Lange. RTMM 55140 couple Rainis and Aspazija at the the World Programme as an important forefront of the romantic revolution- legacy of European culture. Their 150th See in: ary movement at the anniversary is marked on the UNESCO Belarus (see page 58) close of the 19th century. memorable date calendar. France (see page 69) 36 Andris Breže, Summons III, 1988 www.memorialiemuzeji.lv Russia (see page 89) 37 LATVIA LATVIA

Symphony “Northern Light” The Closing Event of the Latvian Presidency: by Ēriks Ešenvalds Closing Concert of the Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival

27 April 28 June Latvian National Opera, Riga The Grand Stage of Mežaparks, Riga www.opera.lv Mežaparks, Lielā estrāde Ēriks Ešenvalds is the most internationally celebrated young composer of Latvia. He was born in Riga in 1977 and studied at the Latvian Baptist Theological Seminary (1995-97) before obtaining his Master’s degree in composition (2004) from the Latvian Academy of Music. From 2002 to 2011 he was a member of the State Choir Latvija. In 2011 he was awarded the two-year position of Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College, Cambridge University.

Ēriks has won multiple awards for his work, including the Latvian Grand Music Award (2005 and 2007). The International Rostrum of Com- posers awarded him first prize in 2006 for The Legend of the Walled-in Woman; he was made a Ēriks EŠenvalds. Photo: aivars krastiņš laureate of the Copyright Award in 2006 and was "The Year's New-Composer Discovery" of the Phil- he State Choir Latvija with Māris Sirmais in adelphia Inquirer in 2010, the same year he was the lead will take you on a journey in a two- nominated for the British Composer Award. T part concert, where the jewels of the Baltics meet the magic of the Northern Lights. The first Ēriks’ compositions have been premiered part of the concert will feature choir music, but the by various ensembles and choirs and in 2007 xxv latvian nation-wide song and xv dance celebration. Photo: reinis oliņš second will feature the premiere of the multimedia the Latvian National Opera staged his first symphony Northern Light by Ēriks Ešenvalds. opera Joseph is a Fruitful Bough. His music has he closing concert of the 8th Nordic-Baltic been performed at numerous international Choral Festival will at the same time be This outstanding 40-minute long symphony is a festivals including Klangspuren in Austria, the Tthe final event of the public diplomacy and masterpiece devoted to the atmospheric optic Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, Tenso Days culture programme for the Latvian Presidency of phenomenon, the Northern Lights. It is a unique in France, the Haarlem Choir Biennale in the the Council of the European Union. The concert piece which has an added value of cultural histor- Netherlands, Voices Now in the UK, ACDA will feature music from previous Nordic-Baltic ical heritage. Ēriks went on several expeditions to National and Regional Conferences and the Choral Festivals as well as new songs from all northern Norway to meet his collaboration partner Spoleto Festival in the USA. At the 2014 World member states. The Nordic-Baltic Choral Festival’s in this project – the Norwegian, Kjetil Skogli, a Choir Games, held in Riga, he composed the united choir will perform part of the famous can- professional Northern Lights photographer and Games anthem, gave a major presentation on tata Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, which has the video maker – as well as to Iceland, Greenland and his work, acted on competition juries, and had a potential to become one of the most impressive northern Alaska (USA). While there, he recorded large-scale production premiered by the Latvian performances of this musical piece. xxv latvian nation-wide song and xv dance celebration. nature sounds (breathing of whales in the fjords, Voices and The King's Singers. Ēriks’ forthcoming In 2015, the Festival tradition celebrates its Photo: ilmārs znotiņš frost cracking the tree barks, wind gales and dogs premieres include works for the Boston and 20th anniversary, and Latvia has the honour of howling) and recorded tales and folksongs of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestras, the organizing it once again. This year, about 8,000 The tradition of the Festival was established Northern Lights as told by the Nordic nations. All Utah Symphony with ACDA chorus at the 2015 singers from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, in 1995 by the distinguished Latvian conductor of these materials will be used while the symphony National Convention in Salt Lake City, a new Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland will Imants Kokars. The first Nordic-Baltic Choral is performed. opera at the Latvian National Opera, and pieces take part in the Festival. Latvian diaspora choirs, Festival took place in Riga, bringing together for the University of Michigan, Fuller Theological as well as choirs from Italy (Presidency of the almost 6,000 singers from the Nordic and Baltic What is the sound of the Northern Lights? Seminary, Chor Leoni , University of Council of the EU before Latvia) and Luxembourg countries. Scientists believe that they have no sound, but Miami Glee Club, ChorWerk Ruhr and others. (Presidency of the Council of the EU after Latvia) www.nordicbalticchoir.lv through the unique stories, the beauty of nature are invited to participate in the Festival. www.lnkc.gov.lv and breath-taking photographs and videos, Ēriks www.eriksesenvalds.com Ešenvalds gives them a voice. www.koris.lv 38 39 12 March Belgium Andris Nelsons and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra 15 March Laima Jansone Trio: Zarbugans 20 November 2014 – 1 February 2015 Exhibition “Impressions and Parallels” 20 – 28 March Latvian Cinema in the Millenium International 22 November 2014 – 8 February 2015 Documentary Film Festival Exhibition “Impressions and Parallels. La Louvière – Riga” 1 April – 7 June 7 January – 30 June Ieva Epnere Solo Exhibition Justus Lipsius Design by Design Studio H2E 23 April – 3 May 16 January Latvian Cinema in Brussels Short Film Festival The Official Opening Concert of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 24 April The Latvian Radio Choir and “Lāčplēsis” 17 January The Latvian Radio Choir. Vocal Poetry from East and West 26 April The Latvian Radio Choir and the Bl!ndman quartet 17 January Double Bill: Jazz from Rigas Ritmi Festival 27, 28 and 29 April Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica 28 January Violinist Elīna Bukša in “Concerts at Noon” 6 – 10 May Photo Exhibition “25 Moments” 13 and 14 February “Sonja” by The May Latvian Cinema in Bozar Centre for Fine Arts 13 – 22 February Latvian Cinema in the International Animation Film Festival “Anima” May Latvian Cinema in Cinematek 13 February – 31 May Exhibition “Visionary Structures. From Johansons to Johansons” 4 June Iveta Apkalna: The Splendour of Organ 18 February Latvian Culture Event at the European Economic and Social Committee 15 June Violinist Baiba Skride & Friends 20 – 27 February Latvian Cinema in the International Love Film Festival of Mons 16 June The Closing Event of the Latvian Presidency 25, 26 and 27 February of the Council of the European Union Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica 40 41 BELGIUM BELGIUM

The Official Opening Concert of the Latvian Presidency Double Bill: Rigas Ritmi All Stars of the Council of the European Union Studio 1, Flagey, Brussels 17 January 20:15 www.flagey.be 16 January 20:00 ozar celebrates the beginning of the Latvian Pres- Māris Briežkalns Quintet the framework of the Brussels Jazz Festival Latvia offers idency of the Council of the European Union, and “Latvian Evergreens” two outstanding programmes from Rigas Ritmi jazz Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels B welcomes the mezzo, Elīna Garanča, one of the most In festival, which is one of the most widely-attended and www.bozar.be charismatic artistes of her generation. For the occasion, much-loved music events in Latvia. she presents a musical journey across Europe and through Māris Briežkalns Quintet (MBQ) is one of the leading and National Orchestra of Belgium different musical eras, from the France of Berlioz to the Rus- most interesting small acoustic mainstream bands on the Karel Mark Chichon, conductor sia of Tchaikovsky via the contemporary Latvia of Dzenītis Latvian jazz scene, stretching special ac­cents on pop jazz and and Ešenvalds. This is a varied programme that will give full Latin jazz. In 2005, Māris Briežkalns, with his fellow musicians, scope to the powerful stage presence and extraordinary created the first MBQ album, called Latvian Evergreens, not vocal range of the Latvian star, who will be accompanied even imagining that the project might have a continuation. by the National Orchestra of Belgium, conducted by Karel The band later released their second album, and it is as Mark Chichon who, between 2008–2012, was also the chief thrilling, witty and lovely as the first. Some pieces are musical conductor and artistic director of the Latvian National Drummer Māris BriežkalnS mysteries, while others are distinguishable right away. But all Symphony Orchestra. Laima Jansone Trio of them are innovative, free from ancient jazz standards, and have been revived once again. Elīna Garanča was born into a musical family in Riga, The Laima Jansone Trio first appeared on stage at the Latvia, and studied at the Latvian Academy of Music with her Rigas Ritmi Festival in 2012, when the Latvian folk mother­ Anita Garanča, professor and vocal pe­dagogue.­ Since instrument player, Laima Jansone, performed together with September 2005, Ms Garanča has been an exclusive recording percussionist Artis Orubs and bassist­ Andris Grunte. The trio artist with Deutsche Grammophon. She has received the revealed a new melodic synthesis, one that was unique­ and prestigious­ ECHO Klassik award for “Sin­ger of the Year” twice, uncommon to jazz music. has been named as Musical America’s Vocalist of the Year 2010, has won the MIDEM Classical Award as “Singer of the Year” www.rigasritmi.lv Photo: Marco Borggreve and has been honoured by the Wiener Staatsoper with the title www.reverbnation.com/marisbriezkalnsquintet of “Käm­mersangerin”. Highlights of recent seasons include Artis Orubs, Laima Jansone, Andris Grunte www.laimajansone.com Elīna Garanča, mezzo her critically-acclaimed house debut in the title role of Bizet’s Carmen at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Elīna Garanča appears by with Askonas Holt. orn in Latvia in 1990, Elīna Bukša has been Elīna Bukša Karel Mark Chichon has been described by the New playing violin since the age of five. Since in “Concerts at Noon” York Times as “a conductor of genius”, and continues to thrill B2011 she has been studying­ with Ana Chu- international audiences with his temperament, passion and machenko in masterclasses in France, Germany musicianship. In recognition of his services to music, Her and Switzerland. Since her debut with the Liepāja 28 January 12:30 Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain made Chichon Symphony Orchestra at the age of twelve, Elīna an officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire has undertaken important concert appearances Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels (OBE) in June 2012. He is chief conductor of the Deutsche in her native Latvia, and with the Latvian Na- www.mim.be Radio Philharmonie Saarbrücken Kaiserslautern (from Sep- tional Symphony orchestra, the Latvian National tember 2011), with whom he recently renewed his contract Opera Symphony orchestra, Collegium Musicum until 2017. His previous positions include chief conductor Riga, and others. Elīna plays using a Domenico and artistic director of the Latvian National Symphony Montagnana violin dated to 1723, which is on Orchestra, and of the Graz Symphony Orchestra. loan to her by the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel. In 2013, Elīna received the Latvian Grand Music © Gabo/DG For more than 75 years, the National Orchestra of Belgium Award, the highest honour in Latvian music for (NOB) has given passionate performances of the great classics “Debut of the Year”. Since September 2011, she Works by Ēriks Ešenvalds, Hector of the symphonic repertoire, while also bringing the same has been studying at the Queen Elisabeth Music Berlioz, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Igor vigour to bear on the music of its own time. NOB has a long- Chapel, under the direction of Augustin Dumay. Stravinsky and Andris Dzenītis established partnership with the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts and She received a scholarship from Mr and Mrs it works closely with the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Michael Guttman. Pavel Kolesnikov was born in Novosibirsk in 1989. He began studying the piano and violin at Elīna Garanča records www.elinagaranca.com the age of six, and entered the Moscow State Con- exclusively for Deutsche www.karelmarkchichon.com servatory in 2007. In September 2012, he entered Grammophon. www.eriksesenvalds.com www.dzenitis.webs.com the piano section of the Queen Elisabeth Music Photo: bernard rosenberg 42 www.nob-onb.be Chapel under the direction of Maria João Pires. 43 BELGIUM BELGIUM

EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE Impressions and Parallels the end of the 1920s, Latvian Visionary Structures. he exhibition entitled Visionary art saw an influx of Belgian Structures. From Johansons to 20 November 2014 – 1 February 2015 At influences. These gained in From Johansons to Johansons T Johansons has been selected strength in the 1930s, giving rise to a as a highlight that presents the most significant values of Latvia as Fine Arts Museum of Liège (BAL), Liege “Belgian fashion” in local pain­ting. 13 February – 31 May Opening 12 February www.beauxartsliege.be The spread of Belgian impressions was part of the European cultural space. It offers an insight into Latvia’s encouraged by a large exhibition of Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels avant-garde art in the twentieth and Belgian art in Riga in the autumn of www.bozar.be 1927. This was followed in 1932 by the twenty-first centuries, covering the gift of a collection of Belgian art to the Works by Gustavs Klucis (1895–1938), Kārlis Johansons most experimental and visionary Latvian state, which was initiated by (1890–1929), Valdis Celms (1943), Jānis Krievs (1942), artistic endeavours of their day, as the Latvian diplomat, Jānis Lazdiņš, and Artūrs Riņķis (1942), Gints Gabrāns (1970), Voldemārs well as looking into their historical the Belgian commissioner general for Johansons (1980) transformations. By instigating a foreign exhibitions, Paul Lambotte. dialogue between different periods, In November 2013, a large exhibition the exhibition reveals parallels and named Impressions and Parallels. Belgian coherences between works of art, and Latvian painting from the collection each of which belongs to a different of the Latvian National Museum of Art. age and another ideological era. First half of the 20th Century opened in The curator of the exhibition is Ieva the Art Museum Riga Bourse. Paintings Astahovska and it is organised by by Isidore Opsomer, Albert Saverys, the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Valerius de Saedeleer, Albert Servaes, Art in collaboration with the Latvian Philibert Cockx, Louis Buisseret and National Museum of Art. other notable Belgian artists were To coincide with the exhibition in on show for the first time alongside Brussels a special edition double DVD works by Latvian artists including Jānis set of Klucis. The Deconstruction of an Tīdemanis, Kārlis Padegs, Ģederts Eliass, Artist will be re­leased by VFS. Jānis Liepiņš, Leo Svemps, Eduards www.lcca.lv Kalniņš, Valdis Kalnroze, and others. Voldemārs Johansons Emissions, 2011 In Liège, the selection of Belgian and Latvian paintings that were on show in Riga will be supplemented with eva Epnere was born in 1977 in Latvia Jānis Tīdemanis Girl in a Folk Costume, c. 1930. LNMA collection. works from the collection of the Liège Ieva Epnere Photo: Normunds Brasliņš Museum of Art. and she lives and works in Riga. IShe holds a Master of Arts in Visual Solo Exhibition Communication from the Art Academy of Latvia and is a Postgraduate 1 April – 7 June Opening 31 March orks by the Wallonian artists’ Impressions and Parallels. (Laureate) of HISK, the Higher Institute group, Nervia, from both part- for Fine Arts, Gent, Belgium. Espace Photographique Contretype, Brussels ner museum’s collections will La Louvière – Riga W “In my work, Waiting Room, the www.contretype.org be on show at the Ianchelevici Museum leading role is played by a young in La Louvière. At the same time, Belgian 22 November 2014 – 8 February 2015 woman. She is a musician who has art classics will be engaged in a dia- arrived in Brussels from abroad. logue with representative works from Ianchelevici Museum, La Louvière Through her I got to know the city, as Latvian contemporary art. LNMA has www.ianchelevici.be well as people close to her. This work selected the works of various contem- is about loneliness and longing, as porary Latvian artists, including Andrejs well as about hopes and other people, Grants, Kristaps Ģelzis, Monika Pormale, people who are next to you, and when Miervaldis Polis and Kristīne Kursiša. they are needed the most. Often a The exhibition is complemen­ted by re- random conversation or a shared walk cently made contemporary art from the in the park can mean a lot. In our busy private collections of Ieva Epnere, Krišs everyday lives we do not even notice Salmanis, and Andris Eglītis, as well as the subtle nuances and feelings of the Ivars Drulles’ object Listen to the Angels people next to us. I am interested in the Singing, which was made specifically for wordless dialogue among people, the this exhibition. fragile connection that we have with www.lnmm.lv certain people in our lives.” Krišs Salmanis 02cm 02.02.02., tattoo, series of photographs, 2002 – 2042 Photograph from the series Waiting room, 2014. 44 www.ievaepnere.com © IEVA epnerE 45 BELGIUM BELGIUM

Photo Exhibition ach moment of joy, surprise, anger, Justus Lipsius sorrow or pride leaves a mark in our “25 Moments” Esoul. Emotions fade over time, but by Design Studio H2E the impression left by each moment 6 – 10 May remains and changes us forever. 7 January – 30 June Those twenty-five years, since Latvia European Parliament, Brussels regained its independence on 4 May Council of the European Union www.europarl.europa.eu 1990, have been full of memorable Headquarters, Brussels moments that have filled the Latvian www.consilium.europa.eu The most memorable moments in the history of Latvia people with both pride and joy for from the regaining of independence to the Presidency their state, as well as regret for the esign studio, H2E, is implemen­ting of the Council of the European Union (1990–2015) state’s indifference to the fate of its Justus Lipsius – an interior design inhabitants. During these years we Dsolution concept in this building in had to prove our equality as members Brussels within the framework of the first of the European family of nations, and Latvian Presidency of the Council of the we had to acknowledge that there is European Union. The solution is aimed still much to do in order for Latvia to at promoting interest about Latvia by become a success story for all of its creating an attractive environment for children. communication in the context of Latvian The photo exhibition 25 Moments, design and traditions. a project of the of the The interior on the building’s ground level Republic of Latvia devoted to the and on level 50 invites visitors to explore 25th anniversary of the restoration of the space through experience by engaging Latvia’s independence will be opened people in the visual and tactile process of to the public in Latvia and Brussels exploring Latvia. The main items include on May 2015. The curator of the furniture that has been created by Latvian exhibition is photographer Ilmārs designers and large-scale photos of Latvian Znotiņš. scenery that inspire visitors to communicate Photo: Gunārs Janaitis about and with Latvia. Several Latvian design brands are represented: unique, hand-made floor lamp by mammalampa (Ieva Kalēja); machine-made, laconic MINT furniture (Jānis he National Evening has become a Latvian Culture Event Rauza); and the prestigious Red Dot Award: tradition – an event that takes place at the European Economic Product Design 2012 winners, Bloom Stool, at the European Economic and Social T with stools that have been produced by RIGA Committee (EESC) and which is organised and Social Committee ChAIR™ (Aldis Circenis), as well as the Spriego by the country presiding over the Council 18 February 19:30 pats bench which has been set up by the of the EU. This year Latvia will be in charge young designer, Ģirts Arājs, and which draws of entertaining the four hundred EESC European Economic and Social Commitee, Brussels attention to the aspect of sustainability. The members and partners. The event will be www.eesc.europa.eu Meet Me! modular outdoor furniture system launched by the Permanent Representative (Ligita Breģe) offers a functional recreational of Latvia to the EU, Ambassador Ilze Entrance by invitation only meeting venue and a singular style of play- Juhansone, and the EESC President, Henri ground for all ages. Malosse. The exhibition opens with Spriguleits, The event programme includes a musical Latvian ethnographic dance steps, which performance by the vocal group, Ugunis, offer visitors the chance to sense a significant and an instrumental performance by the part of the Latvian identity, of which the band that is headed by Andris Amantovs, most striking manifestation is the tradition of as well as a show of traditional Latvian folk the unique Latvian Song and Dance Festival, dancing. The attendees will be invited to which is included in UNESCO’s list of the enjoy the photographic exhibition, Latvia Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. from a Bird’s Eye View, which will remain This leads to modern Latvian design based open for three weeks. Over the course of on an interpretation of trade traditions in the the evening, wild-mushroom soup will context of new technologies. be served, cooked under the supervision www.h2e.lv of the Latvian-trained Belgian chef, Doric courtesy of h2e Duys. www.mintmebeles.lv www.rigachair.com 46 courtesy of Brussels latvian dancers www.mammalampa.com 47 BELGIUM BELGIUM

“Anima” International Animation Film Festival Millenium International Documentary Film Festival 13 – 22 February 20 – 28 March www.animafestival.be, Brussels www.festivalmillenium.org, Brussels rom 13 to 22 February 2015, the Anima ince it was founded in 2009, the Millenium whose themes are related to the Millennium International Animation Film Festival International Film Festival has remained Development Goals, the festival has become a Fwill take place in Brussels, giving Strue to its vocation by screening must-attend event because of the originality of over 35 000 regular visitors the chance documentaries on issues that call on us to its programming. This year it will include some to see the most outstanding examples of reflect and which help us discover ‘the other’, pearls from Latvia: a selection of films by such animation art from all over the world in its complexity and the beauty of difference. well-known directors as Herz Frank and Laila various competition categories: national, Created with the goal of paying homage to films Pakalniņa. international, short and feature animation films. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a retrospective of animation films, as well as some special programmes. More than 50 international guests will take part in Brussels Short Film Festival the festival. 23 April – 3 May This year, the festival’s honorary guests will be from Latvia – a country with long-es- www.bsff.be, Brussels tablished traditions in puppetry films and he Brussels Short Film Festival is an event the audience, young directors and professionals. countless talents in the animation genre. As th previously announced, the director Signe intended for cinema lovers, both audiences This year the festival will take place for the 18 Baumane will participate in the opening T and professionals, promoting and circulat- time. Latvia will be represented by both classic event of the competition’s feature film ing short films and generating contacts between and the very latest award-winning short films. category during which visitors will have the chance to see her latest creation – the humorous and witty full-length animation film which was the Latvian entry for the May Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, spring 2015, Bozar will welcome a well- Brussels known Latvian film director yet to be Akmeņi manas kabatas www.bozar.be (Rocks in My Pockets). The festival will also In confirmed. A selection of award-winning screen Signe Baumane’s retrospective of an- films from Latvia will be screened. imated short films, as well as a programme of Latvian animation films for children and adults. Cinematek, May Brussels www.cinematek.be

ounded in 1938, Cinematek offers a global view of the cinema with five daily film Signe Baumane Rocks in My Pockets, 2014. F screenings. The cycle looks back at film classics, amateur productions, directors, actors, national theatres and documentaries. This spring it Mons International Love Film Festival will also screen a few gems from Latvia – director Laila Pakalniņa’s 20 – 27 February www.fifa-mons.be, Mons The Shoe, as well as several works he Festival, which usually takes place in aim being to look out onto the world and at film by the legendary documentary February during the week of Saint Valentine’s directors whose works are unfortunately not often filmmaker Juris Podnieks. T Day, deals with the theme of “Love” in all commercially distributed. Laila Pakalniņa. the shoe, 1998 its forms. The films selected are far removed Latvia will be represented by Andris Gauja’s from obsolete and overused romantic clichés, the film “The Lesson”.

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The Latvian Radio Choir. The Latvian Radio Choir he aim of the Lāčplēsis project (which means The Bear-slayer) is to Vocal Poetry from East and West and “Lāčplēsis” T reveal a specific piece of historical material – the film Lāčplēsis (1930) by 17 January 20:00 Concertgebouw Brugge concert hall, Bruges 24 April 20:15 Aleksandrs Rusteiķis, part of the Latvian www.concertgebouw.be cultural canon – in an emotional and Kaspars Putniņš, conductor Studio 4, Flagey, Brussels nowadays relevant message, using Tom De Cock, percussion www.flagey.be contemporary choral music, vocal art and electronic music as means of ex­ Sigvards Kļava, conductor pression. The story takes place in two eras, the mythical time and the first part of the twentieth century, when Latvians were fighting for their freedom. The soundtrack also forms two parallel­ layers – it preserves the film’s original­ track, incorporating the most outstan­ ding examples of Latvian choral mu­sic of the first part of the twentieth century, and uses world renowned contemporary vocal music, respecting and accentuating the drama and style of the film. The acoustic venue will synchronise the charm of live performance, original recordings of the film’s soundtrack score by L. Leibovics, and electronic music sound patterns, interacting and thereby intensifying the expressiveness and Lilita Bērziņa as Laimdota/Mirdza Saulīte in the film Lāčplēsis (Bearslayer, 1930, director Aleksandrs Rusteiķis). courtesy of LAC Riga Film Museum topical nature of the film. Courtesy of the Latvian Radio Choir atvia is the cradle of choral music: singing is course as a noted brand on the world stage. Since practically its national sport and the Latvian 1992, the LRC has two conductors, Sigvards Kļava he Presidency’s cultural programme­ Radio Choir is the country’s vocal ambassador. as the musical director and principal conductor, The Latvian Radio Choir and L pays host to an encounter between Connoisseurs re­gard the choir as one of the best and Kaspars Putniņš. two of the most peculiar contempo- BL!NDMAN Saxophone Quartet in the world. T rary music interpreters – the BL!NDMAN The LRC’s repertoire ranges from Renaissance­ saxophone quartet and the Latvian Radio Studio 4, Flagey, Brussels In this exceptional programme, the choir treats music to the most sophisticated scores by modern 26 April 20:15 Choir. Their daily concert life is characteri­sed www.flagey.be us to the wonderful and unex­pected marriage composers; and it could be described as a sound by searches for novel combinations of sono- of Romantic Western and contemporary Eastern laboratory in which the singers explore their skills Sigvards Kļava, conductor rous expression and new creative friends. choir reper­toires. Toshio Hosokawa composed by turning to the mysteries of traditional singing, The concert programme is based upon Die Lotosblume – a setting of a poem by Heinrich as well as to the art of quartertone and overtone the merging of the instrument and the Heine – as a homage to Schumann. This shared singing and other sound production techniques. voice in one musical sound pattern, join- fascination with nature can also be seen in the The choir has established­ a new understanding ing together the most characteristic trends work of Toru Takemitsu, another of Hosokawa’s of the possibilities inherent in the human voice; from the Polyphonic Era and contempo- heroes. Tranquil simplicity and complex eruptions one could also say that the choir is the creator of rary music. The polyphonic music allows of sound go hand in hand with sophisticated part- a new choral paradigm: every singer is a distinct new relationships between the human singing and fierce declamation. A rare listening individual with his or her own vocal signature and voice and a to be experience. roles in performances. The expertise of singers has sought out and encouraged. made the LRC a remarkably flexible ensemble that The programme’s foundation is the mo- The Latvian Radio Choir (LRC) ranks among is able to deal with vocal and instrumental music, tet by Bach, Jesu Meine Freude, a musical the top professional chamber choirs in Europe, as well as with operatic performances, multi-me­ and ideological perfection; along with a and its refined taste for musical material, its dia projects, intimate a capella talks, and theatrical masterpiece of contemporary electronic fineness of expression and vocals that are of shows in which singers can express themselves as music, Mortuos Plango, Vivos Voco by the unbelievably immense compass have charted its soloists and talented actors. legendary Jonathan Harvey. The concert www.radiokoris.lv will also include a special dedication to

both ensembles by Latvian composer Eric sleichim & BL!NDMAN [sax]. copyright: guy kokken, 2013 50 Jēkabs Nīmanis. 51 BELGIUM BELGIUM

A Portrait. Gidon Kremer and he programme is highly influenced A Portrait. Gidon Kremer and evening dedi- by the recording released by cated to praise Kremerata Baltica T Nonesuch in 2012, entitled The Art of Kremerata Baltica An Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s Instrumentation: Homage to Glenn Gould. music. String Sextet in D Minor 25 February 20:00 Gidon Kremer asked several contemporary 27 April 20:00 Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels Souvenir de Florence was written composers to arrange string orchestral www.bozar.be while he was visiting Florence­ pieces that were a part of the repertoire in Italy and was inspired more Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels Gidon Kremer, violin of the famous interpreter of Bach, Glenn by the country’s sunny climate www.bozar.be Mischa Maisky, violoncello Gould. Works by V. Silvestrov, G. Kancheli, than by Italian music. Later on, Kremerata Baltica BRIDGES TO BACH L. Desyatnikov, S. Tickmayer, or V. Kissine the work was revised in Russia, Gidon Kremer, violin are giving the listener the opportunity to which can be felt in the last two Evgeny Koroliov, piano gain a different understanding of how movements which pulsate with Anna Vinnitskaya, piano J. S. Bach’s music might sound today – Russian character. This special Ljupka Hadzigeorgieva, piano a symbolical bridge between the classic arrangement for violoncello and Kremerata Baltica past and the innovative present. string orchestra brings together www.kremeratabaltica.com Kremerata Baltica and one other www.gidonkremer.net native from the Baltics – the great Latvian cellist, Misha Maisky. Raskatov’s The Seasons Digest he programme is about the works of 26 February 20:00 is a re-working of Tchaikovsky’s three great twentieth century composers piano cycle, The Seasons Op. T of the former . Dimitri Royal Conservatory of Brussels, Brussels 37a, for a string orchestra, violin Shostakovich’s Piano Trio No. 1, op. 8 will www.conservatoire.be solo, percussion and prepared recall of composer’s romantic tone tradition. piano (this time replaced with a Mieczyslaw Weinberg – still an underrated Gidon Kremer, violin violoncello). and great Russo-Polish composer, whom the Giedrė Dirvanauskaitė, violoncello www.mischamaisky.com world is only just rediscovering. His works amaze Oleg Maisenberg, piano PHOTO: Andreas Malkmus the listener with an intrinsic power. Sergey Anna Vinnitskaya, piano Rachmaninov’s Elegiac Trio No. 2, Op. 9 is a Madara Pētersone, violin piece of commemoration to the great Russian Džeraldas Bidva, violin Santa Vižine, viola composer, Pyotr Tchaikovsky. ieczyslaw Weinberg is a recently dis­covered twentieth 28 April 20:00 century Russo-Polish composer. Sonata for Violin and MPiano No. 5 was the first work to be written after the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels composer’s release from Lubyanka Prison, where he spent www.bozar.be almost three months. Thus it depicts a variety of emotions: 27 February 20:00 Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels he birthday eve­ning www.bozar.be of Gidon Kremer, best isolation, disappointment, longing for freedom, hope... Gidon Kremer, violin known for his original Meanwhile Weinberg’s Sonata No. 3, Op. 126 for Violin Solo is an Daniil Trifonov, piano Gidon Kremer’s T interpre­tations of classi­cal exceptionally complex and mysterious work. birthday concert works and un­conven­tio­nal rounds off the programme with Fantasy in Gidon Kremer, violin pro­gram­ming, is mar­ked by C Major. The piece is thought to be the most technically challen­ Martha Argerich, piano the works of composers such ging composition by Schubert both for the violinist and pianist. Alexei Mochalov, bass as Mozart, to whom Gidon Sergei Nakariakov, trumpet Kremer and Kremerata Baltica Kremerata Baltica dedicated several recordings, including the Grammy Award 29 April 20:15 fter the very successful project, Eight Seasons (Antonio Vivaldi winner After Mozart (Nonesuch, and Astor Piazzolla),­ Kremerata Baltica presents a new set of 2001), and Shostakovich, a Flagey, Brussels Aworks that are coloured by the seasons by coupling together prominent figure in twentieth www.flagey.be pieces that are related to Russian and American cultures. Desyatnikov’s The Russian Seasons demonstrates­ Russian character, century music. A work by Gidon Kremer, leader, violin A. Raskatov provides a respecting its traditions,­ and is based on Russian folk songs. Olesia Petrova, mezzo soprano Philip Glass’ new composition represents American culture with glimpse into Mozart’s life, 5 Kremerata Baltica minutes in the life by W.A.M., its liberalities. The work will be accompanied with video projections by Jonas Mekas, – a filmmaker, poet and artist of Lithuanian origin, which beautifully preserves Also performing in: the sensibilities of the who has often been called the godfather of American avant-garde Milan, Italy (see page 76) eighteenth century in a purely cinema, along with the young video artist Rimas Sakalauskas, Luxembourg (see page 81) innocent manner. Adam Magyar, a prominent figure in media arts, and Pingo van der Odessa, Ukraine (see page 91) Brinkloev, a digital artist from Denmark. 52 PHOTO: Alberts Linarts 53 BELGIUM BELGIUM

“Sonja” “There was a person and there isn’t a person Laima Jansone Trio: “The interplay between a jazz musician any more. Only the name has remained – and a folk musician in finding common by The New Riga Theatre Sonja...” Zarbugans ground cannot possibly be easy. Yet — Tatiana Tolstaya it allows one to step back from jazz 13 February 20:30 15 March 11:00 Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels standards...” he performance is based on a short www.bozar.be — Ģirts Pavēnis, jazzmusic.lv story by Tatiana Tolstaya. Tolstaya’s 14 February 20:30 T writings are characterised by an admi- he Trio first appeared on stage rable depth of knowledge when it comes at the Rīgas Ritmi Festival in Duration: 1h 40 min to human nature, something that is accom- 2012, when the Latvian kokle folk (no intermission) T panied by a sophisticated commentary instrument player, Laima Jansone, Bozar Centre for Fine and precise observation of contemporary performed together with percussionist Arts, Brussels society. Sonja is an ironically sympathetic, Artis Orubs and bassist Andris Grunte. www.bozar.be grotesque and sad story – an impressionis- They revealed a new melodic synthesis, tic miniature about a lonely woman, whose one that was unique and uncommon fate has played a mean trick on her. to jazz music. All About Jazz called the Sonja is a little dense, a little ugly, a little project ‘the find of the Festival’, as well lonely. But she does have some talents: she as foreseeing a prosperous future for it. Photo: Gints Mālderis is an excellent cook and seamstress, and is During Rīgas Ritmi 2013, the audience Cast: great at getting on people’s nerves. Then had the chance to witness the Trio’s Actors – Gundars Āboliņš, Jevgēnijs Isajevs one day she receives a love letter, passion- new concert programme, Zarbugans, Director – Alvis Hermanis ate and serious, and Sonja’s heart is aflame. influenced by both jazz and folk. Designer – Kristīne Jurjāne Little does she realise that the letter was photo: f64 photo agency The Trio continued to impress with Sound – Andris Jarāns written by her evil friend, Ada. The letter their unique synthesis of modern Also performing in: Light – Arturs Skujiņš-Meijiņš changes Sonja’s life forever. and traditional music, joined by the Stage technicians – Kārlis Tone, Jānis Smirnovs The premiere of this performance was 17 January 4 May extraordinary stage layout and the Stage manager – Linda Zaharova held in 11 April 2006. Studio 1, Flagey, Brussels Neumünster Abbey, Luxembourg visual presence of other musicians. Tour manager – Elīna Adamaite www.jrt.lv www.flagey.be www.neimenster.lu www.laimajansone.com

he young Latvian conductor, Andris Andris Nelsons and the Royal ver the past few years Iveta Iveta Apkalna: Nelsons, once referred to as ‘the new Apkalna has succeeded in T Karajan’, brings the house down in Concertgebouw Orchestra O‘wiping off the dust’ from the The Splendour of Organ opera and concert halls alike. He guides the queen of all musical instruments and Royal Concertgebouw on a journey through 12 March 20:00 Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels establishing a new reputation for 4 June 20:00 the music of Mozart and Shostakovich www.bozar.be the organ. Through her compelling and the Oboe Concerto that Richard Andris Nelsons, conductor performances, technical brilliance, The Cathedral of St Michael and St Gudula, Brussels Strauss composed at 81 years of age. This Alexei Ogrintchouk, oboe and charismatic stage presence, she www.cathedralestmichel.be charming, melodic work is a real technical Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra has made it her mission to bring the tour de force for oboists, and the Russian In the programme of the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts splendour of organ music beyond the www.bozar.be Alexei Ogrintchouk has agreed to take up church walls and into the concert halls. the challenge. Iveta Apkalna, as a soloist and also Born in Riga in 1978 into a family of performing with some of the world’s musicians, Nelsons began his career as a top orchestras, appears in concerts trumpeter before studying conducting. throughout the world, shining in He was the principal conductor for the prestigious concert halls and the Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie in Herford, leading festivals around Europe. In Germany, and musical director for the 2005 she became the first organist Latvian National Opera. ever to receive ECHO Klassik as the Now Andris Nelsons is the musical “Best Performing Artist”. In the 2014– director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra 2015 season, Ms Apkalna performs and has been critically acclaimed as with the Berlin Radio Symphony music director of the City of Birmingham under Marek Janowski, and with the Symphony Orchestra. Liège and Luxembourg Philharmonic www.andrisnelsons.com Orchestras among others. 54 © Marco Borggreve www.apkalna.com Photo: nils vilnis 55 BELGIUM

Baiba Skride & Friends “It was a typical Skride performance: passionate and risk-taking.” 15 June 20:00 — The Guardian, 21 October 2013 Belarus Royal Conservatory of Brussels, Brussels he Latvian violinist, Baiba Skride, per­­ www.conservatoire.be forms in the company of three highly talen­­ted musicians in a programme of In the programme of the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts T string quintets that spans three centuries and www.bozar.be 25 – 27 March three eras: Classicism in the case of Mozart, Latvian Cinema Days in Minsk Baiba Skride, Gergana Gergova, violin Romanticism with Brahms, and contemporary Brett Dean, Nils Monkemeyer, alto music by the Australian composer, Brett Dean, Alban Gerhardt, cello born in 1961. 27 March – 24 April Baiba Skride’s natural approach to her Exhibition “Amber – Jewel of the Baltic Sea” music-making has endeared her to some of today’s most important conductors and orchestras worldwide. Following her debut at 31 March the BBC Proms with the and The Latvian Radio Choir: Mother Teresa Prayer with Szymanowski Concerto No.1, Geoff Brown in The Times noted, “Latvian violinist Baiba Skride sailed over the orchestra’s April – September magic forest with long lines of melody, silver Exhibition “Love Is Never-Ending” and sweet.” Skride plays the Stradivarius “Ex Baron Feilitzsch” violin (1734), which is June – July generously on loan to her from Gidon Kremer. Exhibition “Aspazija/Rainis: Rebel/Humanist” © Marco Borggreve www.baibaskride.com

Road movie “Planet Amber” Closing Event of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Latvian Radio Big Band, Maestro Raimonds “Just played with the amazing Latvian Pauls, Kristīne Prauliņa and Intars Busulis Radio Big Band! These guys (and gal) can Studio 4, Flagey, Brussels hold their own with any big band on the 16 June 20:15 www.flagey.be planet! Great section work and sound, killer soloists and swingin’ rhythm section! You can’t ask for more than that!” — Randy Brecker

he Latvian Radio Big Band has been revived after a sixteen T year break and the new creative team behind it consists of composer and pianist, Maestro Raimonds Pauls, producer and jazz musician Māris Briežkalns, and conductor, jazz performer, and saxophonist Kārlis Vanags. In this project, the team will perform jazz classics and also new melodies, some of them specifically composed for the young jazz and gospel singer Kristīne Prauliņa’s voice, as well as special arrangements vocalist Kristīne Prauliņa and the Latvian Radio Big Band of both old and new pieces and Georgian composer Giya Kancheli’s film melodies. www.rigasritmi.lv 56 www.raimondspauls.lv 57 BELARUS BELARUS

EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE Mother Teresa Prayer he premiere of the concert, Mother Amber – Jewel of the Baltic Sea he exhibition is a thematic Teresa Prayer, was held in Riga message revealing the spread of 31 March T Cathedral on 28 November 2012 27 March – 24 April T amber, the Baltic Sea area as an and included­ three world premieres by amber crossroads, the amber road and Belarusian State Philharmonic, Minsk three Latvian composers: Lord, Open our The National History Museum of the Republic of the cultures involved, and also amber in www.philharmonic.by Eyes by Pēteris Vasks; Litany to Mother Belarus, Minsk mythology and folklore. history.museum.by “In the silence of the heart God speaks. Teresa by Andrejs Selickis; and Silence, Amber has been known in the terri- If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you.” Love and Light by Rihards Dubra. The tory of Latvia since the end of the early — Mother Teresa programme was conceived, produced Neolithic (approximately the second half and conducted by Sigvards Kļava, and of the fourth century BC). It was treated was performed by the Latvian Radio as a jewel and was the most valuable Choir and the Sinfonietta Rīga chamber of export goods. The art of processing orchestra, along with soloists from the amber was very highly developed. It was Riga Dome Choir School. sewn into clothes, used in ornaments This programme revolves around and jewellery, and even placed into Mother Teresa and the music is featu­ graves along with the deceased. ring the power of faith that she inspired. Amber jewellery still retains its The concert is sculptured as a musical place in Latvian lifestyle. Time has not commemoration in which Mother changed the material, but types of Teresa simultaneously prays for herself ornaments have changed along with and for the entire world. time and fashion. Heavy strings of precisely processed egg-shaped beads Also performing: were popular in the second quarter of Photo: roberts kaniņš, national history museum of latvia 12 February the twentieth century. During that time, courtesy of latvijas koncerti National Philharmonic of See also in: amber ornaments served to a certain ex- www.radiokoris.lv (see page 16) Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine 5 – 30 June tent as an acknowledgement of Latvian www.sinfoniettariga.lv (see page 14) www.filarmonia.com.ua The History Museum, Kiev, Ukraine taste while under Soviet occupation. www.kyivhistorymuseum.org www.lnvm.lv

he exhibition is aimed at intro- Aspazija/Rainis: Rebel/Humanist ducing European society to the The Story of Two Latvian Poets hen the world was Planet Amber T greatest Latvian personalities of younger, ships, explorers the twentieth century – the litterateurs, Wand merchants carried not Road movie, 90 minutes Rainis and Aspazija, stimulating interest June – July Yanka Kupala State Literary Museum, Minsk only foreign goods, but also sto- in the most significant achievements of kupala-museum.by ries. Those stories drew a map of The travellers: Marta Selecka and Gustavs Terzens their creative work, and their contribu- Also in: the world and taught people that Director: Uģis Olte tion to the development of the history there are broader horizons beyond of ideas in the context of the develop- 20 – 24 April their own fence. Baltic amber has ment of global culture and society. The UNESCO House, always been valued as the Gold of exhibition is intended as a dialogue Salle des Pas Perdus, the North, so two young Latvians between two personalities through their Paris, France set out on the ancient amber trade ideas and creative work. en.unesco.org route from the Baltic coast to the In the revelation of the exhibition’s May south of India to learn how this content an essential role is played by Kirov, Russia Stone of the Sun has changed the mutual correspondence between the world we live in. The idea behind poets – their love, their quest for creative the project is to break down old work, and their future vision. This corre- stereotypes of amber as an archaic spondence was acknowledged as being a relic with cultural and historical significant part of the world’s cultural and dimensions and shape a brand living history, and it was entered into the new identity image of amber. Latvian National Register for the UNESCO www.vfs.lv ‘Memory of the World Programme’. Their 150th anniversary is marked on the UNESCO memorable date calendar.

www.memorialiemuzeji.lv EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA Rainis and Aspazija at the seaside town of EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE Photo: uģis olte JŪrmala, 1905. Photo: unknown. 58 RTMM 18675 59 BELARUS

Latvian Cinema Days in Minsk 25 – 27 March China Pobeda Cinema, Minsk www.kinominska.by/cinema/23/ ine complimentary screenings­ at the Pobeda 5 January – as long as the weather allows Ncinema, a multifaceted Latvian Artists at the Harbin International programme with a broad Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival spectrum, beginning with the public’s good old favourites to 2 – 12 March the most recent award-winning films. The selection contains Art Project “World Cities. Live Paintings” a programme of children’s animated short films, adult April short films, documentaries, and a programme of films by Folk Dance Group “Daiļrade” and Crafts Fair the widely-acclaimed Latvian director, Laila Pakalniņa. 16 and 17 June the chimney (laila pakalniņa, 2013) The Latvian National Ballet: The Sleeping Beauty

he aim of the Love Is Never-Ending Exhibition exhibition is to give a snapshot of T Latvian contemporary art by taking “Love Is Never-Ending” a brief look at the history of contemporary art since 1990 and the current tendencies April – September in art in Latvia: the so called “reporting” trend in contemporary art, formalism and Yakub Kolas Square, Minsk neo-conceptualism. Each artwork in the exhibition will be accompanied by a text Organiser: Institute for Contemporary Art, Riga, about the work itself and its role in Latvian in collaboration with the Museum of Modern art as a whole, along with information Fine Art, Minsk, Belarus about the author. The exhibition will be www.artmodern.museum.by set out in chronological order. The name of the exhibition – Love Is Never-Ending (Mīlestība nekad nebeidzas) – is taken from the 2008 work by Sarmīte Māliņa and Kristaps Kalns which will be included in the exhibition. The artists created this piece as an ironic nostalgic reflection on the past in which banal old objects – bedroom furniture and its components – are turned into impressive minimalistic compositions. This work can be interpreted as a contemporary take on the vanitas theme. It thus has a deeper semantic meaning: the triumph of eternity over secular life which symbolises the pur- pose of creating any true work of art. The exhibition on the recent history and the overview of the current tendencies in Lat- Sarmīte Māliņa, vian contemporary art created especially Kristaps Kalns. Love Is for Belarus will also have the same focus. Never-Ending, 2008. photo: kristaps kalns 60 61 CHINA CHINA

Latvian Artists at the Harbin International The Latvian National Ballet Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival The Latvian National Ballet is the only professional ballet company in Latvia. The history of the Latvian ballet has had close ties with the finest traditions of the Russian school of classical ballet 5 January – as long as the weather conditions allow for more than ninety years. These have been passed down from generation to generation, and eventually gave the world such Riga-trained ballet stars as Mikhail Baryshnikov, Māris Liepa, Harbin city, Heilongjiang and Alexander Godunov. he Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival is one of the world’s largest T chaikovsky’s beautiful ice and snow art events and has The Sleeping Beauty brought together thousands of music and the magnificent artists from around the world every Tstage design take the winter since 1985. A number of local audience to the wonderland and international competitions of fairies, fairytale characters, 16 and 17 June take place during the Festival. For princesses and evildoers. In a Latvia, the two most important are distant kingdom, fairies arrive National Centre of Performing Arts (NCPA), Beijing the International Snow Sculpture to a christening ceremony of www.chncpa.org Competition and the International the baby princess Aurora to give the little girl beauty, wisdom Ballet in three acts Ice Sculpture Competition, as Latvia By Pyotr Tchaikovsky has its own world champion in and kindness. Only the evil fairy these areas. Carabosse, whom the Master of Ceremonies has forgotten to Choreographer – Marius Petipa, Yes, it turns out that Latvia excels Aivars Leimanis not only in winter sports, but also invite, takes revenge by placing The snow sculpture competition winner Internal Borders tells the story about a curse – on her sixteenth birth- in winter arts. This is the third borders within people’s mind and the necessity to overcome them. Photo: Li Ke Ren day, the Princess will prick her Aurora – Baiba Kokina, Elza Leimane-Martinova time the artist Kārlis Īle and his Prince Desire – Sergei Neikshin, Viktors Seiko colleagues represent Latvia in Har- finger on a spindle and die. “The Sleeping Beauty is a The Lilac Fairy – Alise Prudāne bin. In 2011, he won first place in The Evil Fairy Carabosse – Ieva Rācene the ice sculpture competition, and benchmark of the classical in 2012 he took second place in ballet. The dancers are required the ice sculpture competition and to have flawless sense of style, first place in the snow sculpture especially perfect hand and competition. foot positions. [..] it is well This year, the Latvian artists – suited to our company as it has Kārlis Īle, Mintauts Buškevics, many larger and smaller roles, Maija Puncule, and Ainars with technically demanding Zingniks – again were aiming for dancing not only for the leading honours at these competitions and soloists, but also for the fairies, got rewarded with the first place jewels and other roles. I think in snow sculpture competition and this ballet may also pride one second place in the ice sculpture of the most challenging female competition. roles in the classical ballet – the princess Aurora’s role, which can be performed only by the best ballerinas,” says Aivars Lei- manis, the Head of the Latvian The sculpture Rain Dog by Kārlis Īle and Mintauts Buškevics was awarded second National Ballet. place and depicts a wet little dog who loyally follows its owner during a rainfall. Photo: Li Ke Ren The original choreography by Marius Petipa has been kept for this staging by the Latvian National Ballet.

www.opera.lv Photo: Andris Tone, courtesy of the Latvian National Opera

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Folk Dance Group spring 2015 the residents and visitors of Beijing will have the opportunity to ex- “Daiļrade” and Crafts Fair In perience Latvian culture. Performances France will be held by the Daiļrade folk dance group, April For information on place and time visit and, guided by the artisans of the Ethnographic eu2015.lv/latvia-en/cultural-programme Open-Air Museum of Latvia, everyone will have a chance to try out a variety of Latvian handicraft skills like weaving, clay and amber 14 – 20 January processing, wood-carving, and others. Exhibition “A Glimpse of Latvia. Nature and Architecture” Daiļrade folk dance group was founded in 1990. The repertoire includes not only well- known traditional dances but also innovative 6 February performances that have earned the name Vestards Šimkus Piano Recital “folk-ballet”. The Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of 9 – 15 February Latvia was established in 1924. The museum collects documents and preserves the objects Latvian Days in Strasbourg: of folk building monuments of Latvian historical and ethnographical regions, along with evi- 11 February dence of the way of life and culture of the rural population, characteristic to the period from Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova Concert the 17th to the 20th century. www.tda-dailrade.lv 10 – 15 February Folk dance ensemble Daiļrade performing at the final competition of dance ensembles during the 15th National Dance Festival www.brivdabasmuzejs.lv Exhibition “Breakfast in Europe” 30 March – 15 April he Rector of the Art Academy of Art Project Exhibition “The Synthetic Evolution. Gints Gabrāns” Latvia, Professor Aleksejs Naumovs, “World Cities. Live Paintings” Tand Pro-rector Professor Kristaps 20 – 24 April Zariņš are returning to Hong Kong to continue work on the World Cities. Live 2 – 12 March Exhibition “Aspazija/Rainis: Rebel/Humanist” Paintings project, painting Hong Kong en plein air and supplementing the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design, 18 May exhibition in the Hong Kong Polytechnic Hong Kong The Verdi Requiem University School of Design, one of the www.sd.polyu.edu.hk most distinguished design education centres in the world. 9 June The exhibited works reflect impres- sions gained in the world’s metropolises The Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra with and culturally rich European cities. The Ainārs Rubiķis and Reinis Zariņš viewer is taken on a colourful journey from Riga to Washington, Miami, New York, Hong Kong, Venice, Paris and countless other destinations. Most paintings in the exhibition were created outdoors in a dynamic setting in order to capture a particular moment – usually on a large-scale canvas with expressive brushstrokes, mixing pigments directly on the surface of the painting. The whole process is determined by the situation – in sunshine or rain, in company or in soli- tude, the artists paint their landscapes in Plein air in the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Photo: from the archive of the AAL the course of a few hours. www.lma.lv 64 65 FRANCE FRANCE

Exhibition “A Glimpse of Latvia. Nature and Architecture” Latvian Days in Strasbourg The Official Opening of the Latvian Presidency in Strasbourg 9 – 15 February

14 – 20 January ities are places where nature meets civilisation. ccordion is still a relatively young instrument on Accordionist The exhibition focuses the classical platform. Since the major changes The European Parliament in Strasbourg C in its mechanics made in 1960s, its own original Ksenija Sidorova the spectators’ attention on A Louise Weiss building Latvia’s great advantage – repertoire started to grow rapidly, which strengthened Allée du Printemps, 67070 Strasbourg the harmonious equilibrium instrument's identity. 11 February 18:30 Salle du Münsterhof between nature and the urban “In the concert you will hear some of the most pop- 9, rue des Juifs, Strasbourg landscape. For example, in the ular original compositions written for accordion as well photograph showing Latvia’s as transcriptions of classical works to which accordion most beautiful small town, brings a new life. And one of the works, Nyzhnyk's Kuldīga, we see the Venta wa- Sansara, is getting its French premiere tonight,” says the terfall, which is Europe’s wid- Latvian accordionist Ksenija Sidorova. est natural waterfall, together Ksenija was encouraged by her grandmother to take with the elegant 19th century up the accordion at the age of eight. At 16 she went to bridge. Photographers: Juris London to study with Owen Murray at the Royal Acade- Kalniņš, Indriķis Stūrmanis and my of Music where she was a prize winning undergrad- others. J. Kalniņš’ pictures of uate and went on to receive a Masters with Distinction. the earth’s ornaments illustrate She was also awarded the Philharmonia Orchestra Mar- the book The Possible Europe tin Musical Scholarship and the Philharmonia Orchestra by the French thinker Bernard Friends Award. She was the first accordion player to win Sordet, published in Riga in the prestigious WCoM Prince’s Prize. 2014. The exhibition contains Past engagements include performances with the several of the photographs Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonietta Rīga, Kremerata Baltica, the Orchestra of the Mariinsky Photo: Juris Kalniņš from the book. Theatre and CBSO, and other.

www.ksenijasidorova.com Photo: John Kentish Vestards Šimkus estards Šimkus is a true pantheist of the Olym- pus of Latvian musicians. For him, one of the Piano Recital V cornerstones of harmonious creative existence Breakfast in Europe: is to be in harmony with nature and the change of Art Exhibition by Professors of the Art Academy of Latvia 6 February 20:30 seasons. Long strolls in the woods and the surround- ing countryside, a healthy lifestyle, and the loving aura of his family are part of his daily life. 10 – 15 February the exhibition professors of the Salle Cortot, Paris Art Academy of Latvia, publicly www.sallecortot.com In the creative sense, Vestards Šimkus is a king of the moment, and a master of momentary magic. His The European Parliamentary Association, Strasbourg At known artists from different areas former composition teacher is the world famous Lat- www.ape-europa.eu of art, creatively share their impressions vian composer, Pēteris Vasks, who is still an ardent of travels around Europe. The exhibition admirer of the pianist. Vestards does not write much, comprises of porcelain plates that are of and his compositions written so far have been like the same size but carry different content, flickers,­ fixed improvisations given their real colour over-painted in each author’s peculiar by the author’s incredibly skilful fingers. handwriting. Their motifs are explained by At Salle Cortot, Vestards Šimkus will perform his sources of inspiration on the walls – photo own Dreamscapes. Nine Etudes for Piano, which fixations of special moments that have made their debut in the autumn of 2014. In Novem- been experienced around Europe. ber 2014, Vestards Šimkus performed his new min- The exhibition is made up in the form iature score series at the prestigious annual Lucerne of a collection of stories and reflects the Festival at the Piano. Each dreamscape is given a different experiences and viewpoints of figurative name, and the images include phenom- artists and lures viewers into an enticing ena such as silvery dark trees, floating stars, parallel visual adventure. The exhibition also dream time, forgotten dream, and reality. reminds one of the pride of Latvia – the Along with his own miniature score series, Vestards success story behind the Baltars porcelain workshop in the 1920s. Photo: jānis deinats Šimkus will perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s chorale preludes arranged for the piano by Ferruccio Busoni. www.lma.lv 66 Photo: inese kundziņa 67 FRANCE FRANCE

The Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra with The Synthetic Evolution. he works by Gints Gabrāns are the obvious choice for the exhibition. Ainārs Rubiķis and Reinis Zariņš Gints Gabrāns T For many years he incorporates new technologies and achievements in science 9 June 20:00 invitation from the Strasbourg 30 March – 15 April in his works encouraging the spectators to Philharmonic Orchestra, in this enjoy new experiences of perception and Cité de la musique et de la danse, Strasbourg By concert it will be led by the Society for the Encouragement of National Industry/ cognition revealing the hidden beauty of the www.conservatoire.strasbourg.eu Latvian Ainārs Rubiķis, music Société d’Encouragement pour l’Industrie Nationale reality invisible to human eye. director and conductor of the Novosibirsk (SEIN), Paris The exhibition consists of works from the Opera and Ballet Theatre. The concert www.industrienationale.fr series Out of Nowhere which helps us to see programme features Wagner’s symphonic how complex structures are spontaneously poem Siegfried Idyll and works by two created through a natural process of form- Latvian composers. One will be Pēteris creation according to the principles of chaos Plakidis with the masterpiece composed and self-organisation. The plastic sculptures in his early days, Music for Piano, Strings have been made using a simple physical and Timpani. The solo will be performed process – pouring liquefied polyethylene in by a young Latvian pianist living in cold water. Thus, spontaneously complex London, Reinis Zariņš. He is an architect forms and structures are created as a result of of sounds who has a unique mindset and the self-organisation principle. brilliant technique, with an exceptional According to the philosophy of the SEIN, ability to paint the picture of each opus a special event which interweaves arts and in great detail. The other work will be crafts, new technologies and economics will Pēteris Vasks’s orchestral piece Viatore. take place during the exhibition: a conference The winner of the Gustav Mahler Con- on Digital Europe, a priority of the Latvian ducting Competition in 2010, Ainārs Gints Gabrāns. From No Where. 2010 – 2014 Presidency in the Council of EU. Rubiķis, is a new maestro who is very www.gabrans.com popular throughout Europe. This season he will make his debut with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and per- form with Royal Northern Sinfonia, the he exhibition is aimed at intro- Aspazija/Rainis: Rebel/Humanist Gulbenkian Orchestra and the Orchestre ducing European society to the National d’Île-de-France. greatest Latvian personalities The Story of Two Latvian Poets reinis zariņš. Photo: aiga ozo T of the twentieth century – the litter- ateurs, Rainis and Aspazija, stimulat- 20 – 24 April UNESCO House, Salle des Pas ing interest in the most significant Perdus, Paris, en.unesco.org achievements of their creative work, 18 May, the Verdi Requiem concert in Paris The Verdi Requiem and their contribution to the devel- will be performed by the Latvian Nation- opment of the history of ideas in the al Symphony Orchestra and conducted 18 May 20:00 On context of the development of global by it’s Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Andris culture and society. The exhibition is Poga, who is known to Parisian audiences from his Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris intended as a dialogue between two time as Assistant Conductor of the Orchestre de Paris www.theatrechampselysees.fr personalities through their ideas and from 2011 to 2014. creative work. The quartet of soloists will also be extraordinary: In the revelation of the exhibition’s the soprano part will be sung by Maija Kovaļevska, content an essential role is played by a regular guest of the Vienna State and the New York mutual correspondence between the Metropolitan operas; the mezzo-soprano by Olesya poets – their love, their quest for crea- Petrova, a St Petersburg Conservatory Opera Theatre tive work, and their future vision. This soloist and a guest soloist with the Perm Opera; the correspondence­ was acknowledged tenor by Giorgio Berrugi; and the bass by Egils Siliņš, as being a significant part of the one of the most sought-after basses for Wagner and world’s cultural and living history, and Rainis and Aspazija, 1905. Photo: unknown. RTMM 95558 Richard Strauss interpretations. it was entered into the Latvian Nation- They will be joined by the State Choir Latvija al Register for the UNESCO ‘Memory Also in: which has performed Verdi’s Requiem with the best of the World Programme’. Their 150th conductors in the world for the last four decades. May: Kirov, Russia anniversary is marked on the www.lnso.lv UNESCO memorable date calendar. June: Yanka Kupala State Literary Museum, Minsk, Belarus www.koris.lv kupala-museum.by www.memorialiemuzeji.lv 68 Conductor Andris Poga. Photo: Jānis Deinats 69 GERMANY

The Opening Ceremony of the Latvian Presidency Germany of the Council of the European Union 16 January

Rotes Rathaus, Berlin 16 January Rathausstraße, 10178 The Opening Ceremony of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 9 February Sinfonietta Rīga and Violinist Vineta Sareika 9 and 14 March Sinfonietta Rīga and Violinist Baiba Skride 20 March – 19 April Exhibition “Ornaments of the Latvian Soul in Clothing, Music, Songs and Dances” 19 May Opera “Valentina” Guest Performance of the Latvian National Opera

state choir latvija. Photo: kaspars alksnis pening the Latvian Presidency of the Council Performing also in: of the European Union, the State Choir Riga, Latvia (see page 32 and 38) OLatvija will give a solo concert in Berlin with Paris, France (see page 68) an a cappella music programme and choral music New York, USA (see page 100) from the creative work of Latvian composers Pēteris Vasks, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Gundega Šmite, and also Va- lentyn Sylvestrov, Veljo Tormis, Paweł Łukaszewski, and Josef Rheinberger. The State Choir Latvija is a frequent guest in German concert life, with regular collaboration proposals from the best German orchestras. The choir’s performance in 2009 at the biggest music event in Germany, the , was very special, with a performance of Rodion Shchedrin’s lengthy a cappella liturgy, The Sealed Angel, after which the composer named the State Choir Latvija as “the best choir in the world”. It’s Music Director and Conductor – Māris Sirmais.

More about the State Choir Latvija see page 20. www.koris.lv www.eriksesenvalds.com

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EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE Sinfonietta Rīga and this concert, the Sinfonietta Rīga chamber Opera “Valentina” he first opera by the interna- Vineta Sareika orchestra will be joined by the bright tionally renowned Latvian At young Latvian violinist Vineta Sareika, first 19 May T composer Arturs Maskats, violin in the world famous Artemis String Quartet, entitled Valentina, celebrates a 9 February with a diverse programme that contains Classicism, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Berlin cultural legend – film historian Romanticism and twenty-first century music. She www.deutscheoperberlin.de Valentina Freimane. The opera Mozart Saal, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Frankfurt will play solo in Pēteris Vasks’ fantasy, Vox Amoris, for Opera in two acts by Arturs Maskats reveals dramatic pages from the violin and string orchestra, which is designed as a national chronicle between the www.alteoper.de Libretto by Liāna Langa and Arturs Maskats message about the world’s greatest power – love. years 1939 to 1944, which are The concert programme features an opus for Valentina – Inga Kalna remarkable moments of Latvian string orchestra called Elongation of Nights by the Music Director and Conductor – Modestas Pitrenas history and culture for the varied Lithuanian composer Justė Janulytė, known for her Stage Director – ethnic groups that live in Latvia. delicately beautiful and dimensional music. This Set and Costume Designer – Ieva Jurjāne Valentina Freimane’s childhood was composition is dedicated to Vilnius, the capital of Light Designer – Nicol Hungsberg divided between Riga and Berlin, Lithuania, in autumn. Sinfonietta Rīga has also expe- where her father worked as a law- rienced a significant level of cooperation with the Guest performance of the Latvian National Opera under yer for UFA film studios, while her remarkable Estonian composer, Erkki-Sven Tüür. His the patronage of Minister for Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Edgars mother was an enchanting society composition, Lighthouse, is marked by a colourful Rinkēvičs, and the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of the lady. On their return to Riga, this palette of vital string instruments. Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. future film historian’s intelligentsia www.sinfoniettariga.lv family was shocked and surprised Photo: Jānis Deinats, Courtesy of Vineta Sareika www.vineta-sareika.com by the ongoing Holocaust there. It claimed the lives of Valentina’s parents and husband, and the young woman herself was forced to Sinfonietta Rīga 9 March hide from the authorities until the and Baiba Skride end of the war. Laeiszhalle Hamburg, Kleiner Saal, Hamburg “Valentina Freimane’s life story www.elbphilharmonie.de is inextricably intertwined with events in Latvian and European he sublime works by Vienna classicists and the , giving a panoramic view by Pēteris Vasks, the most well-known Latvian com- of the era in all its richness of T poser in the world, will be presented at Laeiszhalle colour and in all its contradictions. Hamburg by the Sinfonietta Rīga chamber orchestra and The most dramatic moments in the brilliant Latvian violinist Baiba Skride who is giving Valentina’s life have coinci­ded concerts around the world extensively. Skride is going to with the most notable events of play Pēteris Vasks’ Violin Concerto Distant Light. The violin twentieth century Latvian history: concerto was written in 1997 as commissioned by the the loss of the country’s independ- Salzburg Festival. It is one of the most often performed ence and a time when an enor- pieces of music on the world stage; and Vasks de- mous spiritual force was required scribes Distant Light as “nostalgia with a touch of tragedy – in order to survive both physically childhood memories”. and morally. However, our opera is about more than simply politics: 14 March it is also a love story with deep feelings rooted throughout all of Herkulessaal der Residenz, Munich its events,” says Arturs Maskats, the www.muenchenmusik.de composer.

his time the Sinfonietta Rīga chamber orchestra and Photo: gunārs janaitis, courtesy of the latvian national opera www.opera.lv the great Latvian violinist, Baiba Skride, will perform T the sublime compositions of Viennese classics and the ’s most-recognised composer, Pēteris Vasks. Baiba will also play solo in ’s 27 April © Marco Borggreve Violin Concerto. In 2001 Baiba won the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Jewish Museum Berlin, Berlin www.jmberlin.de More on Sinfonietta Rīga see page 14. Music Competition in Brussels. Since then she has www.sinfoniettariga.lv performed with prestigious orchestras and collaborated A panel discussion prior the guest performance with musical contribu­tion of www.baibaskride.com with numerous conductors. Baiba also performs chamber soprano Inga Kalna and composer of the opera “Valentina”, Arturs Maskats. 72 music concerts with her sister pianist, Lauma Skride. 73 GERMANY

Seminar in the Honour of the 150th Anniversary of the Eminent Latvian Litterateurs Rainis and Aspazija Italy 18 March ainis (1865–1929) and Aspazija (1865–1943) were European and world class litterateurs and public figures. For over a century their Bavarian State Rcreative work has served as a measure of Latvian literature and polit- Library, Munich ical public opinion. The contribution by these poets, especially Rainis, is 20 April www.bsb-muenchen.de still significant to the development of philosophical thought. They wrote Kremerata Baltica and The Seasons Project plays and poems, worked as journalists, and translated world classics – Goethe, Ibsen, Shakespeare and Pushkin. He got involved in politics and became the minister for education. She fought for women’s rights and 9 May – 22 November didn’t shy away from speaking about the inconsistent human nature. Exhibition of Latvian Contemporary Art 29 May rnament (raksts) – to write Ornaments of the Latvian Soul in Presentation of the TV Series (rakstīt) – to dig (rakt) Omeans to engrave, to dint, Clothing, Music, Songs and Dances “In the Belly of the City – RĪGA” to make symbols on material, to leave tracks. Ornament carries a 20 March – 19 April Opening 19 March 10 June symbolic message – ornament The Latvian Radio Choir turns into writing. Ornament The Museum of Five Continents, Munich creates rhythm, and rhythm is an www.museum-fuenf-kontinente.de integral part of our life – sunrise and sunset, the rhythm of day and night, the rhythm of the change of the seasons. Valdemārs Ģinters, archaeolo- gist and researcher of antiquity, believed that “from the point of view of national art history, Latvian national costume is the most remarkable and varied Latvian cultural monument”. It is an extensive carrier of information not only about the culture, history, and ethnic peculiarities but also portrays its wearer’s social status and the interaction of cultural ties with neighbouring nations. The exhibition tells the story of the development of the Song Fes- tival tradition in connection with the shaping of national self-aware- ness and the national costume as one of the forms of expression. Latvian National centre for culture. Photo: Aivars Liepins It consists of 26 visual groups of regional national costumes. The Also in: audio-visual presentation will 7 May – 7 June be given on screens with special Neumunster Abbey Cultural Exchange Center, Luxembourg sound solutions, displaying the www.neimenster.lu meaning of song and dance in the Latvian perception of life, time, and 20 June – 30 August space. Exhibition hall “RIGA ART SPACE”, Riga www.lnkc.gov.lv www.makslastelpa.lv 74 75 ITALY ITALY

Kremerata Baltica and he innovative Seasons Project by The Latvian Radio Choir Philip Glass juxtaposes Glass’ The Seasons Project T magical new work, Violin Con- in Naples certo No. 2 The American Four Seasons, 20 April 21:00 Milan Conservatory, Sala Verdi, Milan with its inspiration, Vivaldi’s classic, The 10 June www.consmilano.it Four Seasons. Unlike Vivaldi’s set of four concertos, each with three move- Teatrino di Corte ments brimming with material that is Royal Palace, Piazza del supposed to suggest spring, summer, Plebiscito 1, 80132 Naples winter and autumn, Glass’ work is four unbroken single movements, between he Latvian Radio Choir which the soloist is playing intermez- under conductor Sig- zo-like songs as a kind of commentary vards Kļava presents a on the whole piece. While they too T special programme at the Teat- are to be taken as harbingers of each rino di Corte concert hall which season, the movements are untitled. includes both world famous “Therefore, there will be no instructions choral music masterpieces and for the audience, no clues as to where lesser known compositions by Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall might Latvian composers. appear in the new concerto – an inter- Doppo la Vittoria – composer esting, though not worrisome, problem Arvo Pärt’s piece for mixed for the listener,” says Philip Glass. choir a cappella in Italian – was Photo: christian lutz The piece is supplemented with commissioned by the City of Mi- Also performing in: video projections by several persons, lan, which commemorated the starting with Jonas Mekas, Rimas Saka- Brussels, Belgium (see page 52 – 53) 1600th anniversary of the death lauskas, Adam Magyar and Pingo van Luxembourg (see page 81) of St. Ambrose in 1997. der Brinkloev. Odessa, Ukraine (see page 91) The latest composition by the Catalan composer Bernat Vivancos – Lasciatemi morire – Courtesy of the Latvian Radio Choir was dedicated to the Latvian listeners all over the world. Muo:aa:yiy:oum is Hillborg’s first choral he Latvian Contemporary Art Exhibition of Latvian Radio Choir and is a transcrip- composition. This piece with no words was written in 1983 and was exhibition in Venice Biennale will tion for a six-voice mixed choir composed solely to explore the substance of a human voice. The be a tool that helps to acquaint Contemporary Art T that notates the well-known singers intonate drawn vowels and the sounds appear as if from an Europe with Latvian culture, which is piece Lasciatemi morire (Let me enigmatic subterranean orchestra. A void gives birth to soughing one of the country’s most high-quality “Ornamentalisation. The Purvītis Prize” die) by the legendary Italian air; slowly this transforms into a Babylonian mess of language in and remarkable export products. composer Claudio Monteverdi. which no particular word or language is recognisable – only voices, In this age of globalisation, it may 9 May – 22 November The audience in Naples will have which resound in a wordless sound panorama until they ultimately sometimes seem that representing the opportunity to experience find their way back to the void from which they came. national schools and phenomena is Collateral Event of the 56th International Art Exhibition the world premiere of this com- The first part of the concert concludes with Gustav Mahler’s not an activity that may be of topical at the Venice Biennale position by Vivancos. Adagietto: Kein deutscher Himmel from his fifth symphony, arranged interest; however, the show aims to Tesa 99, Arsenale di Venezia The interpretation by the for mixed choir by the composer Gérard Pesson. prove that, regardless of the presence of labiennale.org Latvian Radio Choir and The second part of the concert introduces the Italian audience cosmopolitan trends, there are certain Curator: Viktor Misiano Sigvards Kļava of the compo- to the most outstanding examples of choral music by Latvian features in the style of expression and sition Muo:aa:yiy:oum, which composers Ēriks Ešenvalds and Pēteris Vasks. The performance is the body of subject matters, that are was written by the Swedish embellished with Latvian folk music and the participation of soloists shared throughout a specific country composer Anders Hillborg, Aleksandrs Maijers (mouth harp, percussions, pipes) and kokle player and therefore may seem particularly in- has amazed and enraptured Laima Jansone. teresting to others. The starting point of the exhibition is the Purvītis Award, the most prestigious Latvian award in visual Also performing in: arts. The exhibition constitutes a set of Bruges, Belgium (see page 50) works that, in their totality, are able to Kristaps Ģelzis. Fabricated Peace IV Brussels, Belgium (see page 51) represent the style of expression, diver- Minsk, Belarus (see page 58) sity of personalities, and professional Kiev, Ukraine (see page 91) qualities of Latvian contemporary art. London, United Kingdom (see page 94) www.purvisabalva.lv 76 77 ITALY

Presentation of the TV documentary “In the Belly of the City – RĪGA” Luxembourg Mercato Centrale Firenze 29 May www.mercatocentrale.it 5 – 31 March Exhibition “Latvia. Paintings from Above” 22 April Iveta Apkalna: The Splendour of Organ 3 – 10 May Latvian Culture Week in Luxembourg 3 May Latvian Dance Day: A Meeting Point for Traditional and Contemporary 4 May Laima Jansone Trio: Zarbugans Photo: Uldis Cekulis, VFS films he TV series In the Belly of the City is a The city of Riga hosts the largest covered food 4 May – 8 June STEFILM International production that re- market in Europe with 3 000 stalls housed in five Exhibition “What Else Does Amber Have in Mind?” T discovers the most exciting food markets in large pavilions. , which is on Europe. The first five programmes made in 2013 UNESCO's World Heritage List as part of the historic received the US TASTE AWARDS for ‘Best Foreign centre of Riga, was built by transforming old Zep- 4 – 18 May Language Program’ and the journey now goes pelin hangars that had been left by the Germans Exhibition “Sun Stone” on to reveal more beautiful, colourful and tasty after World War I. Nowadays, Riga Central Market is markets in Florence, Freiburg, Zagreb, Toulouse still the central meeting and trading point for food and Riga. Each episode is dedicated to one city producers from all regions of Latvia and plays an 5 May and underlines the importance which food has important role in the city’s urban cultural scene as Trio Colorato for us today. many creative events take place there. The second season of the TV series goes hand During the Riga episode of the series, made in hand with the theme of Expo Milano 2015 – by VFS Films, viewers will learn about several 6 May Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. In television traditional Latvian products such as hemp butter, “Miss Julie” and Valmiera Drama Theatre broadcasts on Arte and other European channels, rye bread, healing herbs, sparkling birch sap wine the Riga episode will highlight Latvian food and fried lampreys. During the presentation of 7 May – 7 June traditions and invite viewers to experience the the Riga episode in Florence, participants will be tastes of Riga for themselves. During the Latvian able to taste these Latvian products and learn Exhibition “Ornaments of the Latvian Soul in Presidency, a presentation of the Riga episode will the secrets of the Latvian traditional recipes Clothing, Music, Songs and Dances” take place in the Mercato Centrale in Florence. together with Latvian chefs. www.vfs.lv 8 May Art&Valt feat. Lara Bellerose 9 May It is the Europe Day and Latvia – the Country of Honour 11 May 78 Kremerata Baltica and The Seasons Project 79 Luxembourg Luxembourg

Exhibition Iveta Apkalna: “Latvia. Paintings from Above” The Splendour of Organ

Philharmonie Luxembourg 5 – 31 March 22 April 20:00 www.philharmonie.lu Court of Justice of the European Union ver the past few years Iveta www.curia.europa.eu Apkalna has succeeded in O‘wiping­ off the dust’ from the queen of all musical instru- ments and establishing a new reputation for the organ. Through her compelling performances, technical brilliance, and charismat- ic stage presence, she has made it her mission to bring the splendour of organ music beyond the church walls and into the concert halls. In this concert, she performs to- gether with the trumpet virtuoso Gábor Boldoczki. www.apkalna.com Photo: nils vilnis

he innovative Seasons Project by Philip Glass juxtaposes Glass’ magi- Kremerata Baltica and T cal new work, Violin Concerto No. 2 The Seasons Project The American Four Seasons, with its inspi- ration, Vivaldi’s classic, The Four Seasons. Philharmonie Luxembourg Thanks to the initiative of Gidon Kremer 11 May 20:00 www.philharmonie.lu and Kristijonas Kučinskas, the piece is supplemented with video projections by Jonas Mekas, a filmmaker, poet and artist of Lithuanian origin who has often Brasla river, gauja national park, latvia. Photo: gunārs dukšte been called the godfather of American avant-garde cinema, plus Rimas Saka- unārs Dukšte – a licensed hot-air balloon global hot-air balloon pilots who has been awarded lauskas, a young and innovative video pilot, instructor, examiner­ and inspector – is the title “Polar Balloon Aeronaut”. artist from Lithuania, Adam Magyar, Ga ballooning pioneer in Latvia. He has been For many years now Gunārs’ flight companion a prominent figure in media arts, and involved in ballooning since 1991 when the first has been his photo camera. “Most of the pho- Pingo van der Brinkloev, a digital artist hot-air balloon appeared in Latvia. Gunārs has tographs in this collection differ from traditional from Denmark. flown in many international events, including major aerial photography. Don’t spend too much time ones like the World Air Games, as well as champion- trying to spot popular tourist and historical sites, More about Kremerata Baltica ships and globally famous balloon fiestas – Bristol or even classic “picture perfect” postcard scenes in see page 12. Balloon Fiesta (UK), Albuquerque International this collection. The pictures contain my thoughts www.kremeratabaltica.com Balloon Fiesta (USA), Chateau d’Oex Ballooning and some views of Latvia from above, images cap- www.gidonkremer.net Week (Swiss Alps) and others. He is a member of tured while coasting over the countryside. Each the British Balloon & Airship Club. After a success- one is like a small painting created by the greatest ful flight over the North Pole, he is one of the few artist of all, the Nature,” says Gunārs Dukšte. Also performing in: Brussels, Belgium (see page 52 – 53) Milan, Italy (see page 76) Odessa, Ukraine (see page 91) Photo: andreas malkmus

80 81 Luxembourg Luxembourg

Latvian Dance Day: Trio Colorato A Meeting Point for Traditional and Contemporary The Music Conservatory of Luxembourg 5 May www.conservatoire.lu 3 May 19:00 Banannefabrik rišjānis Sants is a young rio Colorato includes www.banannefabrik.lu choreographer and dancer musicians from Latvia, Programme: K who now after his graduation T Italy and Luxembourg • 2 short films by Latvian Contemporary Dance artists; of the Latvian Academy of Culture (Agnese Nikolov­ska – flute, • An exposition of Latvian traditional costumes, and (2011) and PARTS (2014) unfolds his Carlo Jans – flute and Stéphane photography of traditional dance from the Latvian ambition to work both locally in Latvia Giampellegrini – cello) and Song and Dance festival; and internationally in Europe. performs classical and academic • An exposition of three screens looping videos from Dmitrijs Gaitjukevičs graduated music written by composers the Latvian Song and Dance festival. from Riga Choreography School from Latvia, Italy and in 2003 and has a BA degree from Luxembourg – the countries Performances: the Latvian Academy of Culture’s of the Trio Presidency. It was • Dive by Dmitrijs Gaitjukevičs; Department of Contemporary Dance established in 2009 and has • Performed research in Dance conducted by Elīna Choreography. given performances in Latvia, Gaitjukeviča; Elīna Gaitjukeviča is a Latvian Luxembourg, Greece and the • ACROSS (Šķērsām) by Krišjānis Sants and a team of contemporary dance performer, USA at various concerts and Luxembourgian and Latvian dancers. teacher and choreographer. She is a festivals. In this concert they leader of the Ritms Dance Company will perform two Latvian folk since 2000, but also works as an songs, a piece by the Latvian independent choreographer. In 2007 composer Jānis Mediņš as Elīna founded a contemporary dance well as works by Franz Anton project, Anatomy of Dance – a platform Hoffmeister, Antonio Vivaldi, for young local choreographers and Giovanni Benedetto Platti and dancers that results in a demonstration courtesy of agnese nikolovska Luc Grethen. of newly staged performances approximately twice each year. She graduated from the Latvian Academy of Culture’s Contemporary Dance he Art&Valt musical duo Art&Valt feat. Lara Bellerose malta festival poznan 2014. Photo: marcin oliva soto department (2007). began their musical col- T laboration 10 years ago at 8 May the Emīls Dārziņš Music School. The duo was born when the Neumünster Abbey he Trio first appeared on stage at the Laima Jansone Trio: two young musicians – Valters www.abbaye.lu Rigas Ritmi Festival in 2012, when the Lat- Zarbugans Pūce and Artūrs Cingujevs – felt T vian kokle folk instrument player, Laima they were on the same musical Jansone, performed together with percus- wavelength. The cellist Valters sionist Artis Orubs and bassist Andris Grunte. 4 May Agora, Neumünster Abbey Pūce is currently studying at the Their concert programme, Zarbugans, has www.neimenster.lu Royal Conservatory of Brussels to been influenced by both jazz and folk. Zarbu- Also performing in: earn his Master’s degree. He also gans is not only the name of the programme composes original pieces for the 17 January and the subsequent album, but also a unique, DaGamba cello band. Studio 1, Flagey, Brussels especially-created instrument, adding to the Artūrs Cingujevs’ first success www.flagey.be trio’s original and contrasting essence. came in a piano competition in After the Zarbugans concert everyone is wel- 15 March France when he was nine years come to join and experience folk dancing at its Bozar Centre for Fine old. In 2010, he graduated from best Latvian folk-culture tradition. Participants Arts, Brussels the Tchaikovsky Moscow State will be able to learn and perform at the same www.bozar.be Conservatory and was awarded time numerous simple couples and group the Gold Medal. He is continuing dances distinct to Latvia and the Baltic region. his education at the Conservatory Traditional music and dance steps will be per- as well as at the Bern University of formed by the folk group Dzērves and dancer the Arts. Krišjānis Sants. The concert will also have a www.laimajansone.com special guest – the Belgian singer Lara Bellerose. 82 Photo: f64 photo agency Photo: Valts kleins, courtesy of valters Pūce 83 Luxembourg Luxembourg

EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE Exhibition “What Else Does iga Technical University scientist Inga Ornaments of the Latvian Soul in Clothing, Music, Ļašenko has transformed amber using Amber Have in Mind?” Rnew technologies; she is the creator of Songs and Dances amber thread. She has won the prestigious 4 May – 8 June Neumünster Abbey World Intellectual Property Organisation’s 7 May – 7 June aldemārs Ģinters, archaeologist and www.neimenster.lu Gold Medal for Innovation and the Gold researcher of antiquity, believed that Medal for Learning. The full potential of “from the point of view of national Neumunster Abbey Cultural Exchange Center V amber thread is still being explored, but it art history, Latvian national costume is www.neimenster.lu is already clear that it has amazing medicinal the most remarkable and varied Latvian properties: it can be used for constructing Also in: cultural monument”. It is an extensive blood vessels in cardiovascular surgery. In 20 March – 19 April carrier of information not only about the addition, the researcher has developed a The Museum of Five culture, history, and ethnic peculiarities line of amber-based natural cosmetics. Continents, Munich but also portrays its wearer’s social status At this exhibition however, amber thread www.museum-fuenf- and the interaction of cultural ties with has been transformed into works of art by kontinente.de neighbouring nations. Iveta Vecenāne, a Latvian textile artist. The exhibition tells the story of the The artist experimen­ted with the visually 20 June – 30 August development of the Song Festival unobtrusive amber thread – examining Exhibition hall “RIGA tradition in connection with the shap- how it combines with other fibres, how it ART SPACE”, Riga ing of national self-awareness and the drapes in fabrics, which weaving methods www.makslastelpa.lv national costume as one of the forms work, and how it interacts with light. She is of expression. It consists of 26 visual the first artist in the world to work with this groups of regional national costumes. new amber innovation, experimenting with The audio-visual presentation will be its nature and integrating it with traditional given on screens with special sound textile fibres. solutions, displaying the meaning of The exhibition was created within the song and dance in the Latvian percep- framework of the Riga 2014 European Capi- tion of life, time, and space. courtesy of the ministry of foreign affairs of latvia tal of Culture programme. Latvian National centre for culture. Photo: Aivars Liepins www.lnkc.gov.lv

un Stone is an innovative project Exhibition “Sun Stone” through which the photographer special concert programme called New Kristīne Prauliņa in “New SAndris Zēgners breaks the com- 4 – 18 May Latvian Jazz Songs, created for singer Latvian Jazz Songs” Project mon concept of amber. We are given AKristīne Prauliņa and her unique tone a unique chance to look at a close-up Neumunster Abbey colour and style of singing by the Latvian pi- www.neimenster.lu For information on place and time visit of a forty million year old world in anist and composer Maestro Raimonds Pauls May which amber itself as a matter used together with poet Guntars Račs, has already eu2015.lv/latvia-en/cultural-programme to function as a photographer by ‘re- enraptured audiences at a number of cording’ moments of prehistoric time. concerts. The Latvian Radio Big Band under The artist has created a brand new Kārlis Vanags has also created arrangements visual environment from this ancient for these compositions. micro-reality with the help of a self- Kristīne Prauliņa performs in Latvia and made and highly innovative technical abroad not just as a soloist but also with a system and macro photography. gospel choir and different jazz, blues and Andris Zēgners is one of the most pop groups. In 2013, she won a singing extraordinary Latvian artists of his competition as part of the Ghetto Games generation, someone who has a fine street sports and culture festival, gaining the perception of the visual vibrations of opportunity to film a music video in New the world and an ability to transform York. She has performed at several concerts them into unusual pieces of art. He with the Latvian Radio Big Band and Maestro is interested in the structure and Photo: andris zēgners Raimonds Pauls, and with other musical textures of various objects and in See also in: groups such as the Māris Briežkalns Quintet nature elements – their exploration 15 – 30 April 26 May – 3 July and the jazz- fusion band Very Cool Peo- and creative transformation. European Bank for The Goldsmiths’ Centre, ple. She won the Grand Prix at the Riga Jazz Stage 2014 International Jazz Artists Contest www.zegners.com Reconstruction and London Development, London www.goldsmiths-centre.org and received the special prize from Tele2, the 84 www.ebrd.com contest’s partner company. Singer Kristīne Prauliņa 85 Luxembourg

It is the Europe Day and urope Day, held on 9 May, every year is celebrated by the Europe- Latvia – the Country of Honour Ean Commission Representation Russia in Luxembourg (House of Europe) in cooperation with diplomatic missions, 9 May Place Clairefontaine and this year Latvia will take the seat of honour. During the celebration EU Member States set up information 28 January stands/tents giving the opportunity Latvian Radio Big Band and Maestro Raimonds Pauls to find out more about each state as well as try their traditional food and drinks. Latvia has not taken part in the 27 March – 10 May festivities in the previous years; how- Exhibition “Andris Freibergs. Scenography” ever, this year as the presiding country of the Council of the EU, Latvia will also have a stand. Along with the “ex- 15 May – 15 June hibition” of the Member States, a stage Exhibition “Aspazija/Rainis: Rebel/Humanist” is set up for different performances. Representing Latvia, both Latvian folklore group in Luxembourg Dzērves 17 June and Latvian Choir of Luxembourg Sinfonietta Rīga: Chamber Orchestras of the World Meluzīna will take the stage.

Latvian folklore group Dzērves from Luxembourg. Photo: Liene Neimane www.dzerves.eu 27 – 28 June Traditional Latvian Music and Crafts in Moscow

he story of Miss Julie can be told in “Miss Julie” and one sentence: on Midsummer’s Eve T the young Count’s daughter becomes Valmiera Drama Theatre valet’s mistress and the next morning she commits suicide. Whereas before, amidst 6 May and after these events, a whirlwind of feel- ings, urges, resentment, memories of the Neumünster Abbey past and dreams for the future sweep over. www.neimenster.lu The play in the Valmiera Drama Theatre version is very subtle and ascetic. Even though none of the characters – Miss Julie (Inese Pudža), Jean (Mārtiņš Meiers), his fiancée and the cook (Anta Aizupe) – raise their voice, the atmosphere among them is so tense you could cut it with a knife. The director Vladislavs Nastavševs (1978) doesn’t emphasize the difference in char- acters’ statuses; he focuses on how each of them tries to understand themselves and reach the perfect and unattainable “self”. The Valmiera Drama Theatre founded in 1923 is the cultural centre of the town of Valmiera. In 1960s, it became the centre for modern theatre production in Latvia. Since then the interest on elite experiments and Photo: matīss markovskis contemporary theatrical forms has only grown. The repertoire of the theatre fea- tures classics interpreted in a contemporary way and modern Latvian drama. www.vdt.lv 86 87 RUSSIA RUSSIA

Latvian Radio Big Band and he Latvian Radio Big Band and Aspazija/Rainis: Rebel/Humanist he exhibition is aimed at introdu­ Maestro Raimonds Pauls Maestro Raimonds Pauls have cing European society to the T enjoyed close ties for over for- The Story of Two Latvian Poets T greatest Latvian personalities of ty years now. Pauls will perform as a the twentieth century – the litterateurs, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Moscow composer, arranger, soloist, and leader 28 January 15 May – 15 June Kirov Rainis and Aspazija, stimulating interest www.meloman.ru of the big band. in the most significant achievements of Along with instrumental Also Also in: their creative work, and their contribu- performing in: pieces, the programme features tion to the development of the history compositions in Latvian and Russian, 20 – 24 April of ideas in the context of the develop- 12 June some with by Russian poet UNESCO House, Salle des Pas Perdus, Paris, France ment of global culture and society. The Studio 4, Flagey, Yevgeny Yevtushenko. The concert en.unesco.org exhibition is intended as a dialogue Brussels, Belgium programme includes jazz standards June between two personalities through www.flagey.be and classics, completely new Yanka Kupala State Literary Museum, Minsk, Belarus their ideas and creative work. arrangements of Latvian film themes kupala-museum.by www.memorialiemuzeji.lv and folk songs which are featured in the project Mare Balticum, and the latest musical compositions by Pauls for the young Latvian singers, Kristīne īgo or “Jāņi” is a popular Latvian festival Traditional Latvian Music Prauliņa and Intars Busulis. held to celebrate the summer solstice L (Midsummer). This open-air event will and Crafts in Moscow For more about The Big Band and host Latvian folk musicians and craftsmen to Raimonds Pauls see page 18. introduce the inhabitants and guests of Mos- Park “Krasnaya Presnya”, Moscow 27 – 28 June www.p-kp.ru www.raimondspauls.lv cow with Latvian traditions, food and crafts. www.rigasritmi.lv pianist, composer maestro raimonds pauls www.intarsbusulis.com Exhibition 24 October 2013 the “Andris Freibergs. Scenography” talented Principal he programme combines classical On Set Designer of the Sinfonietta Rīga: Chamber Latvian National Opera, Andris scores with works by outstanding th Latvian and Nordic composers. Orchestras of the World 27 March – 10 May Freibergs, celebrated his 75 T birthday. Since his debut in 1965, Pēteris Vasks wrote his Violin Concerto he has worked on set design for Distant Light in 1997 as commissioned by the 17 June A.A. Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum, Moscow Salzburg Festival. It is one of the most per- www.gctm.ru over 200 plays in the leading theatres in Latvia as well as in Lith- formed pieces of music on the world stage; St Petersburg Academic Philharmonia, Grand Hall, and Vasks describes it as “nostalgia with a uania, Estonia, Poland, Germany, St Petersburg Venezuela, , Turkmenistan touch of tragedy – childhood memories. Very www.philharmonia.spb.ru Latvian. But everyone may perceive Distant and Russia. As a professor in the Light freely – for this is where power of music Conductor: Normunds Šnē Art Academy of Latvia since 1971 lies.” Solo violin: Mark Bushkov and the Head of its Department of Magnus Lindberg is one of the best-known Stage Design from 1994 to 2013, Finnish composers of today. He was the New Freibergs has brought up several York Philharmonic’s composer-in-residence generations of new stage design- from 2009 to 2012 and is the London Philhar- ers. He has received several awards monic Orchestra’s composer-in-residence from including the Latvian Order of the the beginning of the 2014/15 season. Three Stars (2003), Best Set Design- er of Estonia (2003), seven Latvian www.sinfoniettariga.lv Theatre Awards for Best Set Design and one for Best Costume Design, the highest Italian theatre award Il Performing also in: Premio Ubu (2010) and others. Minsk, Belarus (see page 58) Andris freibergs. Scenography (fragment of exposition). Photo: Reinis Dzudzillo Honouring the artist on his 75th Frankfurt, Germany (see page 72) birthday, Andris Freibergs. Sce- Hamburg, Germany (see page 72) nography exhibition was opened Munich, Germany (see page 72) at the Eduards Smiļģis Theatre Kiev, Ukraine (see page 91) Museum of the Latvian Academy of Culture in October 2013. 88 sllc “latvijas koncerti” publicity photo Now it will travel to Moscow. 89 UKRAINE

Mother Teresa Prayer he premiere of the concert, Mother Teresa Prayer, was held in Ukraine 12 February T on 28 November 2012 and inclu­ded three world pre- National Philharmonic of Ukraine, Kiev mieres by three Latvian composers: www.filarmonia.com.ua Lord, Open our Eyes by Pēteris Vasks; “In the silence of the heart God speaks. Litany to Mother Teresa by Andrejs 12 February If you face God in prayer and silence, God will speak to you.” Selickis; and Silence, Love and Light — Mother Teresa by Rihards Dubra. The programme The Latvian Radio Choir and Sinfonietta Rīga: Mother Teresa Prayer was conceived, produced and con- ducted by Sigvards Kļava, and was 24 April performed by the Latvian Radio Choir Kremerata Baltica: The Seasons and the Sinfonietta Rīga chamber orchestra, along with soloists from the Riga Dome Choir School. April – June This programme revolves around Latvian Cinema Days in Ukraine Mother Teresa and the music is featu­ring the power of faith that she inspired. The concert is sculptured as 5 – 30 June a musical commemoration in which Exhibition “Amber – Jewel of the Baltic Sea” Mother Teresa simultaneously prays for herself and for the entire world.

Also performing IN: 31 March courtesy of latvijas koncerti Belarusian State Philharmonic, www.radiokoris.lv (see page 16) Minsk, Belarus www.sinfoniettariga.lv (see page 14) www.philharmonic.by

he innovative Seasons Project Kremerata Baltica: The Seasons by Philip Glass juxtaposes T Glass’ magical new work, Violin 24 April Concerto No. 2 The American Four Seasons, with its inspiration, Vivaldi’s Odessa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, Odessa classic, The Four Seasons. Unlike www.opera.odessa.ua Vivaldi’s set of four concertos, Glass’ work is four unbroken single move- ments, between which the soloist is playing intermezzo-like songs as a kind of commentary on the whole piece. While they too are to be taken as harbingers of each season, the movements are untitled. “Therefore, there will be no instructions for the audience, no clues as to where Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall might appear in the new concerto – an interesting, though not worri- some, problem for the listener,” says Philip Glass.

Photo: christian lutz More about Kremerata Baltica see page 12. Also performing in: www.kremeratabaltica.com Brussels, Belgium (see page 52 – 53) www.gidonkremer.net Milan, Italy (see page 76) 90 Luxembourg (see page 81) 91 UKRAINE

Latvian Cinema Days in Ukraine April – June Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv www.kino-teatr.ua United Kingdom ational Film Centre of Latvia will offer the N visitors in Ukraine sev- eral excellent Latvian films 20 January free of charge including the classic Limuzīns Jāņu nakts The Opening Ceremony of the Latvian Presidency krāsā (A Limousine the Colour of the Council of the European Union of Midsummer’s Night) by Jānis Streičs as well as trag- icomedy premiered in 2014 21 – 30 January Džimlai rūdi rallallā! (Then It’s Exhibition “Graduation” Hi! Hi! Hee!), children’s film Mazie laupītāji (Little Rob- 23 February bers) and other feature films and documentaries. The Latvian Musicians. Concerts Latvian Cinema Days will take place in three Ukrainian 26 February cities – Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv. Latvian Musicians. Concerts. Still from the movie “Little Robbers” www.nkc.gov.lv 11 March Latvian Musicians. Concerts. he exhibition is a thematic Amber – Jewel of the Baltic Sea message revealing the spread of 15 – 30 April T amber, the Baltic Sea area as an 5 – 30 June Exhibition “Sun Stone” amber crossroads, the amber road and the cultures involved, and also amber The Kyiv History Museum, Kiev, Ukraine in mythology and folklore. www.kyivhistorymuseum.org 26 May – 3 July Amber has been known in the terri- Exhibition “Amber. The Baltic Jewel” tory of Latvia since the end of the early Neolithic (approximately the second half of the fourth century BC). It was treated as a jewel and was the most valuable of export goods. The art of processing amber was very highly developed. It was sewn into clothes, used in ornaments and jewellery, and even placed into graves along with the deceased. Amber jewellery still retains its place in Latvian lifestyle. Time has not changed the material, but types of ornaments have changed along with time and fashion. Heavy strings of precisely processed egg-shaped beads were popular in the second quarter of Photo: roberts kaniņš, The Latvian National Museum of Art the 20th century. During that time, amber See also in: ornaments served to a certain extent as 27 March – 24 April an acknowledgement of Latvian taste The National History Museum while living under Soviet occupation. of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE www.lnvm.lv history.museum.by

92 93 United Kingdom United Kingdom

The Latvian Radio Choir: Latvian Musicians. Concerts. Cage and Time Kristīna Blaumane, Eva Bindere and Reinis Zariņš

Northern Ireland Assembly The Opening Ceremony of the Latvian Presidency of the Council 23 February 18:00 Parliament Buildings, The Long Gallery, Northern Ireland of the European Union www.niassembly.gov.uk 20 January 20:00 St John’s Smith Square, London National Assembly for Wales, Cardiff www.sjss.org.uk 26 February 18:00 Pierhead St, Cardiff CF10 4PZ, Wales he trio’s programme has been Soloists – Elīna Kalnakārkle, Inga Martinsone, Kārlis Rūtentāls, Jānis Strazdiņš (vocal), 11 March 18:00 The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh created to showcase the virtu- Kristaps Pētersons (double-bass; vocal), Rihards Plešanovs (piano) Edinburgh EH99 1SP, Scotland T osity of each of the performers, as well as the musical chemistry Musical direction – Sigvards Kļava between them. Beginning with single movements from well-known duo so- natas by Ravel and Rachmaninov, the focus of the programme will rest on two trios – one by Spaniard Joaquín Turina, and the other by a Latvian, Pēteris Plakidis. The programme will be rounded off with an arrangement of a well-known Welsh/Irish/Scottish folk melody. Kristīna Blaumane, Eva Bindere and Reinis Zariņš are internationally recognised musicians who all come from Latvia and presently work in the United Kingdom. Each a recipient of the Latvian Grand Music Award, they all lead busy concert lives performing as recitalists, chamber musicians, record- Pianist reinis zariņš. Photo: andris sproĢis ing artists and soloists with orchestras.

in cesis art festival. photo: edgars groševs his exhibition showcases amber by Exhibition he concert is designed to provocatively con- discuss and caricature the problems of modern displaying jewellery, amber threads nect otherwise extremely opposing objects humanity. He knows how to bring out the root and large-format photographs. The “Amber: The Baltic Jewel” and means of expression. First is connecting of the problem, but instead of postulating a T T handling of amber requires the right balance picture with sound. A performance will be created tragedy’s solution, he dresses it up with satire. In between sensitivity to the uniqueness of the with rhythmically diverse multi-beam projec- the concert you will also hear K. Pētersons’ dedi- material and substantial intellectual invest- tions (similar to the performance of the musical cation to Cage in Piemineklis Keidžam (Homage to ment. Every piece is unique in colour, shape score), which will alternate between domination Cage), where double-bass and voice will meet. In EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA and texture, so it is important to maintain EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE by the projection and different light scores or their Pētersons’ music, general contemplation is rarely its natural beauty by adapting the design mutual interaction. In some compositions the present, but it always has a bright, bold idea, to the amber and not the other way around. 26 May – 3 July projection will be completely unnecessary as the a strongly developed narrative, and expressive The revolutionary production technology of desired effect will be achieved through light alone. realisation. amber thread gives craftsmen the opportu- The Goldsmiths’ Centre Second comes the connection between live It is no coincidence in this performance that nity to express their creativity by working www.goldsmiths-centre.org sound and recordings. Provocateur John Cage the musical interludes are provided by the NSRD. not only with jewellery but also with textiles. Andris Lauders, Guntis Lauders, will provide this, connected with the timeless The NSRD created examples of the genre that The scenography of the exhibition was Jānis Vilks, Māris Auniņš, Māris Latvian multi-artist Hardijs Lediņš from the artis- could be called Latvian absurd music. Rhythm created by the internationally recognised Šustiņš, Valdis Brože – jewellery tic group, Nebijušu sajūtu restaurēšanas darbnīca and electronics, images without contact trajecto- fashion brand MAREUNROL’S. The exhibition Andris Zēgners – photographs (NSRD; Restoration Workshop of Unprecedented ries, feelings created by momentary impressions. was created by the London-resident jewel- Iveta Vecenāne – textiles Feelings), and Latvian composers Juris Ābols and www.radiokoris.lv lery designer, Ivonna Poplanska, in collabo- Kristaps Pētersons. www.mareunrols.com “cage and time” ALSO IN: ration with the Embassy of the Republic of The expression of J. Ābols is polystylistics: Latvia to the United Kingdom and the PUTTI www.putti.lv June 18th during Riga Festival, Riga through this he is able to touch, outline, ironically Art Gallery. www.ivonnapoplanska.com 94 95 United Kingdom

Graduation: Exhibition by Alumni and Professors of the Art Academy of Latvia USA 21 January – 30 January ore than ten young artists – alumni of 2013 and 2014 contributed to Graduation exhibition at the Art Opening: 20 January 18:00 M Academy of Latvia. The exhibition acts as a witness Europe House, London to the development of the new generation of artists, 22 January – 21 February www.europe.org.uk/europe-house involving carefully nurtured talent that climbs up onto the Exhibition of Contemporary Latvian Art international stage of art, embarks on its journey of creative development, and develops forms of artistic expression that incorporate the spirit of the age and new artistic trends. 12 February The exhibition is proof of interest by the new gene­ration Leading European Composers: Pēteris Vasks of Latvian artists in contemporary and authentic art. The ex- hibition leaves a strong impression of a quest for new means of expression, a refusal to use traditional techniques, with 9 April classical cannons being reconsidered and interpreted in the State Choir Latvija a capella light of today. It urges the viewer to get to know contempo- rary painting and all its angles, from the skilful portrayal of a human being, natural scenery, and the urban environment, 11 April to the use of abstract expressions of colour and texture as State Choir Latvija and Baltic Composers the main form of expression. Participants at the exhibition are alumni of the Art Academy of Latvia: Līva Graudiņa, Inta 25 April – 5 May Stalidzāne, Baiba Apsīte, Paula Zariņa, Ilze Egle, Laura Pole, Magone Boleiko, Darja Fjodorova, Klāra Grundšteine, Kristīne Latvian Literature Readings Lasmane, Agnese Basova, and Dārta Hapanioneka. Alongside their work is that of their scientific advisers, 29 April people who are professors at the Art Academy of Latvia. paula zariņa. Like those days, 2013, oil on canvas, Concert “Rothko in Jazz” 20 x 20 cm. www.lma.lv 13 June – 26 July Exhibition “Visvaldis Ziediņš: Travels in the Imagination” ne of the biggest Exhibition treasures of Lat- O vian nature is the “Sun Stone” sun stone – amber that came into existence forty 15 – 30 April million years ago and which can still be found European Bank for on the Baltic Sea coast. Reconstruction and It was the most precious Development, London of goods that was carried www.ebrd.com from the Baltics to Egypt, Rome, and Greece on the 26 May – 3 July Photo: andris Zēgners ancient Amber Road. The Goldsmiths’ Centre, Andris Zēgners is one of the most extraordinary Latvian artists of London his generation, someone who has a fine perception of the visual www.goldsmiths-centre.org vibrations of the world and an ability to transform them into unusual pieces of art. He is interested in the structure and textures See also in: of various objects and in nature elements – their exploration and 4 – 18 May creative transformation. Through the use of macro technology he Neumunster Abbey, has managed to achieve unusual shapes and spatial relationship Luxembourg by creating striking conceptual associations. It is important for the www.neimenster.lu artist to look at his creative work in the context of philosophically existential matters. www.zegners.com 96 97 USA USA

Exhibition “Lily’s Pool” Leading European Composers: 22 January – 21 February Pēteris Vasks

Art in General, New York 12 February 18:30 www.artingeneral.org Authors: Kaspars Groševs, Ieva Kraule, Kristīne Kursiša & Miks Mitrēvics, Phillips Collection, Washington Daria Melnikova, Evita Vasiļjeva, Armands Zelčs www.phillipscollection.org Curated by kim? Contemporary Art Centre ince 2009, The Phillips Collection is organising the concert series, Leading European Composers. Presenting some of the rt in General presents Lily’s Pool, a group grapple with the personal and historical memory greatest living composers of our time, this series is unique exhibition organized in partnership with kim? of materials in a contemporary society engrossed S in that the composers introduce their works with performers A Contemporary Art Centre, Riga, Latvia as part in the fleeting structure of the digital. The works they select. This time, Pēteris Vasks has chosen the flautist Dita of the International Collaborations programme. in the exhibition create environments that are at Krenberga, principal flute of the Latvian National Symphony “Now I will tell you what happened at the Lily’s once palpable and uncanny, examining how the Orchestra, and the RIX Piano Quartet to present a programme Pool. A welcome ceremony. It was on the verge physical and social body is affected by acceler- of his chamber music. The quartet is a group of friends who live of North and South. Yet everyone remembered a ated temporalities and the sensations of high- in different parts of the world and have been playing together for sunlight. Some say it was a perpetual flight, others speed browsing and sharing in daily life. more than 20 years. claim the moon needed one half of a turn.” A karaoke performance by Kaspars Groševs Composer Pēteris Vasks (1946) grew up in post-war Soviet Featuring the work of seven emerging Latvian will take place during the opening reception on Latvia. He was oppressed for his Baptist beliefs, yet nevertheless artists, the group exhibition Lily’s Pool attempts January 22, 2015. The performance is inspired by acquired widespread recognition for his unique music, becoming to capture the presence of subtle, tangible, and Latvian sculptor and writer Edward Leedskalnin one of the most noteworthy composers in Latvia in the second poetic phenomena within a mediated post-In- (1887-1951) who crafted the Coral Castle mon- half of the 20th century. Vasks learned to implement many musi- ternet, “post-natural” culture. The participating ument in Florida after emigrating to the United cal techniques of his time, including minimalism, aleatoric music, artists utilize the varied mediums of drawing, States. Coral Castle was dedicated to the artist’s Pēteris Vasks. Photo: DzINTRA Geka and 12–tone serialism but has never settled on one exclusive painting, sculpture, textile, and performance to former Latvian lover he called “Sweet Sixteen”. idea in his career. “Most people today no longer Pēteris Vasks is the spiritual soulmate of Arvo Pärt and Giya www.kim.lv possess beliefs, love, and ideals. Kancheli. His music is rich in contrasts between the light and the The spiritual dimension has been darkness, deep pain and invincible faith. Vasks’ inspiration comes lost. My intention is to provide from Latvian nature, folk music and bird songs. The programme food for the soul, and this is what features Zaļā Ainava (Green Landscape) (2008) – a retrospect of I preach in my works.” scents and the mystery of summer solstice portrayed in music; — Pēteris Vasks Ainava ar Putniem (Landscape with Birds) (1980) stands as testimo- ny for the composer’s passion for, as he would say, “God’s created musical part of the world”; Klātbūtne (Presence) cello concerto (2012) is sincere gratitude to the talented Sol Gabetta; and Piano Quartet (2001) is a whirlwind of six contrasting stages including ethnographic games, dramatic singing, scoffing march, explosive toccata and a hymn to love.

98 lily’s pool, 2014 99 USA USA

State Choir Concert Latvija “Rothko in Jazz”

9 April 19:00 29 April 18:00

Lincoln Center, New York Millennium Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington lc.lincolncenter.org www.kennedy-center.org

he State Choir Latvija new audio-visual project the European Jazz Festival, and This project is a testimony returns to the USA after is born! Entitled Rothko in on some of the most prestig- to how abundant Latvian art debut a cappella concerts A Jazz, and realised by the ious jazz stages around the and music can be. It is creative, T Latvian masters of jazz, the pro- world, including the Blue Note amazing, lively, inspiring and a joint project with the Ice- landic band, Sigur Ros, in 2010 ject seeks inspiration from the Jazz Club in New York and Ron- and unique. Rothko in Jazz is at the Lincoln Center during the work of the great artist, Mark nie Scott’s Jazz Club in London. undoubtedly a great addition White Light Festival. This time Rothko. The basis of this project The Quintet has released two to the field of the synthesis Photo: ansis starks the Choir with its inspiring artis- is a synergy between pieces of volumes of Latvian Evergreens, between visual art and music, as tic director Māris Sirmais in the toire includes opuses­ by Johannes Brahms and Felix Mendelssohn art and music. The ideal behind compilations of Latvian classi- well as being a valuable contri- lead will take you on a musical Bartholdy, Olivier Messiaen, John Tavener. From the Baltic states you Mark Rothko’s art is a simple ex- cal and popular music in jazz bution to global culture. tour through the unique land- will hear Latvians Ēriks Ešenvalds and Pēteris Vasks, Estonians Arvo pression of an intricate thought, arrangements. www.rigasritmi.lv scape of European and Baltic Pärt and Veljo Tormis and a painfully beautiful mother’s prayer to the and this idea is brilliantly em- choir music in the two-part a Sun to bring back her only son from the war by Lithuanian composer bodied in his works that involve capella programme. The reper- Vytautas Miškinis. abstract expressionism. With their ascetic form and seeming simplicity, these works raise an association with imperturbable he programme focuses on music created by composers from State Choir peace and ambience – exactly the Baltic states, including Latvian composers whose music the line the musicians are trying is played all around the world – 2012 Grammy nominee Uģis Latvija T to express, move and play out. Prauliņš and the praiser of the Nordic Light, Ēriks Ešenvalds. There and Baltic The musical material aims to will also be three powerful compositions inspired and premiered reflect the moods in Mark Roth- by Māris Sirmais – one of which, by Gundega Šmite, pays tribute Composers ko’s work, which was created to Imants Mežaraups. Mežaraups was born in Philadelphia, where between 1945 and 1969: the he was the soul of local musical life for many years by working as a 11 April 20:00 jazz compositions are matched teacher and a leader for different musical groups. The programme Baryshnikov Arts Center, with certain Mark Rothko’s will also include two compositions from State Choir Latvija’s new New York works. During the performance, album Dzintara ceļš (Amber Road), which features 12 songs with mu- www.bacnyc.org these art works will be projected sic written by Latvian composers, and lyrics by renowned European as videos, and will be enlivened poets, and many others. www.koris.lv with special effects, as if they are being brought to life. Rothko’s works will unfold in the rhythm Latvian Literature April and May 2015, selected readings from Latvian of the music and improvisation; literature will take place in several cities in the United the project will move both jazz Readings States of America (New York, Rochester, Minneapolis, music lovers and admirers of In Mark Rothko’s art and legacy. Indianapolis, Lincoln and Washington), thereby launching and Both idea and project have 25 April – 5 May presenting several Latvian authors’ books published in the English language (Nora Ikstena’s collection of short stories Life been created by the best jazz Stories, Liāna Langa’s selected poem collection Deadly Night- musicians in Latvia and the Various cities in the Baltics – the Māris Briežkalns USA shade, Edvīns Raups’ collected poems then touch me here, and Zigmunds Skujiņš’ novel Flesh-Coloured Dominoes). Aimed at Quintet. The band has per- the American literary community and general reading public as formed in some of the leading well as Latvians residing in the U.S., this 2015 series of readings jazz and festivals, will acquaint audiences with Latvian literature and the up- including Ottawa Jazz, Pori coming 2018 centenary of the independence of Latvia and the Jazz, Venezia Jazz, Jazz Baltica, mark rothko. untitled (1968) Baltic countries, and Baltic countries’ participation as the market in focus at the 2018 Book Fair in London, United Kingdom.

100 101 USA

Visvaldis Ziediņš: Travels in the Imagination Other Countries 13 June – 26 July

The American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center, Washington DC www.american.edu/cas/museum Curators: Eleanor Heartney, Ieva Kalniņa, Jack Rasmussen Austria ...... 104 orking quietly and in near obscurity during the dark days of the Latvian Soviet period, Visvaldis W Ziediņš amassed a remarkable body of work that comprises over 3,000 sculptures, paintings, drawings Canada ...... 105 and installations. These works engage a wide array of hu- man experiences, touching on everything from the vast- ness of the cosmos and the mysteries of religion to the hidden structures of nature and the absurdity of human Denmark ...... 105 civilisation. Ziediņš employed those materials that are at hand, creating his work out of the simple stuff of everyday life – crushed tins, driftwood, old tools, bottle caps, mar- malade boxes, and discarded packing materials.­ Largely Finland ...... 106 cut off from the international art community, Ziediņš lived outside the capital of Riga and was only marginally con- nected to the Latvian art world. But while his material and physical circumstances­ were extremely limited, his imag- Greece ...... 106 ination was not. His formal and conceptual explorations bear comparison­ to work being done across the globe during his lifetime by avant-gardists as diverse as Pablo Visvaldis Ziediņš. Composition with Two Spoons (Object). Hungary ...... 107 Picasso, John Cage, Joseph Cornell, Robert Rauschenberg, 1960s. Wood, Indian ink, aluminium spoons and oil. Antoni Tàpies, and Arman. At the same time, Ziediņš’ wit 17 x 12.5 x 5 cm. Acc. No. 950. The Visvaldis Ziediņš Foundation and the universal nature of his concerns make his works immediately accessible to modern audiences. Ireland ...... 108 This exhibition will highlight Ziediņš’ work in assem- blage and collage, with a particular focus on works that address his ability to leap across the artificial boun­ daries created by national borders, political ideologies Mexico ...... 109 and pre-established social networks. A number of his witty and penetrating self-portraits in various media will be included, along with works that reveal his sense of a world in flux, as quotidian objects and oppressive Slovakia ...... 110 realities are reimagined through the transformative power of art. This small selection of Ziediņš’ phenome- nal output reveals a rich inner world that refused to be suppressed by external difficulties. Sweden ...... 111 Visvaldis Ziediņš was born on 4 April 1942 and died on 11 January 2007 in Liepāja. Between 1959 and 1964, Ziediņš attended the Decorative Design Department at Switzerland ...... 111 the Liepāja School of Applied Arts. He did not enter the Latvian Academy of Art because he was confident that the professional foundation that he had acquired was sufficient to enable him to devote the rest of his life to creative investigations that would be independent of Visvaldis Ziediņš. Self-Portrait. Late 1990s – early 21st century. Plastic nose, eye and the official Soviet art system. artificial moustache on ceramic brick. 20 x 13 x 7.5 cm. Acc. No. 785 102 103 Austria Canada

Concert to Mark the Opening of the Latvian Latvia at the “Winterlude” elebrate the joys of winter at Winterlude over three fun-filled weeks in February. Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2015 Ice Sculpture Festival C Canada’s favourite winter activities are featured across Ottawa and Gatineau at this 23 January 19:00 his unique concert will bring together musicians and 30 January – 16 February annual event. Skate on the world’s largest soloists from Latvia and other EU countries living in Austria skating rink, check out the ice sculpture com- Vienna Town Hall T to perform various works by some of the best known Crystal Garden in Confederation Park, Ottawa petitions or play at North America’s largest Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 1, Latvian and European composers. The programme will consist www.pch.gc.ca snow playground! A-1010, Vienna of compositions by Jānis Mediņš, Raimonds Pauls, Jāzeps Vītols, To mark Latvia’s Presidency of the Council Alfrēds Kalniņš, Richard Strauss, Ludwig van Beethoven, Claude of the European Union, the Embassy of Latvia Debussy, , Franz Schubert, Imre Kalman and Johann in Canada, in partnership with the Winterlude Strauss. festival, is involved in the creation of an ice sculpture called The Sun Bearer. This sculpture has been designed by Kārlis Īle and will be exhibited in Confederation Park. It will be Nordic-Baltic Film Festival 2015 crafted by two experienced ice sculptors from Latvia: Kārlis Īle and Maija Puncule. and “The Lesson” The park is open to the public during the day. Following the opening of The Sun Bearer 7 – 13 May The festival will open at 19:00 on 7 May with sculpture on 30 January, a Latvian team will the film “The Lesson” (Izlaiduma gads) by also compete in a three-day ice sculpting the sun bearer. authors Kārlis Īle and Maija Puncule competition. “At play” is the theme of this Latvian director Andris Gauja year’s competition. URANIA public educational institute and observatory, Vienna www.vhs.at or the first time in the history of the Nordic-Baltic Denmark Film Festival, Latvia has the honour to be the F leading country. The central theme of the festival Latvian Mitten Exhibition in 2015 is “youth and opportunities”. The festival will open with the screening of the film The Lesson 2 January – 31 March (Izlaiduma gads) by the Latvian director Andris Gauja. Before the film, there will be an opportunity to meet Europa-Huset, Copenhagen “Only for Latvians the mittens are deeply the director in person. Gothersgade 115, DK-1123 København K rooted into traditions, mythology and have Publicity photo [email protected] become a significant part of our identity” — I. Ziedonis

or Latvians, mittens are much more Midsummer Celebration mark the closing of the Latvian than a way to warm your hands. with Folk Rock Band “Iļģi” Presi­dency of the Council of the FEvery ethnographic Latvian mitten To EU, the Latvian Embassy and the tells a story, marks an anniversary and Permanent Mission to the OECD, UN and other represents a specific region in Lat- 17 (18) June 19:00 international organisations in Vienna are or- via (Vidzeme, Zemgale, and ganising a traditional Midsummer celebration Kurzeme). Restaurant Oktogon, Vienna event. Latvia’s best known folk rock band Iļģi For over 20 years the Tīnes company www.himmel.at will be performing folk music and presenting has been collecting ancient gloves Latvian Midsummer celebration traditions. from grandmothers’ dowry chests and museums across the country and has produced reproductions of these items. The exhibition features ethnographic reproductions of mittens from all regions of Latvia dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries.

latvian mittens, sia Tīnes. photo: artūrs cukurs

104 105 Finland Hungary

Riga Dom Cathedral he Riga Dom Cathedral Boys Choir will Latvian Music Days in Budapest perform a programme of works by both Boys Choir Concert 22 – 24 January Budapest Music Center, Budapest T modern Latvian and classical European www.bmc.hu composers: U. Prauliņš, L. Kursiša, G. F. Handel, 29 January 17:00 W. A. Mozart. The concert is designed to cover both the national and international dimensions, 22 January 19:30 he compositions that we will The Rock Church (Temppeliaukion kirkko) and to relate modernity with the past and with be playing in Budapest are our Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki timelessness. Conductor – Mārtiņš Klišāns. Orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga, conductor Normunds Šnē, “Tbest tools to show P.Vasks’ and The Riga Dom Cathedral Boys Choir is one of soloist Vineta Sareika (violin) O. Herliņš’s music identity within the the world’s best-known Latvian choirs: it has mood and colours of music from the been well received at different festivals and Baltics. At the same time, Mendelssohn’s has performed both in Europe and other parts First symphony will nicely underline the of the world. The Choir has taken part in sever- musical quality and sound of orchestra. al Latvian National Opera productions and has Hungary can be proud of its composer recorded 18 CDs. Béla Bartók, whose music has greatly The concert will be held in the famous Rock impacted the whole style of 20th century church in Helsinki, Finland, and will mark the music; therefore our interpretation of beginning of the Latvian Presidency of the his composition is the best gift we could Council of the European Union. bring to the audience in Budapest,” says Normunds Šnē, the conductor. Sinfonietta Rīga and violinist Vineta Sareika are long term partners in collab- oration. Greece Photo: Jānis deinats

Photo Exhibition “Egons Spuris. RIGA – 19th and Early 20th Century Proletarian Districts” 23 January 18:00 “Artist in residence” 23 April – 24 May gons Spuris (1931 – 1990) is a Latvian photographer whose name Meeting with Pēteris Vasks, followed by pianist appears in the most important photography encyclopaedias in Vestards Šimkus’ solo concert The Image Gallery, Athens Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. He belonged to the E th www.gallerytheimage.com generation that in the second half of the 20 century strived to restore Programme: the prestige of photography as an art medium. Spuris follows a so-called Pēteris Vasks: The Seasons ‘subjective documentary’ approach to photography. By focusing on the White Scenery (1980) primacy of the photographer and the medium itself, Spuris detaches Spring Music’ (1996) himself from the implications of the traditional role of the Soviet Green Scenery’ (2009) photograph – reflected reality – as evidence and/or propaganda. Autumn Music’ (1981) Spuris’ most remembered body of work, “The Proletarian Districts : Apparitions of Rīga”, includes approximately 7 500 negatives and hundreds of Franz Liszt : Totentanz (original version for solo photographs. The subjects are the blocks of flats and factories built in the piano by Franz Liszt) eastern suburbs of Riga during the city’s capitalist and industrial boom period, and the unique nineteenth century one-storey and two-storey Vestards Šimkus. Photo: Jānis deinats wooden buildings. This is also the part of the city where Spuris spent his childhood and is an area which did not undergo significant changes during the Soviet occupation. The photographs indicate not only the complex nature of a long-term 24 January 21:00 commitment, but also his desire to share something of himself with others. Spuris’ brief statements about his work are non-explicit and invite reflection Deniss Pashkevich Jazz Quartet and interpretation. This approach, where the photographer feels that words Deniss Pashkevich – saxophone, are not required to explain his work, reveals that suggestibility, open- Madars Kalniņš – piano, endedness, and contemplation are key elements to his photography. Andris Grunte – contrabass, The exhibition consists of over 50 high quality reproductions copied Artis Orubs – drums. from the original photographs made by the artist himself.

106 107 Ireland Mexico

Exhibition Sculptural Glass Art Exhibit “Age of Vikings in Latvia” “A Latvian Voice in Glass” 24 February – 12 April Opening 24 February 19:30 his selection of Artis Nīmanis’ 22 – 23 April Official opening on 22 April with a lecture by Dr. Hist. Arnis Radiņš sculptural work is a sound Franz Mayer Museum, Mexico T example of his typical Royal Irish Academy, Dublin www.franzmayer.org.mx methodology – a free, plastic, yet www.ria.ie non-traditional understanding of he Age of Vikings in Latvia exhibition combines form. The themes portrayed in this images and texts showing the importance selection, and his interpretation of the inhabitants of Latvia in the context of of the techniques used, show an T th th northern and eastern Europe from the 7 to 12 increased interest in the explo- centuries. It reveals the richness of their culture and ration of the larger metaphysical their impact in the region, as well as the contacts questions of life and existence. and interaction between the inhabitants of the While dominated by a desire for Eastern Baltic and Scandinavia, thus confirming that structure and an emphasis on Latvia has always been a significant and impor­ shape, Nīmanis allows himself to tant part of the world. The exhibition uses written play with the interaction of light sources and archaeological evidence to illustrate through his glass structures to the theme. This project was implemented by the create delicate, nuanced work. National History Museum of Latvia. The scientific One feels the sense of an aesthetic component of the exhibition was developed by quest to bring out the most Dr. Hist. Arnis Radiņš and the design element by important sculptural qualities Ģirts Boronovskis. capable of enhancing the beauty of the glass – a malleable material that can be moulded into infinite forms. Obviously, Nīmanis’ work is Artis Nīmanis technique. H2o BREATH. Only when we gasp we understand its value. glass, 2014. 210 x 610 x 70 mm. Photo: Māris ločmelis abstract and doesn’t clearly reveal the figurative forms represented in his work. However, his suggestion of these forms in the titles allows the viewer to create an ideational interpretation. By modelling the idea of these precise shapes in a he Latvian Radio Choir (LRC) flowing technique, he gives these ranks among the top pro- The Latvian Radio Choir sculptures movement and makes T fessional chamber choirs in 3 May 20:00 them seem alive. Through exper- Europe and offers some 60 concert imentation, a search for various performances each year in Latvia National Concert Hall, Dublin compositional techniques and the and abroad. The range of skills www.nch.ie characteristics of cues, Nīmanis mastered by its singers has made An&angel large bowl. deco collection. Photo: māris ločmelis has achieved the core aesthetic the LRC a remarkably flexible value of his work – an inner spiritu- ensemble that can cover vocal al vibration, sensitively modelled and instrumental music, as well as into a fine, yet natural perception opera performances, multi-media of shape. This combined with the projects, intimate a capella talks, fragility of the glass medium and and theatrical shows in which the the tonally rich plasticity of the singers can express themselves sculpture produces a hot blown- as soloists and talented actors. In glass vacuum, coated with a vari- this concert the choir will perform ety of materials such as gold, silver, works by the Latvian composers brass and others that make these Pēteris Vasks and Ēriks Ešenvalds, sculptures even more mysterious. as well as pieces by Rachmaninov, Bach/Nystedt, Anders Hillborg and Ligeti. Conductor – Sigvards Kļava. Photo: courtesy of the latvian radio choir 108 109 Slovakia Sweden

Concert to Mark the Opening of the Latvian Folk Jazz Concert arbugans is an intense and unique programme that com- bines elements of traditional folk music with jazz music Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2015 “Zarbugans” Z and captivating passages of improvisation. The Zarbugans project brings together a unique combination of instruments – 2 February 18:30 5 February 18:00 double bass, drums and percussion and kokle (a Latvian folk instrument). Together they create a fantastic sound combination Slovak Philharmonic, Reduta, Stockholm Concert Hall/ that offers you a once in a lifetime experience which stimulates Bratislava Konserthuset all your senses. The programme was created jointly by the three www.reduta.sk www.konserthuset.se musicians taking part – the virtuoso kokle player Laima Jansone, the professional percussionist Artis Orubs, and one of Latvia’s he concert programme offers a selection of best jazz double bass players Andris Grunte. various chamber music works with thematic T links between Latvian and Wes­tern European composers (Joseph Haydn, Pēteris Plakidis, Tālvaldis Ķeniņš, Imants Zemzaris, Pēteris Vasks, Carl Maria von Weber). These are performed by the professional EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE Switzerland Latvian musicians Dita Krenberga (flute), Inga Sune- pa (cello) and Juris Žvikovs (piano). Entrance to the Exhibition “What Else concert is by invitation from the embassy. Does Amber Have in Mind?”

he Baltic Sea. White foaming waves ex- 3 or 4 March – 17 or 18 March pose amber. Amber, naked and saturated, T newly born from the bosom of the waves, La Salle des Pas Perdus, the United Nations comes ashore. Mankind picks it up, caresses Office at Geneva it, polishes it and creates a new wonder of the www.unog.ch Dita Krenberga. Photo: Santa Savisko-Jēkabsone world – a delicate filament. The road goes on. The mystery remains. What else does amber have in mind? Riga Technical University scientist Dr. Inga he “Art Nouveau in Riga. Art and Exhibition “Art Nouveau in Riga. Ļašenko has transformed amber using new technologies and is the creator of amber thread. Architecture” exhibition was Art and Architecture” T created in 2014 in cooperation The full potential of amber thread is still being with the Riga Art Nouveau museum explored, but it is already clear that it has amaz- and the Association February ing medicinal properties and can be used in tex- of Culture Institutions. It consists of tiles. Amber thread has been transformed into 25 posters that show the impact of ZOYA Gallery, Bratislava works of art by Iveta Vecenane, a Latvian textile the Art Nouveau style on architecture, www.zoyagallery.sk artist internationally known for her tapestries. arts, crafts and interior design at the This exhibition is organised in collaboration beginning of the 20th century in Riga. with the Putti art gallery, with the result that The exhibition was initially on display the textile is complemented with modern at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna amber jewellery. In the works of Latvian in November 2014. jewellers Andris Lauders, Guntis Lauders, Valdis Brože, Māris Auniņš, Māris Šustiņš and Jānis Jākobsons, amber is revealed as a multifaceted

and surprising material both for the artisans Guntis Lauders. pendant – amber, citrine, smoky quartz, mammoth Concert to Mark the Closing of the Latvian and for visitors to the exhibition. bone, coconut shell, silver. 7 x 8 cm, 2013. Photo: Normunds Brasliņš Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2015 The “Jubilate” choir rio Colorato includes musicians from Latvia, Italy Trio Colorato 10 June 19:00 and Luxembourg (Agnese Nikolovska – flute, Carlo Jans – flute and Stéphane Giampellegrini – cello) and Clarissine Church The Latvian choir Jubilate, conducted by T 12 May performs classical and academic music written by composers Klariská 5, 811 03 Bratislava-Staré Mesto Juris Kļaviņš, will present a programme of classical Latvian choir music, as well as from Latvia, Italy and Luxembourg – the countries of the Domaine de Penthes, Geneva songs by contemporary composers and Trio Presidency. It was established in 2009 and has given www.penthes.ch Latvian folk songs. Admission to the concert performances in Latvia, Luxembourg, Greece and the USA at is free. various concerts and festivals. 110 111

Thanks to all the curators, artists, producers, authors, supporters and co-operation partners who provided material from their collections and archives and made valuable contributions to the cultural programme. Special thanks to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia and all the Embassies in the corresponding Culture Programme countries.

The Presidency Culture Programme Published by the Public Diplomacy and Culture Programme Department of the Secretariat of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union Head of the Public Diplomacy and Culture Programme Department: Selga Laizāne Project Coordinators of the Public Diplomacy and Culture Programme Department: Belgium, Luxembourg, United Kingdom – Agnese Filipsone Belarus, Russia, Ukraine – Jana Gavare China – Paula Prauliņa France, USA – Inese Lapa Germany, Italy – Renāte Mikučevska Latvia – Rita Lūse, Baiba Vanaga, Līga Zariņa-Domka

Graphic Design and Layout by MicroDot Printed by MicroDot For full programme details and updates, please visit: www.eu2015.lv/culture

© The Secretariat of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, 2015

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