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EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE JurisKalniņš / Fotocentrs. Bird’s-eye view of Rīga Experience the Force Majeure of Culture!

Rīga takes its visitors by surprise with its will introduce you to the most extensive and most Umeå 2014 external beauty as well as its rich world of interiors. significant activities of the European Capital of If you have never been to Rīga before, now is the Culture programme – and remember, whichever of time to experience the pleasure of discovering the them you choose to attend, be open-minded and diversity of Latvia’s capital city. Ancient and at the prepared to experience the unexpected! same time youthful, European and multicultural, today’s Rīga is the place to recharge your cultural Diāna Čivle, batteries. Head of the Rīga 2014 Foundation Rīga 2014 After you get to know the medieval streets of the Old Town, the Art Nouveau heritage and the shabby chic of the creative quarters, let us surprise you Kosice 2013 once more – this time with the saturated content Welcome to Maribor 2012 of Rīga’s cultural events calendar for the whole of Marseille 2013 2014. Esplanāde 2014! It is the surprising, the unexpected and even the Guimarães 2012 provocative that underpin the Force Majeure cultural The end of June will see a new building rise in programme of the European Capital of Culture. It the very heart of Rīga, between the Nativity of is the creative power that cannot be foreseen or Christ Orthodox Cathedral and the monument to planned beforehand. The miracle happens and the poet Rainis in the Esplanāde Park. From late astonishes everyone, even its creators. Culture June to early October, the new building, lovingly Rīga is: has the power to change the lives of people and designed by young Latvian architects, will host the cities for the better. I believe that culture can creative information space Esplanāde 2014.

become an instrument of salvation, a survival kit, a Here, visitors will be able to find out about Rīga > the Latvian capital founded in 1201 springboard for new and bold ideas. 2014 projects, take part in creative workshops, > the biggest city in the Baltic region All in all, throughout the year it is planned to enjoy theatrical, film and dance performances, > home for 700 000 people run more than 200 events meant especially for view art exhibitions or just use the freely available > situated at the mouth of the Daugava river the Force Majeure programme in addition to wi-fi connection. Rīga 2014 Partner Sigulda will also > a crossroads for trade and business between east Rīga’s traditional cultural calendar – festivals, rich present its cultural events, as will the other 2014 and west concert life and cultural events. This publication European Capital of Culture, Sweden’s Umeå. > the city of inspiration

2 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014

page 5 Castle of Light – a dream and a challenge Kristaps Kalns

Meet the From the left: Gunārs Janaitis Gints Grūbe – publicist, political scientist, TV and page 6 From Wagner to Vasks – Team documentary film director. Curating the Freedom Street Chapter. surprises lined up by the Latvian National Opera building Solvita Krese – art critic and curator, Director of the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art. Force Curating the Survival Kit Chapter. Gundega Laiviņa – Director of the Latvian Majeure New Theatre Institute and the Homo Novus International Festival of Contemporary Theatre. Curating the Road Map Chapter.

Diāna Čivle – Director of the Rīga 2014 Sean Hughes Foundation, Artistic Director of the Staro Rīga page 10 90 nations sing together, light festival. Curating the Rīga Carnival Chapter. all on one stage

Aiva Rozenberga – head of the Rīga 2014 Programme.

Vita Timmermane-Moora – Latvian diplomat, coordinated programme for the Surprising Latvia festival in France and French Spring festival in Latvia. Curating the Amber Road Chapter.

Uģis Brikmanis – director and producer of international and national concerts and events, curating the Thirst for the Ocean Chapter. page 18 Purification of the State Security Committee ghost building has begun

Publisher: Rīga 2014 Foundation. Address: K. Valdemāra iela 5, Rīga, LV 1010, Latvia. Write: [email protected] Call: +371 6704 3639.

EIROPAS KULTŪRAS GALVASPILSĒTA Editorial board: Marika Vītiņa, Diāna Čivle, EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE Anna Muhka, Aiva Rozenberga. Design: Egils Mednis. Contributors: Vilnis Vējš, Antra Veļķere. Translators: Juris Beņķis, Daina Ostrovska. Print: 30 000 Printed at SIA Poligrāfijas grupa Mūkusala. Rīga, Mūkusalas iela 15A. LV 1004

The Programme is subject to change, please, follow riga2014.org and subscribe to our newsletter!

www.riga2014.org 3 Kaspars Garda

Gaismas pils (Castle of Light – as the new building integral part in the transfer of books from the old is popularly known) opens its doors to the public. library building to the new one. Let us keep our fin- Castle of Light The Library being opened would be a tan- gers crossed that all obstacles to carrying out this gible symbol of the Latvian government’s and intention are removed and that the dream of the – a dream and community’s adherence to spiritual values. The Castle of Light becomes reality, also for the many new premises will offer not only unique collecti- other Force Majeure cultural programme projects ons of books, periodicals, maps, music, audiovi- that need the NLL’s new building to be open, fully a challenge sual materials and a contemporary, welcoming equipped and ready to receive visitors. environment for learning and research, but also a Museum of Book Publishing, conference rooms, The building of singular architectural form, exhibition space and venues for cultural events, - which, like the snow-capped Himalayas, rises over allowing the implementation of the vision for the the left (SW) bank of the Daugava river, is a hive new library as being a centre of research, culture, of activity as interior fitting-out and utility works education and communication, open to the whole - continue apace. community. It is the new building for the National Library of As acknowledged in an interview by Rīga 2014 Latvia (NLL), whose advent has already stretched cultural partner, Director-general of the EU-Japan out for more than 20 years. Even today, no one is Fest non-profit organisation, Shugi Kogi: “The eco- prepared to accurately predict its completion date. nomy and the business world are more influential It has already witnessed several changes of go- than traditional politics – the poles of power have vernment and Cabinets have sometimes even dis- changed. But there must be a balance, because, Let’s don our hats, scarves and gloves and participate in a unique people’s ac cussed the possibility of stopping its construction nonetheless, we are human beings, and here the tion: a living chain of books! This symbolic altogether. Fortunately, thanks to the persistence role of culture is even more important”. national act, transferring books, hand to of the NLL’s Director and the outspoken opinions of And that is exactly why we, the Rīga 2014 team, hand, from the old building of the Natio nal Library of Latvia to its new, modern numerous cultural leaders that did not happen. announce that the central event of the opening of building across the river, will be one of the The Rīga 2014 team hopes that it is the year in the European Capital of Culture will be a signifi- Rīga 2014 Opening events on 18 January. which Rīga has the honour of being the European cant action of public participation – a living chain Form a chain, Capital of Culture that will be the year that the of books, where everyone can feel themselves an Castle everyone! of Light

4 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014 of Gunārs Birkerts’s concept have frequently been The Second Coming The road to listed in publications about the library project: the Stikla kalns (Glass Mountain) of Latvian folk tales and Rainis’s play Zelta zirgs (The Golden Horse), of Gutenberg Castle of Light the legend of the sunken castle in Burtnieki lake, the form of 12th century wooden castles and barns, the birch grove motif, etc. continues The period from the initial version of Birkerts’s creation to the actual construction has seen the By Anda Baklāne, Master of Philosophy, National dawn of a new era: Latvia has moved from a time Library of Latvia of heartfelt enthusiasm and hope into a much more pragmatic era – a phase of antitheses, a critical The Gaismas pils (Castle of Light) and the Natio- reassessment of values and the deconstruction of nal Library of Latvia have, for a long time, existed myths. The Library’s very form, as a very graphic in parallel worlds, as if each were on its own trajec- and literally symbolic shape, frequently provides a The current era in book publishing is often refer- tory. The Gaismas pils construction project actually good basis on which to begin to unravel the tan- red to as the ‘second coming of Gutenberg’. What involves the creation of two libraries – the physical gled issues of our national values and the future of actually is a book in this computerised age? Are re- building and the new National Digital Library, but it knowledge organisations. Meanwhile, the building aders changing in line with the changes in informa- is the news from the Gaismas pils construction site itself, having progressed from a concept into a real tion and book publishing technologies? Is the signi- which is usually in the limelight. entity in the urban landscape, is beginning to cons- ficance of content changing? These are the issues to The National Library recognised its problems with truct its own – new – images and figures: from one be considered by the activities taking place at the space soon after being founded in 1919, and the is- angle it looks like a cruise ship, from another like new National Library of Latvia building. sue remained challenging until 1988, when émigré a radar installation, now it is emerging from the Latvian architect Gunārs Birkerts was approached. mists of the Daugava river like the fins of a giant The Book 1514-2014, an exhibition in July devoted The world-renowned, talented and extraordinary mythological fish. This building has a personality of to the 500th anniversary of the printed book. 1514 artist agreed to design the National Library of Lat- its own, it will just not allow itself to be recorded as was a landmark year: the first book was printed in via, as a gift. At the time, a simple, careworn sym- Arabic characters, the first Jewish printing house no one could imagine that Castle of Light – a poem written by bol. was established, the Torah was first printed, the it would take more than 20 folk-romantic poet Auseklis in 1873– But so far, all we have first book published in Polish ... The first Latvian years to build the library. is an allegory about a sunken ancient talked about is the ‘out- book was published a few years later. The exhibition 2012 saw the release of castle, hiding spiritual treasures of side’. The real image of will display outstanding examples of books produ- the library will only begin a documentary by direc- great significance to Latvians, and ced in 1514, from Europe’s largest repositories of tor Dāvis Sīmanis on the to form when the mo- waiting for the right moment to rise books, including the Florence, Bavaria, Regensburg, construction of Gaismas nolithic, abstract shape Strasbourg and other libraries. pils: Pēdējā tempļa hro- to the surface. In 1899, Jāzeps Vītols becomes a living space. composed music for the poem and nikas (Chronicles of the The Library and the buil- 21st Century Content, academic readings August the choral song Gaismas pils has last temple). It is precisely ding will more and more 2014 to January 2015 the long and difficult path become an integral part of every merge into one, but will Key themes of the readings: 500 years of book to the new library which Latvian Song Festival programme. never fully overlap. The publishing heritage, libraries as cultural, educatio- acutely resonates with the field of librarianship will nal, research and social centres, the electronic en- poetry of the construction of the majestic temple always be broader than the area of the building, as vironment and digital publication. World-renowned captured by Sīmanis’s film. Of course, the Library the library is a component of the world’s memory. specialists will participate in the readings. has never been interested in being perceived as a At the same time, the building will not just belong temple of a bygone age. The library wants to be to the library itself – it will be a ‘platform’ – a tabula Books Going to the Library, carnival procession, seen as a workshop, a mine, power station or labo- rasa, on which anyone can write (it could also be September ratory (and although there is no need to mention seen as a giant tree, at the foot of which one can Joyful communication among thousands of child- this, everything here applies to both the physical meet, just for a rest from creativity). ren. A jolly mask procession will wind its way from and virtual, as is self-evident). Nevertheless, the The way we talk about the library and our expec- Rīga’s Old Town to the National Library of Latvia. path to the library has been excruciatingly long, for tations of it will always be in flux: we tend to orga- ‘Wrapped’ in the covers of their favourite books, re- many it was a like building a pyramid. nise knowledge in line with our own preconceptions ading excerpts, playing out episodes, watching the Latvia has no other buildings whose form is so about how the world is set up, and how our minds pirate ship in the Daugava River and air balloons closely bonded to different metaphors and symbols work. That is why the library, as of course Rīga it- with greetings, everyone will be able to participate in people’s minds. The metaphors for the genesis self, will never be finished. and watch screenings of literary works.

Born Mikhail Baryshnikov (1948) – world-famous ballet dancer and choreographer. Began his ballet studies in Latvia at Rīga Choreography School and then entered Leningrad (now – St.Petersburg) Choreography School. In 1974, during Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theatre guest performances, he decided to stay in Canada, later on moving to the USA.

Gunārs Birkerts (1925) – a well-known US-based Isaiah Berlin (1909 – 1997) – one of the most Latvian architect, the designer of the National library celebrated liberal philosophers of the 20th century. of Latvia building. His most significant works: Federal It was his strong and sophisticated explanation Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, Corning Museum of and interpretation of liberalism that won him world Glass, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, College recognition. His essay Two concepts of Liberty had of Justice of the University of Iowa and others. essential influence on the development of liberal Recently nominated for the American Institute of philosophy. Architects Gold Medal 2013.

www.riga2014.org 5 Model of Kirsten Delholm’s staging of the concert performance of Rienzi.

Although Rīga has long been known as lit- is especially interesting that the only time that this tle Paris – a reflection of the sophisticated magnificent cycle was previously staged in Rīga From Wagner cultural tastes of its population, its creativity was in 1902. and scenic beauty – 2014 will see these traits Rienzi is very closely associated with Wagner’s to Vasks – receive formal recognition with the granting time in Latvia, he composed it while living in Rīga. of European Capital of Culture status. Du- The multimedia production of Rienzi will be staged ring this year, many cultural institutions will by Danish director Kirsten Dehlholm, with whom the surprises let fantasy take flight, demonstrating to Rīga LNO has already successful collaborated in its pro- and its visitors that Latvia’s capital city is a ductions of Operation: Orpheus and The Nature of unique cradle of talent and has much to see War. lined up by and hear! 2014 will see a particularly wonder- “To work with Wagner’s music is to touch a rich ful cultural programme from the Latvian Na- cultural heritage, so I love that this opera is so rarely tional Opera(LNO), which has always enjoyed staged. It’s not like Parsifal, say, which immediately the Latvian the respect and admiration of the internatio- draws comparisons with other productions. Ours will nal community. be unusual, visually expressive and conceptual” re- National veals the director. Rīga and Wagner: event of the century Operas about legendary Latvians Opera Symbolically highlighting the great German com- poser Richard Wagner’s strong links with the Latvi- While Rienzi will launch Rīga’s European Capital Information prepared by the LNO Press Office an capital, the LNO will stage his first operaRienzi , of Culture Year, the overall 2014 programme at the written in Rīga no less, which will premiere in Ja- Baltais nams (LNO, popularly known as the White nuary 2014 as part of the opening of the European House) will be dominated by operas and ballets by Capital of Culture Force Majeure programme. It is Latvian composers. worth recalling that one of the most noteworthy pa- March sees the premiere of the opera Šahs ges of Latvian opera history relates to the time that (Chess) by young composer Kristaps Pētersons. As Richard Wagner spent in Rīga, from 1837 to 1839, explained by the writer himself, it is dedicated to the as the musical director of the Pilsētas (City) the- Magician of Rīga, world chess champion Mikhail Tal. atre. Honouring the memory of the great master, Known as the last ‘chess romantic’, the unusually performances of the Ring of the Nibelung tetralogy gifted Mikhail Tal was one of the most original and have been at the centre of the LNO’s artistic pro­ recognisable symbols of Rīga. The opera’s storyline gramme since 2006, and it is this very year (2013), r evolve s ar ound t he 196 0 Wor l d C he s s C hampion ­s hip Wagner’s bicentenary, that the LNO is holding the match in Moscow between Mikhail Tal and Mikhail event of the century, staging all four Ring of the Botvinnik. The project’s creative team will consist of Nibelung operas during the Rīga Opera Festival. It a bright new generation of artists who have already

6 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014 gained international recognition and won prizes at prestigious international competitions: conductor Ainārs Rubiķis, Latvian choreographer Kirill Burlov, now resident in London, director Viesturs Meikšāns and stage designer Reinis Suhanovs. The accom- panying video will be directed by France’s Carlos Franklin. In turn, internationally acclaimed Latvian Arturs Maskats is basing his upcoming opera Valentīna on a legend of Latvian culture – film critic Valentīna Freimane. “Her personal life story is closely inter- twined with the events of Latvian and European his- tory, enabling a panorama of the era to be revealed in all its colour and contradiction. The dramatic epi- sodes of Valentīna’s life have coincided with signifi- cant 20th century historical events – times requiring enormous strength of spirit to survive physically and morally, but this is not just about politics: all the events interweave with a dramatic love story and deeply felt emotions” says the composer. Collaborating with his librettist – the poet Liāna Lange – the composer portrays the significant, dra- ma-filled pages of Latvia’s history, culture and the different peoples living here, in the period from 1939-1944. The city of Rīga itself plays an important role alongside the complex and contradictory main contemporary dance productions around the world. protagonists: Rīga, despite the dramatic and tragic This time, we will see his music through the dance collisions of different eras, always ‘rises up’ (poet of choreographer Demis Volpi, who is of Argentine Born in Rīga! Aleksandrs Čaks), changes, is reborn. This is the origin. path to development that the real Valentīna invites The Gala Concert Born in Rīga, planned for Meanwhile, Dubra’s music suggests a special ver- us to take. mid-July has aroused particular public interest. tical spirituality, a sense of powerful religiosity and Latvian artists who have gained fame around the great internal freedom, always expressed in prono- world will perform on a specially built stage in Latvian music, world movement unced symphonic development that cannot be mis- front of the Latvian National Opera. The opera taken for the work of any other composer. Dubra’s house will itself act as a magnificent backdrop to The 2014 repertoire will also be given a spe- enigma will be unlocked by Mário Radačovský, Di- the event. This architectural monument, located cial accent by three new one-act ballets, with the rector of the Bratislava Ballet. in the very centre of Rīga, presents its exterior world premiere planned for April. The music of Meanwhile, the music of Pelēcis fascinates in the in the style of restrained classicism, but its luxu- three outstanding Latvian composers – Pēteris Vas- brightness of its detail, with his simple, sometimes rious interior possesses renaissance, baroque, ks, Rihards Dubra and Georgs Pelēcis – will beco- naive (but not simplified!) view of the world, expres- classicism and Empire features. me a source of inspiration for the world of dance, sed in original, theatrically vivid imagery, illuminated If you can’t make it to Rīga in the summer, you addressing today’s brightest choreographers. Even this time by celebrated British choreographer Tim can still catch other Born in Rīga concerts in the though none of the scores was written specifically Rushton, Director of the Danish Dance Theatre. for dance, sound breaks down genre boundaries, autumn. World-famous Latvian conductor Mariss sparking the interest of foreign choreographers of Jansons will visit Rīga in November with one of seemingly different mentalities, for whom the field the world’s greatest orchestras – the Bavarian of emotions and messages encoded in the music Wagner’s Radio Symphony Orchestra – giving two con- have become central. music certs. Mariss Jansons will dedicate one of them The music of Pēteris Vasks has challenged a num- knocks me to his father, the distinguished conductor Arvīds ber of contemporary choreographers as it captiva- off my feet! Me too! Jansons who was the long-time conductor of the tes with its Nordic nature and ability to portray the Opera, frequently also conducting the National human soul in existential situations. It is no coin- Symphony and Opera orchestras in the 1940s cidence that of Latvian composers, it is the music and 50s. of Vasks that has become the most performed in

Born Andris Nelsons (1978) – Latvian conductor, one of today’s internationally most sought-after young in Latvia conductors who has earned fame in the operatic as well as symphonic fields. From 2003 to 2007, he was the principal conductor of the Latvian National Opera Orchestra and since 2008 has been the Music Director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. In May 2013, he was appointed Music Director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Iveta Apkalna (1976) – Latvian organist. She has given Kristīne Opolais (19 7 9) – Latvian opera singer, soprano, recitals in the most famous cathedrals, churches began her career at the Latvian National Opera and and concert halls of Europe and North America, is continuing it at opera houses in Munich, Berlin, participated in leading music festivals and received Milan, Vienna and many other cities. She made her music awards, as well as won significant organ debut at Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich in the title competitions. Her repertoire comprises organ music role of Dvorak’s Rusalka, which was followed by her from Bach to contemporary composers. debut at at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden in the title role of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly.

www.riga2014.org 7 works will also be loaned by other museums: from the George Costakis collection of Russian avant- garde art held by the Greek State Museum of Con- temporary Art, and from Moscow’s State Tretyakov Gallery and Vladimir Mayakovsky Museum. The title of the exhibition refers to the mani- festo written by Gustav Klucis himself, in which he espouses the idea that artists have the right to experiment. In his art, Gustav Klucis dared to follow a path he found stimulating, while belie- ving that his creative and civic goals were in line with those of the country and society in which he lived and created. The benefits of hindsight give us know­ledge about the background of historical events which transformed the Constructivists’ new, experimental art into a weapon of Soviet ideology. We also now know that Gustav Klucis, inspired by his political naivety or creative passion, did not see that this turning-point held any risks for society’s liberty or his own creative freedom. The exhibition will invite viewers to set aside hindsight and decline the temptation to condemn or reject. Telling the story of one personality, the exhibition will encourage us to think about all the issues that have remained critical through the ages – freedom of choice and responsibility, relation­ ships between artists and authority, how artists’ personalities and works influence public opinion.

Constructivist pioneer

World-famous artist Gustav Klucis (1895 -1938) was born in Latvia, but his creative life in the 1920s and 1930s was spent in Moscow. Gustav Klucis’s contribution to the shaping of Construc- tivism aesthetics, to the development of photo- montage, as well as his work in the field of poster art place him among the most important figures of 20th century art. Klucis’s life is a story of an extra- ordinary personality and a talented artist in an epoch of crucial changes in the histor y of mankind. Klucis’s creative work covers the entire period of Russian Avant-garde art while the course of his life tells an exemplary story, common to thousands of Latvians who stayed in Russia after the Bolshevik coup (October Revolution) of 1917 and fell victim to Stalin’s purges in the late 1930s. In 1915, only a few months before Latvians in Rīga were permitted to form their own riflemen battalions to fight against invading German for- ces, Gustav Klucis, a pupil of the Rīga City Art School was conscripted into the Russian imperial army and sent to Petrograd. The 1917 Revolution From the series of postcards for the All-Union Spartakiada in Moscow, 1928 heavily influenced the then only 22 year-old Klu- cis, determining both his political opinions and further course in art. Klucis volunteered for duty The extraordinary in the 9th Latvian Riflemen battalion and took part Gustav Klucis in the October Revolution. His military duties con- story of an artist tinued, serving as a guard to Lenin himself, and in March of 1918 he was transferred from Petrograd Anatomy in an epoch of to Moscow together with the new Soviet govern- ment. of an revolutionary change From autumn 1918 till 1921, Klucis studied at VKhUTEMAS, the Higher Art and Technical Stu- By Iveta Derkusova, art curator dios in Moscow. His professors were outstanding Experiment personalities – Kazimir Malevich and Natan Pevz- Gustav Klucis. Anatomy of an Experiment at the ner. Gustav Klucis intentions “to exhaust all cur- Arsenāls Exhibition Hall of the Latvian National Mu- rent directions and ‘isms’, and thus to be released seum of Art will be an exhibition on a scale not from the burden of the past, from the old school, previously seen in the artist’s home country (more and to find new forms for the present,” natural- than 200 different works), including the LNMA’s ly drew him into the circles of artists – pioneers own unique Gustav Klucis collection. Numerous of Constructivism. Klucis’s constructions, designs

8 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014 of multi-functional exhibition and agitprop stands totalitarian regime began to exploit art as one of its and tribunes, made in the early 1920s, are mas- most powerful propaganda weapons. His subsequ- terpieces of functional design. ent output, printed in runs of tens of thousands, photomontage posters of the 1930s, featuring mo- Art as propaganda numental images of Soviet leaders and referring to Communist Party guidelines and the goals of Five In the early years of Soviet power, Constructivist years plans, to this day remain a controversially in- art was celebrated as a symbol of deliberate crea- terpreted art legacy. tivity. Faithful to experiment and innovation, Klucis Gustav Klucis’s loyalty to Soviet rule did not save introduced a new method in constructing artistic him from a tragic fate. Under false accusation, he images – photomontage, which he applied exten- was arrested on 17 January 1938 as a ‘member of sively in the design of magazines, books and pos- an armed Latvian terrorist organisation’ and shot at ters. Bringing photography and slogans into com- the Butov firing range in Moscow on 26 February. positions of coloured planes, the artist broke down the barriers between the abstract and the real. But Gustav Klucis. Anatomy of an Experiment. 22 August very soon, the construction of art images was re­ to 26 October, Arsenāls Exhibition Hall. placed by the engineering of human souls, and the The ornate Main Hall of the Latvian National Opera Gunārs Janaitis Rīga to host European Film Awards in 2014

In February 2013, the European Film Academy announced its decision to hold the 2014 Europe- an Film Awards ceremony in Rīga. The ceremony, Jēkabs Kazāks / Refugees 1917. Canvas, oil scheduled for 13 December 2014, will be one of the impact on Latvia and Europe exactly one hundred European Capital of Culture Year events and will be years after its onset, is an absolute necessity. held at the Latvian National Opera, whose magni- 100 years The exhibition entitled 1914, being curated by ficent architecture and stunning interiors earned the Latvian National Museum of Art, is envisaged special recognition from the Film Academy. as a visual documentary message. It will pull to- The ceremony sees the presentation of awards after WWI gether art, culture and history, bringing to life per- and recognition of personal achievements in sonal stories through the eyes of both World War I European film. Each year, it brings together about 1914 is a year that changed Europe. Superpowers and contemporary artists. 1400 guests, including European Film Academy and that had ruled empires for centuries disappeared, The expositions will seek correlations and deve- film industry representatives, nominees and pre- but the Europe we know today – with 11 new coun- lopmental directions in a period when the old world vious award winners. Every other year, the Europe- tries, including Latvia – was created. Throughout collapsed and independent states were formed an Film Awards ceremony is held in Berlin, but in the 20th century, Rīga has found itself in a cycle against a background of human suffering, terror other years special venues are chosen. To date, the of post-war/pre-war, loser/winner relationships. In and destruction. ceremony has been held in London, Paris, Rome and some ways, this war only ended here in 1991. Lat- Barcelona. In 2010, the awards were presented in vians’ memories of the historic events are real and 1914. International Exhibition. 17 January to 20 April. Tallinn and in Malta in 2012. It was Rīga’s status as alive, as they are in the minds of many Europe- Arsenāls Exhibition hall. a European Capital of Culture which raised the inte- ans. Looking back and evaluating World War I, its rest of the organisers.

Born Mariss Jansons (1943) – one of the world’s most distinguished conductors. Since 1973, he has been in Latvia the conductor of numerous symphony orchestras in Europe and in the USA. Has been the music director of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and the principal guest conductor of the London Philharmonic orchestra. Currently – chief conductor of Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw orchestra.

Alvis Hermanis (1965) – internationally acclaimed Maija Kovalevska (1979) – Latvian opera singer, theatre director and actor. He has been the Artistic soprano. In 2006, she was the winner of the World Director of the New Rīga Theatre since 1997. He Opera Competition for young opera singers Operalia. received the Young Directors Award in 2003 at The very same year she made her debut in La bohème Salzburg Theatre Festival for The Government at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Since then she Inspector and the Europe Prize New Theatrical has been a regular soloist at the Metropolitan Opera, Realities in 2007. He has staged plays in Germany, Vienna Staatsoper, London’s Royal Opera House and Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Russia. at Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich.

www.riga2014.org 9 Sean Hughes

Do these games respect the Olympic spirit: choir singing the music of world-renowned Ameri- the important thing is not to win, but to take can composer Morten Lauridsen. Listeners will get to A Global part? know very diverse and varied choral folk music from This principle is followed very much: the Games all over the world – from South Africa to China are held every two years regardless of the number Choir – All on of choirs, and all who wish to participate – whether it Will Latvia be offering something different to be 300, 350 or more choirs – are able to do so. De- the usual choir events? pending on the number of applications, a jury is set First of all, there will be more opportunities for One Stage! up with 70-80 first-class choral music experts, world- choirs from Latvia and our near neighbours to parti- renowned conductors and composers. Currently, the cipate, who otherwise, for lack of funds, would not be World Choir Games is the world’s largest choir forum, able to take part in the Choir Games in places like Chi- where conductors and experts meet, master classes na or the USA. The jury will include many of Latvia’s and concerts by top artists are held. Of course, there best-known conductors and composers of choral mu- are choir competitions, organised at different levels sic. The world has heard much about the Latvian cho- Can you imagine thousands of singers from all over and categories. ral singing tradition and we will have the opportunity the world, in an exotic variety of national costumes to present it to Games participants. In Rīga, we will be parading through the streets of Rīga? That is preci- What categories of choir can apply? organising a unique massed choir concert on the Mež- sely how the largest and most important internatio- Choirs will compete in open and champion compe- aparks open-air stage – the first such in the history of nal event on the choral music scene will start in July. titions, participation being determined at qualification the Games! These World Choir Games will provide a The World Choir Games 2014 will see around 20 000 stages. Choirs will compete in 29 categories at Rīga’s special opportunity for Latvia to show the world what singers from more than 70 countries gather in Rīga. World Choir Games, including folkloric, sacred music, we – these singing Latvians – are really like. In the Romāns Vanags, Artistic Director of World Choir Ga- pop/show choir, gospel, spiritual, as well as traditional global context, it is unique that we have consolidated mes 2014 and Associate Professor at the Jāzeps Vitols choir competitions. our identity in a humane way, through folk songs and Latvian Academy of Music, tells us more about this singing traditions. The dream of Professor Imants Ko- festival of music. Does that mean that audiences too will have kars has been fulfilled: Rīga has earned the chance to many opportunities to hear the widest variety host the World Choir Games through our excellent in- of music? ternational achievements in the sphere of choral mu- Where did this choir games idea come from? For those interested in choral music, there is no sic. I believe that the Choir Games are certain to give Many different choir competitions are held around better opportunity. There will be an opening concert, Latvia a permanent place on the word’s choral map. the world, but to participate, you have to get through a massed choir concert on the Mežaparks open-air a rigorous selection process – so the contests are stage, a special concert of sacred music at Rīga’s 8th World Choir Games. 9 to 19 July, various locations restricted to really great choirs. Some time ago, Dome Cathedral, a concert by a united Baltic boys’ www.singriga.lv concert producers Musica Mundi began to hold small competitions where, for a small fee, practically any choir could participate and be judged by a panel of professional experts, also form creative partnerships with other choirs. This tradition has evolved into the WCG, now run by the Interkultuur organisation.

10 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014 Force Majeure programme

Lysistrata Bach. Passion. Rīga 4 April 14 to 17 February Rīga Dome Cathedral Latvian Railway Museum Part of a series of con- Musicians from Latvia, ­certs, this time featuring Switzerland and J. S. Bach’s little-known Germany will create St Mark Passion, and, jan FEB a joint contemporary APR composed­ especially for chamber opera, inspired this event, the world [january] [february] by Aristophanes’s play [april] premiere of the St Luke Lysistrata. Passion by Ē. Ešenvalds.

Opening events 17 to 19 January Rīga Winter Carnival SKAN II 9 April to 02 May Various Rienzi 17 January Latvian National Opera 21 to 23 February Various This exhibition has already put Latvia on the ever Multimedia concert performance of Rienzi, an A carnival, which in the meaning of this more topical map of sound art, the intersection opera that Richard Wagner began composing particular word has never happened anywhere of contemporary music and art. Concluding with during the time that he lived in Rīga (1837-1839). at any time – a completely new component of the Skaņu mežs (Sound Forest) festival uniting It will be performed by the Latvian National urban culture on a European scale. the organisers of Europe’s experimental music Opera under the leadership of acclaimed Danish festivals. director Kirsten Dehlholm.

1914 17 January to 20 April Arsenāls Re:Visited 13 March to The Black Market of Useful Knowledge and Ignorance 1914 was a year that changed the history of 25 August Centre for 5 April Part of the Imagine 2020 project. An Europe, with the outbreak of the First World Contemporary Art installation by German curator Hanna Hurciga War. The exhibition 1914 will feature visual Re:Visited will be a will enable 100 experts to be consulted, documentary materials on a number of historical large-scale exhibition reminiscent of forms of knowledge transfer such events and personal life stories, both from that featuring the most as archives and reading rooms, in combination period and in subsequent interpretations by MAR significant and notable with communication situations similar to stock contemporary artists. works selected from exchanges or consultancy sessions. [march] the most influential art biennales of 2012/2013.

Chain of books Kristaps Pētersons: Šahs 13 March Amber Road: Millennial Vija Celmins: Works 18 January Latvian National Opera Myths and Science 11 April to 30 June The central event of the inauguration will be The new opera by Kristaps Pētersons, Šahs 15 April to 01 November Art Museum Rīga Bourse a human chain extending from the old National (Chess) is an innovative contribution to the opera Pauls Stradiņš Museum of A retrospective of works Library building in central Rīga to the library’s genre with the participation of a new generation the History of Medicine by Latvian-American sparkling new quarters on the opposite bank of of performers. The opera is about World chess Displaying the artist Vija Celmins, one the Daugava River. champion Mikhail Tal, known as the last ‘chess interaction between of the world’s most romantic’ and a native of Rīga. amber and people. influential exponents of abstract realism.

Fire Sculpture festival: From Johansons to Imagine 2020 21-22 March J. S. Bach St Matthew Passion 11 April St. Peter’s Force Majeure 18 January Johansons 16 January to Symposium ‘I, the Consumer’, as part of the Church The grandeur of Johann Sebastian Various 16 March National Library Imagine 2020 project. It will host meetings, Bach’s monumental St Matthew Passion, part of A fire sculpture cham­ of Latvia Exhibition Hall group work and panel discussions, etc., involving the concert series Bach. Passion. Rīga. will be pion­ship – 15 teams The exhibition presents the invited artists and scientists. A platform to unveiled to the audience by a very high quality of professional fire Rīga and Latvia as sow the seeds for later development of ideas and musical performance: the Latvian Radio Choir sculpture artists from a part of European collaborative projects. will work with Europe’s foremost interpreters all over the world will culture through Avant- of baroque music – the Les Passions de l’Ame create an unforgettable garde art throughout orchestra (Switzerland), conductor Hans-Christoph fire sculpture show. the 20th century. Rademann (Germany) and notable foreign singers.

From Amber to Amber Thread 15 January Amber Songs Bach 2014 18 April Habitus Baltija 2014 Latvian Natural History Museum 15 to 16 March Rīga churches 20 to 30 April A special exhibition devoted to the amber The Kamēr... choir will commission arrangements Music of J. S. Bach Rīga International biomaterial industry, to promote scientific of specially chosen, beautiful Latvian folk songs performed by Latvia’s Exhibition Centre research into amber and reveal the uniqueness by composers from different countries and Radio Choir, Concerto A competition of Baltic amber as a material, and its future nationalities (but mainly from countries on the Copenhagen, conductor between more than potential. historic Amber Road), exploring the strength Lars Ulrik Mortensen 100 new designers of Latvian heritage when in contact with the and Akademie für Alte from 20 countries. influence of other nations and mentalities. Musik, conductor René Competition theme – Jacobs. Force Majeure.

Amber Through the Ages Monument Wars WINDSTREAM 2014 under Film Trophies 24 April to Rīga Jazz Stage 24 April 15 January to 31 27 March to 30 November the aegis of Bach 30 May Rīga Film Museum, to 26 April Splendid December Latvian Natural Rīga city centre 31 March Splendid Palace Palace, Kongresu Nams History Museum The site on which The international An exhibition on film Rīga Jazz Stage is an A new exhibition monuments created composers’ competition repertoire policy and international jazz com­ about Baltic amber in by artists from four WINDSTREAM. Com­ the architecture of petition, encouraging Latvia’s Natural History countries – Russia, posers will compose cinemas in Stalin’s time Europe’s new talents museum. Germany, Sweden new brass-band pieces and in the late 1950s. to prove themselves. and Poland – will be in line with the theme Screenings of films from successively displayed. Feel Bach, Continue the end of the 1940s. Bach, Debate Bach.

www.riga2014.org 11 Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014

New ballets for Latvian composers LAUKI (Fields) and Art+communication 2014 26 April Latvian National Opera 15 May to 03 August Arsenāls World premiere of three one-act ballets to music This festival seeks new approaches and forms in composed by outstanding Latvian composers art, emphasising sustainability issues. The main Pēteris Vasks, Rihards Dubra and Georgs Pelēcis, event is a large-scale international exhibition with arranged by world-renowned choreographers. artists addressing the relationships between art and science, information and energy, technology JUN and nature. [june]

Culture reinvents former KGB building Bach’s Organ music Freedom Run 19 May European Children’s Carnival 1 June 30 April to September 16 May to 26 September Brīvības iela Esplanāde and Vērmanes parks Former KGB headquarters Dubulti Church. Liepāja Under the banner of the An event of unprecedented scope for families A Latvian’s suitcase Svētās Trīsvienības Church Nordea Rīga Marathon, with all possible carnival trappings, oriented to History has seen many Latvians forced to and Dome Cathedral a Freedom run along children – entertaining and at the same time migrate, often in difficult circumstances. What did Bach’s music for organ Brīvības (Freedom) edu­ca­tional, giving the younger generation they take with them, what did they leave behind will be played on Latvia’s iela, as a symbolic impres­sions about the culture and traditions of and what reached their new home countries? best church organs over journey through the Europe, putting special emphasis on literature 18 concerts. history of Rīga’s central and its heroes. Organised in collaboration with thoroughfare. embassies and national cultural centres.

1. Ten objects: the 2. Museum of Fateful Born in Riga, Inga Kalna in concert 17 May Latvian Rīga Festival 1 to 30 June individual and authority Objects National Opera Rīga concert halls and parks Objects telling stories The Museum of Fateful Inga Kalna (soprano) is an internationally Rīga Festival is a feast of high-quality music about the clash Objects will collect recognised singer who has performed in Italy, without borders, aimed at the widest possible between the individual personal articles and France, England, Canada, the USA and around audience of Rīga residents and visitors. Diverse and governing powers things belonging to the the world. Her repertoire includes almost all the musical programmes will be put on in concert starting from Tsarist residents of Rīga and famous opera pieces for lyric soprano by western halls and outdoor venues throughout Rīga. times and including the reveal the life stories European composers. years of German and associated with them. Soviet occupations.

3. Despite Everything 4. The House on the I’ll Be in the Museum 17 to 31 May Piens Festival 8 June World War II and the Corner NOASS Art Gallery Ziemeļblāzma Palace of Culture accompanying Soviet A route developed­ by From 2011-2013, information on curators and Stylish, contemporary picnic. A day spent joyfully occupation were one of the Museum of the artists will be gathered and the museum will and creatively in a circle of great people with the the reasons for naïve Occupation of Latvia, prepare for its international exhibition of naïve participation of local and foreign artists. art developing in Latvia will enable the general art in 2013 and 2014. The Naïve Art Museum and the majority of the public to visit the head- of Latvia will use its international collection to works on show will be quarters of the former popularise naïve art and Latvian culture at the by people who suffered State Security European level. repression. Committee.

5. The Immanence of Friendship Seeking the Horizon 22 May to 20 July Transmedia Café 12 June to 28 September Interdisciplinary exhibition aiming to create a Institute of Contemporary Art Spīķeri creative quarter multi-level dialogue between cinema archives The focal point will be the questioning nature Organized by RIXC in collaboration with and photo materials, documentary photographs of art – aspiration for the ideal, seeking the Technocité and Mons 2015 (Belgium). The and contemporary art, searching for parallels in unknown. The exhibition will feature around concept is an urban contemporary and multi- the recent history of some European countries half of specially created new works, with the func­tional public space, characterised by dyna­ (Iceland, France, Latvia, Poland, Finland, remainder selected by the curators as being mism and the ability to be self-sufficient in energy. Germany, etc.) during the period of the in line with the topic. During the summer, the container will be located Cold War. in the Spīķeri quarter, serving as a meeting place, fulfilling cultural and social functions.

Magic Dance EXPO Amber in Conceptual Art Jewellery European Solstice Celebrations 21 June 10 to 11 May Ķīpsala 23 May to 2 August Putti Art Gallery Mežaparks Open-air Stage Exhibition Hall Contemporary jewellery art reflecting amber as The traditions of Summer Solstice celebrations, Contemporary, a material in conceptual and contemporary today. A collaboration between national competition and street décor and meeting professional art criteria. dance groups and brass bands, also involving dancers come together Participants from countries on the historic Amber participants from choirs, folkloric groups, folk MAY for a special grand Road – Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Austria, music bands, and ethnic minorities. event – a multimedia Germany, Belgium, Italy and Greece. [may] dance performance dedicated to Rīga 2014

Photomonth May Various 3D Carnival 24 May Rīga city Jāņi Night Mystery 22 to 23 June Rīga’s Photomonth will offer a diverse Masks are an integral part of any carnival. Mežaparks Open-air Stage programme: a number of exhibitions, Put on 3D glasses and dive into another reality, All Europeans are invited to the most extensive presentations, workshops, discussions, a where, as you pass along the route, individuals joint Jāņi celebration in Europe and not only to photograph market, urban projects and other transform into someone else – more experienced enjoy Latvian traditions, but also find out about activities. This will be an opportunity to express and having enjoyed something imperceptible. those of European nations, including Spanish San oneself and explore the latest in contemporary Juan, Lithuanian Jonas, Estonian Jaanipäev and photography, not only for professionals, but will Finnish Juhunnus. involve many different members of the public.

Urban Viewfinders May National Library of Latvia Is Rīga Ready? 29 May to 29 June Līgo at the Riverbank! 23 June Daugava embankment The centrepiece of Photomonth – an international Art Academy of Latvia Summer solstice celebration in the centre of photography exhibition of works by Baltic, Nordic The project aims to become a platform for Rīga! Experience the rituals preserving the light and other photographers, art curators and entrepreneurs, artisans, producers and designers of the shortest night. Enjoy music, beer, dancing! theorists. to find out about innovation, experiment in and practice design as close colleagues.

12 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014

Ladies’ Paradise 1900-2000 21 July to 3 August Contemporary Craftsmanship Market Esplanāde 2014 8 to 9 August Ethnographic Museum of Latvia A complex of ten interactive shows, acquainting A diverse exhibition of modern craft products, visitors with European fashion demonstrating articles and products that have history by decade, from 1900 to 2000. A special survived, gained new value and can compete show is dedicated to fashion of the future, in today’s market and take the name of Latvian JUL involving ten of Rīga’s best-known designers. craftsmen abroad. [july]

The Book: 1514-2014 1 July to 31 December International Festival of Ancient Music Re Re Rīga Festival 8 to 10 August National Library of Latvia July 25 to 27 Spīķeri kvartāls AB Dambis, squares and streets of Rīga A unique book exhibition, organised by the Enter into the spirit of the Middle Ages, Street art and world music concerts, dance, National Library of Latvia, on the 500-year Renaissance and Baroque Age through music improvisation theatre, performance art, puppetry, history of the book publishing industry, also in the churches and concert halls of Rīga’s circus, painting, installations. New experiences ancient libraries. There will also be a virtual Old Town. Lavish antique garments, ancient and emotions for the residents of Rīga, with version and a printed catalogue. instruments, authentic performances and events which are usually viewed indoors taking old-time fireworks will not leave a single festival to the streets. visitor indifferent.

Mare Balticum 3 July Congress hall Esi Te (Be Here) 26 July Esplanāde park Towers and Stars Part of the Rīgas ritmi festival – a concert and 30 July National Library of Latvia 15 August Various recording of an album of Latvian sea songs in A collaboration between outstanding artists from Traditional open-air concert during the festival modern settings performed by the Latvian Radio all over the world will create an unusual oasis – Rīgas Svētki. The sounds of trumpets and Big Band and a guest artist from the USA, in a place where everyone is welcome to relax interesting stories acquaint listeners with pages collaboration with Half Note Records and Hubtone and find their way to the Ocean, by means of a of Rīga’s history, with first-class symphonic and PR, New York, USA. special introvert art phenomenon – a path to the opera music performances by outstanding stage human inner essence. artists.

European military bands 6 July Various Simfoniskais Ceļojums (Symphonic Journey) Gustav Klucis. Anatomy of an Experiment A picturesque parade of European military bands: 26 July Mežaparks Open-air Stage 22 August to 26 October Arsenāls an opening concert; concerts in parks, venues This open-air symphonic concert brings together The most extensive exhibition to date of this and squares throughout Rīga, a grand concert aural and visual perception. world-renowned Constructivist in his home and culminating in a majestic march-past. country with over 200 exhibits from the Latvian National Museum of Art and other European museums.

Born in Rīga 6 July Latvian National Opera steps Klezmer Music Marathon August Various Famous musicians return to Rīga, where they The anniversary programme is supplemented started their musical careers, but having gained by a three-day Jewish music marathon – Rīga’s fame in the world’s concert halls. Gala open-air open-air stages will host virtuoso performances concert by world famous Latvian music stars, by Klezmer and Sephardic musicians from modelled on the Vienna Philharmonic’s concerts countries with diplomatic missions in Latvia. at the Schönbrunn Palace, in collaboration with AUG EBU television channels. [august]

Kremerata Baltica Amber Road 6 July Lielā Ģilde The Age of Amber 6 August to 28 September A chamber orchestra of soloists from the three Museum of Decorative Arts and Design Baltic States presents the most essential modern Amber is considered to be one of Latvia’s national idea – freedom as an impulse for action and symbols, however over the years it has faced creativity. both praise and neglect. The exhibition will study how the notion of amber’s identity has metamorphosed in the cognition of the Latvian nation, from the beginning of the 20th century to the present.

World Choir Games 9 to 19 July Various Piens Festival 3 August Lucavsala The biggest choral competition in the world, Stylish, contemporary picnic. A day spent joyfully based on Olympic ideals to peacefully unify and creatively in the company of great people. people and nations connected by song The streets, parks and courtyards of Rīga will be in fair competition. Rīga expects up to filled with culture, music and creative people. 25 000 participants and more than 400 choirs representing 90 nations.

Rīga Floral Ball 2014 10 July Years of Travel 8 August University of Latvia Botanical Gardens Dzintari concert hall, Jūrmala The symbiosis of nature and culture: plants The theme of travelling in music is played out from all over the world and creative, scientific and surrounded by new sounds – it has always and horticultural inspiration meet in a green been dear to composers in different centuries environment. Events include exhibitions, and countries. Featuring classical and newly seminars, design competitions, creative composed works. workshops and concerts.

www.riga2014.org 13 Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014

Valentīna 19 September Latvian National Opera A new two-act opera by Artūrs Maskats. The prototype for the central protagonist is widely known cinema and theatre academic Valentīna Freimane whose personal life story closely follows the events of Latvian and SEP European history. NOV [september] [november]

FORCE MAJEURE. RĪGA 3 September (premiere) RīgaPunkts 27 September Various BORN in RĪGA series: Mariss Jansons Splendid Palace Cinema A festival of science, offering new knowledge 8 and 9 November Latvian National Opera The socio-anthropological documentary film or looking at the known from new perspectives. World-famous Latvian conductor Mariss Jansons Force Majeure. Rīga is the story of Rīga, Like the digital image formed of pixels, will visit Rīga with one of the most highly rated showing the city as it has never been seen RīgaPunkts (RīgaPixel) presents a broad orchestras in the world – the Bavarian Radio before and which we have never be able to spectrum of activities, including lectures, expert Symphony Orchestra for two concerts. One of perceive – episodes created by seven European discussions, experimental laboratories and the concerts is dedicated to Mariss’s father, contemporary film makers, combined into concerts. outstanding conductor Arvīds Jansons. one film.

Survival Kit Contemporary Art Festival Where is our favourite scientist? Light Festival STARO RĪGA 2014 4 to 21 September Centre for Contemporary Art 26 September to 27 October 14 to 18 November Various Art exhibitions in non-traditional venues, objects Various apartments in Rīga An annual exhibition of urban environment in the urban environment, creative projects Merging animation and film, about the rapid installations over several days during which the involving the public, broad parallel programme pace of development in biology and physics in landscape of Rīga is transformed by means of of diverse cultural initiatives, workshops, film the modern globalised world, in a contemporary modern light and video technologies. Displays reviews, lectures and discussions and installation to evoke discussion on the world, may involve buildings, squares, lifts, monuments a theoretical symposium. ourselves, energy and substance. and various other places in the urban environment.

In Search of the Art of the Future Tutankhamun’s Amber 5 September to 27 October 14 November to 31 December Art Museum Rīga Bourse Art Museum Rīga Bourse A multidisciplinary project intended to popularise International project uniting collections from the work of Latvian painter, theoretician and various European and Egyptian museums, researcher Voldemāras Matvejs (1877–1914), in dedicated to the culture of ancient Egypt. A key light of his unique contribution to culture outside OKT Amber Vein project, marking Egypt as the final Europe – research into the art of Oceania, Africa destination on the Amber Road and highlighting and Northern Asia in the early 20th century. [october] the Baltic amber found in Tutankhamun’s Tomb.

Books Going to the Library 8 September October – children’s month October Various Rīga is still not ready 16 to 31 November Various National Library of Latvia Every weekend in October museums, theatres, Six short science-fiction films to be produced A carnival procession – joyful communication concert halls, castles, subsidized and private in 3D or stereoscopic technique, examining the among thousands of book-loving children – will organizations open their doors and organize process of creation and attempts to execute march to the National Library. Dressing up in the special activities for children from 4 to 12 years futurist projects in Rīga. Competitors will be covers of their favourite books, reading extracts, old. invited to consider what would happen, if a great playing out episodes, everyone will feel part of discovery, e.g., artificial intelligence, were made a new adventure book. in Rīga.

Noisy Neighbours 5 to 18 September Skaņu mežs European Film Awards This project will bring together literary figures 10 to 12 October Various ceremony 13 December from different conflict zones around the world, 12th Sound Forest festival, introducing Latvian National Opera from areas of armed conflict, where cultures and a more extensive programme, also including The ceremony sees the values clash, where there is intolerance of other a meeting of organisers of European presentation of awards cultures, high levels of prejudice or historical experimental music festivals. and recognition of disputes among neighbours. World-renowned DEC personal achievements literary figures will participate in readings, in European film. creative workshops, lectures, seminars and [december] discussions.

Amber Road 12 September Potato Opera 9 to 15 October European Christmas 1 to 31 December 12 Latvian composers create music to poems Latvian National Theatre Parks and squares of Rīga about amber by 12 outstanding European poets. A musically splendid and broad-genre Creation of a special seasonal Christmas A CD will be produced, but a free concert, by performance for the entire family about atmosphere through a diverse range of music State choir Latvija and Mārtiņš Sirmais, attended the journey of Potato Man to Latvia through genres and events. Jazz and ethnic music will by the poets, will be held on 2014’s National the labyrinths of history and time. be played alongside academic music, multimedia Poetry Day. projects, activities in Christmas markets and at skating rinks.

MY – YOUR – OUR RĪGA one hundred years ago TENSO Days in Rīga 16 and 23 October Force Majeure Closing ceremony 12 September to 31 December St Peter’s Church and Dome Cathedral End of December Rīga National Library of Latvia Involving top-level European professional Emotionally deep, large-scale performance, Rīga as a phenomenon – a multicultural choirs in discussion and concerts, looking to which, alongside its artistic qualities, provides metropolis. At the start of World War I, living discover the latest trends in the choir music a report on and feeling of pride for what was in one city and mutually communicating with genre. Festival guideline – the junction of the achieved during the year: revealing the European tolerance, the residents of Rīga also had their sacred and profane cultural spaces. Capital of Culture Year as a uniform wholeness, own versions of Rīga with social lives lead reflecting the progress made, cultural events and by national traditions, their own cultural and the most vivid emotions. religious needs, their own information spaces.

14 www.riga2014.org Vija Celmins. Drypoint – Ocean Surface (2nd State). 1985 Vija Celmins Art counterfeiting nature

Elita Ansone consumer product. During this period, the artist tist does not tend to philosophise on the metaphy- Exhibition curator began collecting magazine clippings, which served sics which are undoubtedly found in the subjects as inspiration for her works, and so photographs she chooses. She emphasises that she only works Latvian-born American artist Vija Celmiņa (Cel- or other images became intermediaries between with the surface of paper and that she only wishes mins) has had a fascinating career – from being her art and the subjects of all of her future work. to work with this surface. The artist has developed an art student at the University of California, Everyday objects of the 60s – a lamp, electric her technique to the highest degree of perfection, living and working at Venice Beach in Los Angeles heater, frying pan, to be found in her ascetic stu- her works taking a long time to create, by the in the 60s and 70s, to a sought-after global star dio – when painted created a strange impression slow, painstaking treatment of surfaces. reinforcing her role in the New York art scene of of loneliness which, some critics have noted, echo The human desire to imitate what we see, as the 80s and 90s. Vija Celmins’s works feature in the feelings of nomadic refugees. It is true that clearly manifested in the mimeographic nature the world’s most significant collections of contem- Celmins’s pop art is somewhat surreal. Hypertrop- of art, was conceptually demonstrated by the ar- porary art, representing American art from the hied giant-sized combs, pencil or eraser sculptures tist in her work To Fix Image in Memory (1977- 1960s to the present day: New York’s Museum of also show the influence of Magritte. 1982). Bronze copies were made of eleven stones Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of Art, the Met- The era of space conquest, when the news of gathe­red in the desert and painted, mimicking the ropolitan Museum of Art, Paris’s Pompidou Centre, man reaching the moon and the first pictures of stones’ natural patterns. The copies of the stones, London’s Tate Modern, etc. the lunar surface became a subject for art, tur- produced with a master jeweller’s craftsmanship, As a six year old child, Vija Celmins fled her ned out to be important for Celmins’s art. In the are indistinguishable from the originals. The ‘coun- native Rīga with her family, finding themselves subsequent years, stellar fields were to become terfeiting’ or imitation concept is still important to refugees at the end of World War II. Later, her like popular bestsellers in Celmins’s art – execu- the artist, she has continued to produce copies of early works of the mid-60s reveal memories of her ted with photo-realistic precision in charcoal and found objects in recent years. childhood fears. American and German air-force graphite drawings, mezzotint and aquatint prints, We are proud to be able to show Vija Celmins’s planes – like monochrome scenes from historical as well as in her painting. works in Rīga – about forty of her graphics, char- memories. In this series of small works, lead-gray In addition to the stars, the ocean has attrac- coal and graphite drawings, paintings and various aircraft cramped into small paintings create a sen- ted the artist with its unrelieved, glittering rippled items that will come from the Museum of Modern se of claustrophobia. Vija Celmins also tackled the surface. The desert too, its stones dotting the Art in New York, the National Gallery in Was- documentary nature of other emotive incidents landscape like stars. In 1975, the artist created a hington, the Latvian National Museum of Art col- and accidents in the pages of 60s newspapers and series of four works entitled Portfolio featuring the lection and Vija Celmins’s artwork collection, and magazines, re-painting them in her photo-realistic desert, the ocean, the cosmos and the sky. In this other collections. style. way, Celmins announced the span of her subjects, The intellectual contribution of pop art demons- related to the myriad of natural structures. Later, Vija Celmins. Works. Art Museum Rīga Bourse. trated that the latest news can also become a mass cobwebs would also join these structures. The ar- 11 April to 22 June 2014

www.riga2014.org 15 Didzis Grodzs

chers will work with the students. The efforts of the Iesakņotāji, will build greenhouses along with senior Ethnographic Open-Air Museum, which traditionally citizens and children and develop urban gardening Contemporary hosts craft fairs, have been very promising. August skills. There will be collaboration with nursing home 2014 will see a fair for contemporary craftspeople residents. All this will reach its culmination in the art developing in a similar fashion, offering products balancing on Esplanāde, either with a stand-alone greenhouse, the boundaries between applied art and design. or with plantings incorporated into the information Another important direction in developing the centre. Visitors will be able to observe the plants survival European Capital of Culture art programme will be growing throughout the summer, and be amazed by the interaction between art and science to create what can be grown in the city centre! It will not be a innovative solutions. There will be a large-scale surprise if cabbages start growing in the Esplanāde skills exhibition Lauki (Fields) at the Arsenāls exhibition square, or if vegetable plots are laid out. hall, organised by the RIXC electronic arts and me- Another interesting urban gardening activity dia centre. Its theme covers both renewable energy is being organised by the Serde interdisciplinary The city as a Garden of Eden, where every being and the application of new media in everyday life. group. They intend to plant a ledge, like an exten- feels wanted and lives happily in harmony with natu- re, the latest technologies and its creative impulses We will explore how art, interacting with new media ded second-floor window box, all the way around – such is the vision outlined by the Latvian Centre and new technologies, can help us survive. Radio the massive building at the corner of Brīvības and for Contemporary Arts. As its Director, and curator of NABA is also undertaking an ambitious program- Matīsa ielas. And it will be set up along the lines of the Survival Kit Festival and Rīga 2014 programme, me: together with scientists from the University a hanging garden. This fits in well with the Vidze- Solvita Krese explains: of Latvia, they will hold scientific cafes throughout me market, inside the block, where ecological plant the year, bringing together artists and scientists. blankets will be on display. Created by French artist Within the Capital of Culture programme, Izdzī- Discussions on complex issues will be held in an Joanes Simon-Perre, these feature strips of plant vošanas komplekts/Survival Kit is a series of ac- understandable way, explaining them in as simple seeds incorporated into traditional cloth quilts. tivities involving the city’s residents and in which terms as possible. This programme will culminate in They will continue to germinate, grow and bloom, the city’s visitors are invited to participate. As the Science Night, to be held in September at the cam- and I think will be fascinating. name suggests, we are bringing to the fore issues pus the University is constructing near Torņkalns concerning survival strategies. One of our empha- station. Even though it is unlikely to be completed Does this mean that art will be making a ses is a call to return to ancient skills, but inter- by then, that will not stop scientists, musicians, DJs stand opposing the virtual world? preted in a contemporary way. We want to show and VJs wandering through and performing over a I guess RIXC will be running everything with that much from the past has been undeservedly number of nights. computers anyway and won’t wander far from them. forgotten, but that these skills can be put to use But they are already conducting experiments, for in completely different ways. In this regard, the Is it true that Rīga will become markedly instance talking to plants through loudspeakers large-scale exhibition taking up the entire Latvian greener in 2014? and the like. Academy of Art and its green environs, will be key. Our urban gardening projects, involving districts’ There will be big cleanups. Landscape architects Academy graduands will mount the exhibition, also residents, promise to be interesting. A group of ar- will also participate in the programme of events. involving craftspeople. Manufacturers and resear­ tists and social anthropologists, calling themselves Much will be going on in neighbourhood backyards,

16 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014 in Zolitūde, Maskačka, Purčiks (slang for the Maska- There are also numerous other projects comple- they appear, a viral effect follows: creative young va and Purvciems districts)... A massive movement menting the directions mentioned, but interest in people gather around and entertainment venues will be launched, with residents transforming com- ancient skills, science and public participation are evolve. The second competition is currently un- munal back yards into lush oases with their own the three key principles they all have in common. derway, and new creative brigades have submit- hands, ably assisted by landscape architects and Is the goal is to find new models for people’s ted applications. Their input will certainly be felt other professionals. Artists will help build children’s interaction with the urban environment, ma- in 2014. playgrounds from recycled materials. king it more humane? How will the traditions of urban craft and In 2014, the Survival Kit Festival will Yes, one of the guiding themes is to revitalise agrarian skills connect? speak of the utopian city and models for sur- once-familiar Do It Yourself – DIY principles. The Everything that the Survival Kit festival is trying viving in it. Have these ideas come about from creative quarters, which have only recently beco- to do, in modelling a utopian city or seeking to im- the festival’s own experience, now five years me established in Rīga and are now largely con- prove the city, is related to the integration of hor- long? sidered a success story, will become active in this ticulture into the urban environment, something The first Survival Kit exhibition was held at the regard. A few years ago, the Contemporary Art that is very common around the world, but that has beginning of the economic crisis when it seemed Centre implemented the Brigāde project in con- not to date been widely practiced in Rīga, despite it that culture was the only positive force maje- junction with the Soros Foundation Latvia, gran- being a green city. Our plentiful and beautiful city ure that could help people change things for the ting, by means of a competition, financial support parks lack something – they can only be looked at, better. We concluded that the survival kit was a to creative initiatives offering non-traditional forms not touched. Parks and gardens must be returned powerful strategy to also include in Rīga’s Capital of business. It is pleasing to acknowledge that most to the residents. Our 2014 projects will bring this of Culture bid. of them have survived. In addition, everywhere dream closer.

offices, a restaurant and a small exhibition space. The quarter’s main attraction however, is its mar- Creative quarters flourish kets, offering organic foods and unique, one-off fashion goods. There are regular film screenings Academy of Culture, as well as contemporary dance and musical performances. The character of the productions. quarter has made it a favourite haunt for young creative professionals wanting to enjoy a relaxed, VEF stylish atmosphere.

The former VEF factory is located just beyond Kaņepes Culture Centre the Gaisa (air) bridge, which marks the boundary of Rīga’s historical centre. The abandoned works- This two-storey building, which stands out hops of this one-time flagship of Soviet industry among the solid bourgeois apartment buildings of have spontaneously evolved into a community of Rīga’s centre, once housed a music school. While artists who have found studio space much chea- the school waited to be moved to better premises, per than that in more traditional premises. What the building was neither repaired nor particularly is now most visible here are the activities of the smartened up. This gives the building quite an al- Total­dobže alternative arts centre, covering a bro- ternative aspect, well suited to what goes on here: ad range from artists-in-residence and exhibitions at the initiative of Dāvis Kaņepe, a young film di- to poetry slams, electronic music and happenings. rector, parties were held here and the courtyard Totaldobže pays particular attention to introducing became populated with revellers. This was then Emīls DesjatņikovsF64 / artists in various fields to curious young audiences supplemented with drawing and photography exhi- who are not particularly interested in high art. Rīga is currently seeing creative quarters popping bitions, intimate concerts, and later, performances up like mushrooms – each with its own charm, range of activities and personality. Throughout 2014, the Kalnciema kvartāls creative quarters will offer programmes revealing a very personal, creative and diverse side to Rīga. In contrast to the creative quarters regenera- ting urban industrialised environments, the quarter Spīķeri by the side of Kalnciema iela, on the way from the city centre to the airport, consists of small, elegant wooden houses, reconstructed by their owners, the Between the Central Market and the Daugava ri- Dambergs brothers. The buildings, grouped around ver, there is a cluster of old warehouses where at a courtyard, now house architects’ and designers’ least three arts institutions have found a home and are operating successfully, each in its own field. This once forbidding place is being more and more often frequented by creative young people with professional ambitions in the arts. The Spīķeri Con- cert Hall, operated by Latvijas Koncerti, is suitab- le for small-scale academic music concerts. It also frequently hosts inter-disciplinary and pilot pro-

jects, not only uniting different styles of music, but Inga Nestere using original forms of performance and including and film screenings. The Centre is very attractive other media. The kim? Contemporary Art Centre to young visitors, especially cyclists, students and is like a test track for the latest in art with its two young people who are still seeking their place in art. exhibition spaces and conference room. Exhibitions The location is well suited to a route typically taken are often put on together with young curators and by the creative alternative crowd on Friday nights: artists from the other Baltic States. The Dirty Deal from the Čomskis, Teātra bārs, Miit and Fazenda Teatro theatre uses its small space to put on per- bars on Lacplēša iela to the more leisurely coffee formances by the Umka puppet and object troupe, bars and teashops of Miera iela – or vice versa.

by students and recent graduates of the Latvian Gatis Gierts / F64

www.riga2014.org 17 Purification of the State Security Committee ghost building has begun

A silent reminder of the decades of horrors it witnes- sed, the massive building stares blindly at the city with dusty and dark glass eyes, its walls retaining hundreds of terrifying stories and secrets. Number 61 Brīvības iela in Rīga’s city centre, (the junction of Brīvības and Stabu ielas), is known by several names: the House on the Corner, the Cheka, and officially – the State Securi- ty Committee of the Latvian SSR. In 2014, when Rīga is a European Capital of Culture, this building will under- go true purification by becoming one of Rīga’s cultural and historical sites and a museum with a distinctive and unique concept.

18 www.riga2014.org Dmitrijs Suļžics / F64, Courtesy of weekly magazine IR Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014

According to the design by Aleksandrs Vanags gations. No fundamental changes were made to ject-route presented by the Museum of the Occu- (1873–1919), the building at 61 Brīvības iela was the layout or infrastructure, the barred cells along pation of Latvia: The House on the Corner. to be a standard apartment building, with ground- the hallways and cell layouts remained, including One of the expositions – Ten objects’ stories floor shops. The six-storey building was construc- such features as the cast-iron waste pipe, unalte- about individuals and power – will be created by ted in 1912 and its architecture features many Art red from Tsarist times, the archaic lift mechanism, the National History Museum of Latvia. It will com- Nouveau elements typical of the time: artistically etc. The State Security Committee remained here prise objects from the museum archives playing expressive facade details and elaborate interior until 1991, when Latvia regained its indepen- the role of mediators in presenting stories about decor. The arrangement of the hallways connec- dence and the State Police moved in. In 2003, a the conflicts between individuals and ruling powers ting rooms remind us that the true purpose of the memorial plaque, The Black Threshold, by sculp- during the previous century. These will be perso- building was more commercial than a conventio- tor Gļebs Panteļejevs was installed, funded from nal stories about the people to whom the objects nal multi-apartment building. Until the 1930s, the public donations. In 2008, the police moved to its belonged, about lives affected by power, about de- building housed a motley variety of institutions, new, specially built headquarters in Čiekurkalns cisions taken either to succumb to or to resist con- but it was then taken over by the Ministry of the and the House on the Corner has remained empty ditions dictated by authority. The exhibition will be Interior of the Republic of Latvia. and abandoned. Despite the building being inclu- located on the 5th floor. The same floor will feature ded in the list of protected national cultural mo- another exhibition A Latvian’s Suitcase. What did From apartment building to prison numents and being in the ‘Rīga historical centre’ Latvians take with them in their suitcases when area of UNESCO World Heritage listing No.825, to forced to emigrate to foreign countries? They had After the occupation of Latvia on 17 June 1940, date there has been little interest in further use of to choose what to take and what to leave behind, the building became the headquarters of the State the building. Actually, this is quite understandable, or actually to lose forever. Visitors will not merely Security Committee of the Latvian SSR, commonly because one would need enormous inner strength see these objects, but also be able to listen to re- corded oral histories, watch videos and experience known as the Cheka. It did not take long for part of to take on a place so saturated with pain, sorrow other modern technologies. the basement and the ground floor to be recons- and tragedy. tructed as prison cells and a place of torture and Moving along, the same 5th floor sees another exposition – the Museum of Fateful Objects. This execution. In the years of World War II before the Cultural-historic Centre G e r m a n s a n d S ov i e t s c o m m e n c e d h o s t ili t i e s, a b o u t will be a great opportunity to see the personal be- longings of Rīga residents, things associated with 100 innocent Latvian citizens were killed here. The The creative team of the Rīga 2014 Foundation particular events or with exhilarating life stories. House on the Corner has two courtyards, both still was unanimous in that the darkness and the gru- The top, 6th floor will host an international pho- there – a large one with massive metal gates and esome aura of mystery around the House on the tography exhibition The Immanence of Friendship. a smaller one, where prisoners could walk, ‘pro- Corner should finally be dispelled. Next year, when Its aim is to seek the common features of the his- tected’ from the adjacent residential building by Rīga becomes a European Capital of Culture, this tories of European countries in the cross-section overhead barbed wire. gloomy building will come into the light – in both of the previous century, in photographic and film There was a total of 44 prison cells with about actual and metaphorical senses. While there is materials. The exhibition will present stories about 175 places (beds). Later, when the number of pri- no intention to undertake major renovations, the national identity and the ability to maintain it in soners grew rapidly, the cells were packed and up building will be cleaned up to the extent that it can times when major global powers are attempting to to 36 people were confined in cells with 6 beds. host a number of Rīga 2014 projects. change the status quo. The hallways between the cells were laid with It is envisaged that in 2014 – when Rīga proudly The exposition of the Naive Art Museum of Lat- thick red carpet to muffle the guards’ footsteps carries the status of European cultural messenger via will bring a slightly romantic feeling to the and mask the blood spilt by the people being tor- – the building will be home to several thematic rooms of the 6th floor. Historical events, personal tured. At night, the guards would repeatedly un- exhibitions interlinked by historical events and the life stories in expressions of naivety – unsophisti- lock cell doors just to jolt prisoners awake and life stories of people affected by them. Six thema- cated, uncomplicated, nevertheless deeply emo- make them anxious about further interrogation. tic expositions are planned, the development of tional art works. More often than not, these were false alarms just which has been undertaken by a number of insti- There you have a journey through time and to wake the prisoners up and prevent proper sle- tutions involved in history, art and culture. The in- space which will leave an indelible impression on ep. The cell doors had clearly visible observation tention of the concept’s instigators is to establish a everyone closing the heavy doors of the House on ports, but there were also additional secret ‘eyes’ museum with a singular notion, presenting ’living’ the Corner behind them, obliging them to reflect hidden in walls, next to the doors, invisible to the testimonies to what has gone on in this building, on recent, real history. On events which took place prisoners. Each guard was responsible for the characterising this historical period and environ- here – in Latvia, in the Baltic States, in Europe. good behaviour of prisoners in 4 to 5 cells. ment. Everyone stepping over the threshold of the House on the Corner would feel as if returning into Culture reinvents former KGB building a not-too distant past – into the time of Soviet Gruesome reminder 30 April to 26 September, 61 Brīvības street rule, totalitarianism and genocide. This will be an After the Second World War, the Cheka prison emotionally charged journey into the past, from cells were used as a remand prison during investi- the cellar to the highest, 6th storey, along the pro-

Born Sergei Eisenstein (1898 – 1948) – outstanding film director, script writer and art theoretician, pioneer in Latvia in the use of montage. His film Battleship Potemkin (1925) is considered one of the best films of all times. He is also known for his films Alexander Nevsky (1938), Ivan the Terrible (1946) and others.

Gidon Kremer (1947) – one of the most famous Latvian Elīna Garanča (1976) – Latvian opera singer, mezzo and German violinists and conductors. In 1981, soprano. Began her career as a guest artist in Kremer founded a long-standing chamber music Germany. Later she performed at Vienna Staatsoper, festival Kremerata Musica in Lockenhaus, Austria. In Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Concertgebouw in 1997, Gidon Kremer founded the orchestra Kremerata Amsterdam, the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Baltica which has given more than 60 concerts in Royal Opera House Covent Garden, Paris National tours all over the world. Opera House etc. Currently collaborating with the world’s leading opera houses.

www.riga2014.org 19 Dmitrijs Suļžics / F64

Radiant, sonorous, blooming, sparkling, flouris- hing, singing, dancing, colourful, stylish – we would Rīga need many more such adjectives before we even got close to a full description of Rīga’s diverse and Carnival – bounteous cultural landscape. Regular festivals, wonderful concerts and opera productions, theatre performances every night, brilliant artists, quests concerts, for innovation, experiments, the distinctiveness of the creative quarters. festivals, As early as the beginning of May, when it gets Dmitrijs Suļžics / F64 warmer, culture goes out on the streets of Rīga, fil- ling them with a festive atmosphere. Summer is rich exhibitions with wide-ranging events in Rīga’s historical centre and along its Art Nouveau boulevards. Rīga loves and to celebrate culture. Rīga rises to new challenges, like holding a light festival in the darkest months of performances autumn. The essence of carnivals is to change and be changed, to evolve. Everything is possible at a Rīga throughout Carnival. Putting on masks and being something else, playing roles and games without masks, dis- the year! carding the unnecessary, enjoying the forbidden and turning everything upside down.

The events of the Rīga Carnival Chapter will, throughout the year, tempt you into a carousel of happenings, into having fun and being delighted, abandoning yourself to cultural experiences so that you dismount the carousel inspired, completely dif- ferent, as if you have arrived at a totally new place, because for you, everything has changed.

20 www.riga2014.org spent singing songs and enjoying traditional Līgo traditional Latvian crafts and Līgo songs – you can foods like cheese with caraway seeds and beer. find everything to help create the Līgo holiday Līgo! Līgo! The belief is that those who go to sleep before feeling. The day before the holiday, folk ensembles sunrise on Jāņi will be sleepy all summer long. from all around Latvia flock to Rīga. Everyone is T h e c e l e b r a t i o n o f t h e s u m m e r s o l s t i c e i s L a t v i a ’ s Jāņi songs or līgotnes and their traditional re- invited to participate in crown and wreath plaiting, oldest and most beloved holiday. While some like frain of “Līgo!” can already be heard a few weeks Jāņi games and singing (if anything, at least with to begin this holiday on 21 June, (the longest day before the actual holiday; but the real celebration the “Līgo” refrain). These pre-holiday events are of the year), the Latvian Līgo-day takes place on starts on the night of the summer solstice. People best experienced on the banks of the Rīga canal, 23 June and continues with Jāņi on the following sing by the Jāņi bonfire or they go from house to not far from the Freedom Monument. day, 24 June. A great feast, song and dance, the house, where the hosts greet them with beer, che- In 2014, the Līgo festivities in Rīga and partner shortest night of the year spent in front of a bon- ese and other foods. city Sigulda will be the biggest solstice celebrati- fire, mystical rituals and even a bit of romance – The spirit of Jāņi can also be experienced in ons in the whole of Europe, because our Latvian this is what makes the Līgo celebration or Jāņi. Rīga. A few days before the big holiday, the city rituals will be supplemented by the traditions of According to ancient tradition, the shortest organises a Grass Market – native plants with me- many other nations. Check the event calendar to night of the year must be spent by staying awake dicinal properties, oak leaves and flower crowns, make sure you are in the right place at the right all night by the glow of the bonfire. The time is Jāņi gr a s s e s, Jāņi c h e e s e wit h c ar away s e e d s, b e e r, time!

Born Peteris Vasks (1946) – Latvian composer, one of the most distinguished composers of late 20th century in Latvia classical music. Since 1994, a number of CDs of his music have been released in Europe and in North America. The recording of the String Quartet No.4 performed by Kronos (recording company Nonesuch) was nominated for a prestigious Grammy Award.

Egīls Siliņš (1961) – Latvian opera singer, bass Mikhail Tal (1936 – 1992) – Latvian chess player, the baritone. He is a laureate of a number of international eighth World Chess Champion, six time winner of the competitions and has been a soloist at Frankfurt and USSR Championship, International Grandmaster from Basel opera houses. From 1996 - 2000 he was a 1957. He was the winner of numerous international soloist at Wiener Volksoper and Wiener Staatsoper. tournaments. From 1958-1982 Mikhail Tal played In recent years he has proved himself an outstanding 101 games at high level tournaments and reached a interpreter of Richard Wagner’s and Richard Strauss’s record high coefficient of 81.18%. music.

www.riga2014.org 21 Sigulda Top events 2014 floral crowns, cheese making, Jāņi songs, farewel- Welcome ling the sun by lighting a bonfire on the hilltop and welcoming the morning sun not much later. December 2013 – January 2014 Environmental Art to Sigulda – Festival Nature. Urban. Future. will be seeking 27 to 30 June Gidon Kremer and his chamber orc- solutions to the relationship between natural and hestra of outstanding young musicians from the urban environments. An opportunity to participate Baltic States will present transcriptions of well-kno- European and relax in creative ways: encounter artistic wn pieces in unconventional and innovative ways at expression at exhibitions, events, concerts, take the Kremerata Baltica Festival. Capital of a stroll through the town and take pleasure in the small-format environmental light installations 30 June – 9 July Over ten days, young musicians created in collaboration with the Staro Rīga light from around the world’s will meet at master clas- Culture festival. ses to develop their professional skills at the Bal- tais flīģelis (White Grand Piano) concert hall. The 1 to 9 March 2014 The Winter Festival, alongsi- master classes include a range of activities: lectu- Partner 2014! de professional sporting events at ski resorts and res, seminars, individual sessions, group sessions the Sigulda Bobsleigh and Luge Track (there are (orchestra, choir, ensembles), optional classes and only 17 such tracks in the world), will also offer art concerts for everyone. projects, a snow sculpture championship, a unique concert by musicians who have combined artistic 1 to 3 August The unique open-air concert stage at Sigulda is one of the most beautiful towns in Lat- deeds with sporting achievements, and a fabulous the Sigulda Castle sparks into life for the Internatio- via. It has grown on both sides of the Gauja river Winter Carnival. nal Sigulda Opera Festival. Concert-goers will see valley and surprises visitors with its breath­taking a new, world-class production by famous artists, scenery, historical episodes, magical castles, ad- 24 to 27 April Promoting cooperation between small a chamber music recital, a concert for children, a renaline-inducing activities and vibrant musical European towns, Sigulda will host the 39th Con- sacred music recital and the Gala Concert events throughout the year. ference of the Douzelage town twinning network. Winter, with its snow-capped hills and internatio- This will bring together representatives from small 9 August Science, music, poetry and visual arts nal competitions, has made Sigulda into an interna- towns of the 26 EU countries. event Dabas koncertzāle (Nature’s concert hall) tional winter sports centre. Summer, though, the draws its admirers to Sigulda’s ancient valley to air fragrant with the aroma of meadow flowers, the 21 June Summer Solstice in the Turaida Castle gar- surprise them with its unique natural treasures shortest night and countless concerts is the time to dens (a cultural monument of European significan- through exploratory hikes, research and creative best enjoy the opportunities Sigulda offers. ce and a global tourist destination with 800 years workshops and an evening concert. The main cha- Whether it is the golden leaves of autumn, of history) when thousands of bonfires will light up racters bringing this story to life will be the Armou- winter’s snowy stillness, the explosion of buds in the shortest night and ancient traditions and rituals red Fish and other Devonian fossil evidence in the spring or a summer heatwave – S!gulda thrills! come back to life: decorating of fences, weaving of unique ancient Gauja Valley.

22 www.riga2014.org Rīga – European Capital of Culture 2014

Amber Thread, featuring textiles produced by Lat- vian artists from amber composite filaments. Amber thread, a patented invention by Latvian researcher Inga Ļašenko, has extremely diverse scientific and technological properties. The exhibition will enable visitors to find out about the production process for amber thread and options for using amber bioma- terial. In mid-April, an exhibition will open at the Medical History Museum – Amber Road: Millennial Myths and Science, displaying the interaction between amber and people, from the times when the Mediterranean nations thought the Baltic Sea region was a my­thical amber land. In May conceptual art jewellery will be displayed in the Putti Art gallery, featuring sophisticated works by recognised décor designers from the historic Amber Road countries. Kristaps Kalns In August, more attention will be paid to amber in The amber found by the Baltic Sea is considered to the applied arts. The interdisciplinary exhibition The be the purest in the world. In ancient times, amber ser- Age of Amber will be an unorthodox anthropological Taking the ved the Balts as a currency, almost like a precursor to study of the phenomenon of amber in the art, culture the euro! The old Baltic amber trade route linked the and social interaction of one nation. The exhibition Amber Road Baltic Sea with the Mediterranean and Black Seas. The aims to explore how the identity of the concept of new Amber Road, as a symbol of cultural exchange, has amber metamorphosed in the cognition of the Lat­ been nominated as one of the themes of the European vian people from the 20th century to the present day. all the way Capital of Culture programme. It turns out that Baltic amber was even found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. Egyptology and the story of The Amber Road will be on display in several Baltic amber will come together in the exhibition to Egypt special exhibitions in Rīga’s museums and galleries Tutankhamun’s Amber, which will take place in the throughout the year. From early January, the Latvian Rīga Bourse Art Museum late in the year and include Natural History Museum will be home to a new per- items from the museum’s own collection of Egyptian manent exhibition dedicated to Baltic amber, entitled art. The exhibition is being set up in conjunction with Amber Through the Ages. Later in January, the same museums in Sweden, Italy and Lithuania and an aca- venue will also host an exhibition, From Amber to demic catalogue will also be published.

Your official guide to travelling in Latvia Gold? Tourist sites and attractions. The app features Choose your app more than 500 sites, places to visit and attractions language: English, in Latvia’s regions (Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, German, Russian, Latgale) and the city of Rīga. or Latvian. Amber! Accommodation. Hotels, guest houses, bed & Developed by the break­fasts, holiday homes, hostels. Lat­vian Tourism Events. Festivals, activities, concerts, calen­dar. Development Restaurants and cafes. Top restaurants; orga- Agency in nic, natural foods. cooperation with Tourist information centres. List of centres SIA “Mobile Rams”. in Rīga and Latvia’s regions (Kurzeme, Vidzeme, Zemgale, Latgale). Maps. Rīga, Latvia, sites, directions.

Vitamin injection for Sweden’s cultural life

Sweden’s Minister for Culture, Lena Adelson contemporary culture of this northern people have Liljeroth, has likened Umeå’s selection as the se- been given a special role in the European Capital of cond European Capital of Culture in 2014 to a vit­ Culture programme, itself divided into eight parts in amin injection for Sweden’s cultural life in general. line with the eight seasons traditionally marked by Hundreds of performing arts, music and art festi- the Sami. vals and sports events will take place over the year, A central event has been selected for each se- as well as countless other events which, the Swe- ason, a festival or other occasion, which the Umeå des believe, will have a positive impact on regional 2014 organisers consider especially important and development, the environment and social welfare. worthy of highlighting. Umeå will also host events, Umeå is located in the region of Sweden inhabited exhibitions and festivals jointly developed by the by the Sami people which is why the traditions and Swedish and Rīga organisers.

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