Widmann is often compared to Classical genius Mozart or Romantic lyricist Schubert, and he lives and breathes music. Widmann’s suggestive clarinet performance enchants with its passionate musicality and surprising natural ease, and his layered compositions are gladly included in their programs by masters such as Andris Nelsons, Paavo Järvi, and Simon Rattle. 

Widmann and Sinfonietta Rīga first met in 2014, and the gifted artist has visited Latvia many times since. This time, the charismatic Bavarian will celebrate his new status with a program that will include his own ‘Versuch über die Fuge’ (this piece is full of contrasts, motif interactions with soprano vocals soaring into the sky and crashing deep into the earth), and Mendelssohn’s majestic and symbolic ‘Reformation’ Symphony. The Maestro himself will be conducting, and we will hear his work performed by the brilliant Latvian soprano Inga Kalna.

Before the concert, from 6.00 to 6:30 PM, visitors are invited to take part in a pre-concert meeting at the concert hall's art space Civita Nova. The conversation will focus on contemporary music, Latvian music and musicians in a global context, the role of music in modern society, etc. These topics will be discussed by musicologist, artistic producer of Sinfonietta Riga Baiba Kurpniece, Chairman of the Board of the concert hall Great Amber Timurs Tomsons. The discussion will be moderated by Orests Silabriedis, artistic director of the concert hall.

Program:

PART I

 Felix Mendelssohn / Jörg Widmann, Andante from Sonata for Clarinet and Piano in E flat
Jörg Widmann, ‘Versuch über die Fuge’ for Soprano, Oboe, and Chamber Orchestra

PART II 

Felix Mendelssohn, Symphony No. 5 in D minor (‘Reformation’)

Artists: 

Inga Kalna, soprano
Sinfonietta Rīga
Conductor Jörg Widmann