In this concert, we will hear compositions by the composers of the band, Sniedze Prauliņa, Edgars Šubrovskis, and Oskars Jansons, with their own lyrics and those by various Latvian and Lithuanian poets. A special treat for the audience will be a premiere of ballads by Armenian priest, musicologist and composer Soghomon Soghomonian (1869–1935), commonly known as Komitas. Komitas is considered to be the founder of the Armenian national school of music and a pioneer in ethnomusicology. He developed the Armenian music tradition and collected and organized over 3000 Armenian folk songs and was a choirmaster in Europe.

Juuk will perform Komitas’ ballads in Latvian, joined by Hasmik Bagoyan – Armenian actress and singer living in Latvia. Even though the name and works of Komitas are known around the world, his music has not been performed much in Latvia or ever translated. The band Juuk have arranged this Armenian heritage for electric and acoustic guitars, banjo, flute, violin, and percussions.

The concert line-up will be: Edgars Šubrovskis, Sniedze Prauliņa, Oskars Jansons, Rasa Pole, Ričards Dauksts, and Nick Moss Rogers.

Dark folk band Juuk mostly perform their original music, occasionally shedding light onto the Latvian underground as well as traditional folk music. The band’s 2019 record Indulgenču tirgotāji was nominated for the Austra Award and the Golden Microphone as the best alternative/indie album. In 2021, they combined the sounds of academic, folk, and rock music in their album for adult children, Sikspārņi. The band’s latest record Muļķa stabule, released in 2023, has received a Golden Microphone award as the best indie or alternative music album.

Other events of the autumn 2024 season of the "Personally" concert series:

• 22.09. | SUNDAY | 3 PM SCHUBERT, CRUMB. MAIDEN AND ANGELS

• 24.11. | SUNDAY | 3 PM JĀNIS ŠIPKĒVICS AND REINIS ZARIŅŠ. WHITE CHORDS

• 08.12. | SUNDAY | 3 PM MENDELSSOHN AND RAVEL. THE ELEGANCE OF CHAMBER MUSIC