Zemgale is the land of the plough and sword where fertility mixes with death. We can hear military marches, funeral music, canonised legends and bold open-air parties of brass bands here. Wide fields turn into battle fields and burial grounds that are turned into fields again and Latvian literary language, first presidents and statesmen, great poets and strong poetesses prosper here. Zemgale is as wide as the horizon and the state of Latvia is like the River Lielupe here, as during the spring floods, all lost souls meet as streams in this historical lowland.

/Inese Zandere/

Latvian Radio Choir, Latvian Radio Big Band, soloists.

Musical director and conductor: Sigvards Kļava

Libretto author: Inese Zandere

Director, video artist: Roberts Rubīns

“Ring of Latvia” is one of the most ambitious projects for the centenary of Latvia. It is cherished by Sigurds Kļava - the artistic director and conductor of the Latvian Radio Choir. Four conceptually different rings and sets of music will highlight and emphasise the specifics, wealth and energy of each region of Latvia through the views of local residents. The unique cultural heritage of Latgale includes the unique phenomenon of traditional music. The sea power of Kurzeme surges through the everyday lives of people. The national string of Vidzeme offers symbolic room for patriotism. Zemgale has a vast horizon in which the streams of people’s souls come together.

The idea involves 16 concert performances that will be presented in a cycle at four concert halls in Latvia. A different artistic and creative team will shape the ring of each region of Latvia: Inese Mičule, Reinis Suhanovs, Roberts Rubīns, Māris Sirmais, Inese Zandere, Katrīna Neiburga, Guna Kalnača, Jānis Mitrēvics and “Dd studio”, the State Academic Choir Latvija, the Latvian Radio Big Band, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, and others. Sigvards Kļava, the author of the idea, and his Latvian Radio Choir will participate in all concerts of the project.

Concert duration: 1 hour 20 min. Without a break.

Venue: Great Hall

Organised by: Great Amber in association with Latvijas Koncerti