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On June 13, the versatile solo artist Shipsea (Jānis Šipkēvics) performed for the first time at the Liepāja concert garden "Pūt, vējiņi!". At the concert, the musician's most prominent pieces and songs, performed together with the chamber orchestra "Sinfonietta Rīga" under the baton of conductor Normunds Šnē, practically came to life like an image through 3D glasses, receiving a roaring standing ovation from the audience.

For the musician himself, the performance in Liepāja was a significant reunion. “Returning here for the first time since my childhood, since ‘Liepājas dzintars’, means a great deal to me. To sing both my own songs and songs that I love—to people whom I love and who have chosen to feel fiery in their hearts on such an arctic summer evening. I appreciate it very much,” Shipsea addressed the attendees.

The concert program “Simfoniskā gaismā” (In Symphonic Light) was intriguingly opened by the artist’s return to his roots in conducting, taking the conductor’s podium for a performance of the ballet suite “Nestāsti man pasakas” (Don’t Tell Me Fairytales). However, as the evening unfolded, those gathered had the opportunity to appreciate the musician’s velvety timbre and soulful lyrics in songs such as “Pieturi man sevi klāt” (Hold Yourself Close to Me), “Sēkla sniegā” (Seed in the Snow), “Meitene no manas klases” (The Girl from My Class), and “Lielās cerības” (Great Expectations).

With powerful solo performances and vocal harmonies, singers Una Daniela and Linda Rušeniece enriched the concert’s sound, including in Peter Gabriel’s legendary “Don’t Give Up”, Shipsea’s song “Cilvēks bez bruņām” (Man Without Armor), and others. There was also no shortage of the solo artist’s personal and heartwarming tributes to his idols, interpreting songs like Imants Kalniņš’s “Apvij rokas” (Wrap Your Arms Around) and the hit “Piekūns skrien debesīs” (The Falcon Flies in the Sky) by the band Jauns Mēness.

The evening was rich in musical surprises, the greatest of which was undoubtedly the participation of the musician’s long-time friend, singer Renārs Kaupers, resulting in moving duets in the songs “Ilgi vēl” (For a Long Time Yet) and “Mazā bilžu rāmītī” (In a Small Picture Frame). As the dynamics of the songs gradually built up, the music was also enriched by the performance of guitarist Miķelis Putniņš, bass guitarist Jānis Rubiks, drummer Rūdolfs Dankfelds, and pianist Toms Mikāls.

At the climax, Shipsea dedicated his hit “Siltā gaismā” (In Warm Light) to the audience, and they rose to their feet to greet the singer with a sea of small lights. However, as the applause did not subside after the musicians' bow, Shipsea and Renārs Kaupers invited the audience to a jolly romp once more with the song “Es šodien jūku prātā” (I'm Going Crazy Today).

The concert “Shipsea and Sinfonietta Rīga. Simfoniskā gaismā” was organized by SIA “Lielais Dzintars” with the support of the Liepāja Municipality and the State Culture Capital Foundation.

Photo: ohm.lv