Iveta Apkalna to Premiere Fresh Album Featuring Works by Vasks and Pērt at Concert Hall “Latvija”

Internationally acclaimed organist Iveta Apkalna will perform a special concert at the Ventspils Concert Hall “Latvija” on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The performance will mark the launch of her new album, dedicated to the compositions of Pēteris Vasks and Arvo Pärt [Ventspils.lv]. This concert represents a deeply personal and emotional event in Apkalna’s artistic journey, reflecting her current focus on depth, peace, and essence.

A Meditative Musical Journey

The program will feature a selection of six pieces designed to create a unified and meditative musical experience. Pēteris Vasks’s works, “Viatore” and “Te Deum,” will be performed alongside four compositions by Arvo Pärt: “Spiegel im Spiegel,” “Pari intervallo,” “Trivium,” and “Annum per annum” [KoncertzaleLatvija.lv].

Vasks’s “Viatore” (Traveller) is particularly significant, as it was dedicated to Arvo Pärt and was also featured on Apkalna’s first album 22 years ago, now reinterpreted with a fresh perspective. “Viatore” explores the journey of human life, while “Te Deum” serves as a prayer of gratitude for Latvia’s independence and spiritual resilience. Pärt’s compositions contribute a space of meditation, symbolizing peace, balance, and spiritual continuity, with “Spiegel im Spiegel” standing out as one of the Estonian composer’s most beloved and timeless works.

Recording at Concert Hall “Latvija”

Apkalna’s new album was recorded live at the Concert Hall “Latvija,” utilizing its majestic organ built by Johannes Klais Orgelbau. This marks the first large-scale recording on this instrument, highlighting the hall’s exceptional acoustics and the quality of the organ [KoncertzaleLatvija.lv]. The album, released by Berlin Classics, is also available on vinyl and was officially released on February 13, 2026.

About Iveta Apkalna

Iveta Apkalna is a globally recognized organist, performing in prestigious concert venues and festivals and collaborating with leading orchestras and conductors. She has received numerous accolades, including the Latvian Ministry of Culture’s “Excellence Awards in Culture” and the Order of Three Stars. Her work is characterized by its depth, introspective quality, and ability to create a unique emotional connection with audiences [Ventspils.lv].

The concert is organized by SIA “Kurzemes filharmonija” with the support of the Ventspils municipality and the State Cultural Capital Fund.