Percussion Sound Ventspils Festival to Mesmerize Audiences with Turkish Impressions and Steve Reich’s Classics
Ventspils, Latvia, is set to reverberate with the dynamic rhythms of the “Percussion Sound Ventspils” festival, culminating in a special concert on April 29th at the Concert Hall “Latvija.” The event, organized by SIA “Kurzemes filharmonija” and Ventspils Music High School, promises an evening of captivating percussion performances, blending the innovative works of Steve Reich with the vibrant sounds of Turkish musical traditions.
A Fusion of Musical Worlds
The concert will feature a diverse ensemble of percussionists from Latvia, Lithuania, and Turkey, including Guntars Freibergs, Edgars Zaurs (Latvia), Pāvels Ginters, Sigitas Gailius (Lithuania), and Emil Kuyumcuyan (Turkey). Pianists Paulius Andersonas (Lithuania) and Rihards Plešanovs (Latvia) will also contribute to the performance.
The program is structured around two distinct yet complementary elements: the timeless compositions of American composer Steve Reich and the intensely personal concert program “ISTANBUL – the roots” by Turkish percussionist Emil Kuyumcuyan.
Emil Kuyumcuyan’s “ISTANBUL – the roots”
Kuyumcuyan’s “ISTANBUL – the roots” offers audiences a sensory journey to Istanbul, combining lively sounds with compelling visual projections. The performance interweaves images of the Bosphorus city from the 1960s with contemporary scenes, set against a backdrop of percussion and electronic sounds. Kuyumcuyan draws upon his diverse heritage – Croatian, Greek, Armenian, and African – and blends influences from Anatolian music, jazz, and contemporary academic music to create a uniquely personal narrative exploring themes of memory, change, and identity.
Steve Reich’s Minimalist Masterpieces
The first part of the concert will showcase the work of Steve Reich, with performances of “Quartet” for two vibraphones and two pianos, and “Sextet” for four percussionists and two pianists. These compositions are considered cornerstones of percussion music literature, challenging performers with their scope and complexity even as immersing listeners in the captivating world of minimalism.
Festival Support and Accessibility
The “Percussion Sound Ventspils” festival is supported by the Ventspils municipality and the State Cultural Capital Fund. Tickets are available for purchase at all “Biļešu paradīze” outlets and at the concert hall box office. Discounts are available for pensioners, students, and school children with valid identification, as well as for holders of the Ventspils Drauga Karte (Friend Card). Tickets can be purchased online.
Photography and video recording are permitted during the event for promotional purposes, with materials potentially used on the Concert Hall “Latvija” website and social media channels. More information about the festival can be found on the Concert Hall “Latvija” website.