The conductors of the “Dzel manī sauli” concert – musicologist Liene Jakovļeva and Ojārs Rubenis – took care of the evening’s lightness and the spark of humor, while it was conducted by both conductors known to the choirs of Liepāja and Southern Kurzeme regions, as well as guest conductor Mārtiņš Klišāns.
Aleksandra Bunce, singer of the women’s choir “Aija”, calls the concert an unforgettable experience for both herself and her son Kristen, who sings in the mixed choir of the Liepaja State Gymnasium: “It was his first time performing with an adult choir, and on his birthday – he turned 14!
Such a concert will be remembered for a lifetime.
It was also a great experience for me – the organization was at a high level, the songs sounded excellent. A real celebration for everyone.”
The singer especially highlights the repeated performance of the song “Sing, soul”, which, according to her, became one of the most emotional moments of the whole concert.
“The ants were running. Such a unifying feeling!
And also “My homeland” – we sang it twice after the ovation. It’s a great pleasure that the people supported us and sang along.”
Artist Agnes Rudzīte will remember what she experienced at the concert “Dzel manī sauli” as much more than a beautiful musical afternoon – it was an emotionally powerful proof of the unity of the people.
“I experienced a phenomenon that only we Latvians have. What is this phenomenon called? We ourselves,”
admits Agnes.
The viewer also emphasizes the artistic quality of the concert. According to her, chief conductor Ilze Valce raised it to the highest level – academically, professionally, tastefully.
No less important was the duet of the event leaders – musicologist Liene Jakovljeva, who “brought sincerity and welcomed every conductor, soloist and musician with a warm look”, and Ojārs Rubenis, whose charismatic personality brought a spark even if he sometimes spoke.
“The soloists gave the concert an otherworldly sound. Also, the quality of the live instrumental accompaniment simply spoiled us,”
adds A. Rudzīte.
“I still have such an absolute feeling of elation,” says Iveta Lesina from Liepāja after the concert.
“We were five girlfriends who attended the concert and we are all just thrilled. I walked home on ice-covered streets about 50 centimeters above the ground! Later I saw on Facebookthat many of my acquaintances have also been to this concert, posted a video, giving extremely good reviews.”
Asked why she wanted to attend the concert, I. Lesina said: “There’s not much to talk about! I have two favorite composers: Raimonds Pauls and Imants Kalniņš.
I grew up with their music. I’ve been listening to Paul’s records since I was very young, so many of his songs were sung at school…
I also wanted to experience how such a large choir sings here in “Lielaja dzintar” – that choirs are everywhere: upstairs, downstairs, on the stage, on the balconies on both sides. The energetic flow that came from the stage cannot be described. It was something special.”
“It was our holiday. Because we have something to celebrate!” I. Valce tells the portal.
She reminds that the choral music concert in January is a long-standing tradition, because the chief conductor, pedagogue Ludvigs Leitis was born in this month, as was the conductor, pedagogue, long-time director of Emilis Melngailis Liepāja Music High School Valdis Vikmanilis, also conductor Jēkabs Ozoliņš.
“This concert is a tribute to all of us –
Liepāja choirs, Southern Kurzeme choirs, anyone who lives here and is engaged in choral music,” emphasizes I. Valce.
She also noted that last weekend in Ventspils, in the “Latvija” concert hall, the mixed choir “Laiks” with conductor Ilzi Balodi received the Choral Music Award in the nomination “Choral music concert of the year, performance, event outside Riga”.
The big concert “No letu zemes” in Ventspils with the participation of I. Valce, dedicated to the Day of the White Unit, was also nominated.
“Our holiday was celebrated with the wonderful songs of Raymond Paul. The selection of the program was based on pieces that require a real, masterful singer with a strong voice and a huge breath. I love opera, and Paul also has melodies that require high vocal skill.
Three main themes interwoven in the concert – love for family, motherland and the world.
It had both dramatic undertones and sincerity and warmth. The whole mood of the concert was about the theme of love.”
At the concert, special thanks were expressed to the Honorary Chief Conductor of the Song Festival, Jēkabs Ozoliņš, who was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Ministry of Culture.
Contribution of the media support fund from Latvian state budget funds. The portal liepajniekiem.lv is responsible for the prepared content.
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