Orchestra Riga to Celebrate Raimonds Pauls with “Maestro & Majorminor” Concert
As spring approaches, the Orchestra Riga will launch its “Windstream” festival with a special opening concert, “Maestro & Majorminor,” dedicated to the musical legacy of Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls. The concert is scheduled for March 20 at the VEF Culture Palace in Riga.
A Tribute to a Maestro
The “Maestro & Majorminor” concert will feature arrangements of Pauls’ songs and instrumental music performed by the Orchestra Riga. Soloists Ilona Bagele, Paula Saija, and Raimonds Celms will join the orchestra, alongside saxophonist Oskars Petrauskis and percussionist Virdžīnija Laube-Vītiņa. Valdis Butāns will conduct the performance.1
The program will include both well-known compositions such as “Lighthearted heart”, “Papu, saki mammai pats” and “Inese”, as well as lesser-known gems from Pauls’ extensive catalog.1
The Windstream Festival
The “Windstream” festival, organized by the Orchestra Riga since 2010, is unique in Latvia for its focus on symphonic wind orchestra music across various genres, and styles.1 The festival aims to showcase the orchestra as a modern ensemble collaborating with talented Latvian and international soloists and conductors.
This concert is part of a broader celebration of Raimonds Pauls’ work throughout 2026, coinciding with his 90th birthday on January 12, 2026.3
Ticket Information
Tickets for the “Maestro & Majorminor” concert are available for purchase, with prices ranging from 15 to 38 euros.1 The concert is also included in a subscription package that offers access to both the opening and closing concerts of the “Windstream” festival at a reduced price. Subscriptions are available until March 20.1 Tickets can be purchased at LiveRiga.
The WINDSTREAM 2026 festival is supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation (Valsts Kultūrkapitāla fonds).1
Prior to the “Maestro & Majorminor” concert, the VEF Culture Palace hosted “Raimonds Pauls. Gadalaiki. Ziema” on December 3, 2025, as part of a concert series celebrating the composer.3