Featuring:
Maxim RYSANOV (viola)
Zane JANČEVSKA (narrator)
Andis KLUČNIEKS (whistle, duduk)
State Academic Choir “Latvija”
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Māris SIRMAIS
Part I
Jēkabs JANČEVSKIS (1992)
"Saule, saule, mēnestiņ!"
Oratorio "From the Land of the Letts"
Part II
Giya KANCHELI (1935-2019) "Styx" for viola solo, choir and orchestra
The Liepāja Symphony Orchestra in collaboration with the State Academic Choir “Latvija” under the direction of conductor Māris Sirmais, invites you to a concert, where the story of Martha from the land of the Letts, the wife of Lithuania’s first crowned king Mindaugas, will combine with musical reflections on Time based on ancient Greek mythology.
The twists and turns of the common history of the Baltic peoples in Jēkabs Jančevskis’ oratorio “From the Land of the Letts” contrast with the mystical atmosphere in Giya Kancheli’s ambitious vocal symphonic composition “Styx”.
Oratorio “From the Land of the Letts” by Jēkabs Jančevskis is a musical monument to the history of the Baltic peoples, and it was created as a token of respect for the ancient and little-known, but cherished history of Latvians and Lithuanians.
There is a legend circulating among the people that the wife of the first crowned king of Lithuania, Mindaugas, was from our land, from the Madelans of Latgale. She was named Martha or Mort.
Under the leadership of Mindaugas, who was born around the year 1200, the unification of the ancient Lithuanian lands was achieved, therefore he is considered the founder of the Lithuanian state. The coronation of Mindaugas in the name of the Pope of Rome took place on 6 July 1253, and since 1991 this day has been celebrated in Lithuania as King Mindaugas' Day or the Statehood Day.
The piece consists of eight movements, the authors of the story are Eva Mārtuža and Zane Jančevska, the author of the poetry is Lelde Stumbre. In addition to the historical and patriotic line in the piece, the opposition of masculine and feminine can be traced: men want to fight and rule, while women long for peace to preserve their family.
The oratorio “No letu zemes” was premiered on 25 August 2015 in Riga St. Gertrude Old Evangelical Lutheran Church, featuring the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra and the SAC “Latvija”.
Giya Kancheli is one of the most prominent Georgian composers, whose music touches listeners all over the world. He has created seven symphonies, and has also composed music for theater performances and films, the most popular of which are “Kin-dza-dza” and “Mimino”.
“Styx” is one of Kancheli’s most impressive works. The title comes from ancient Greek mythology, where Styx is the name of the river separating the world of the living from the realm of the dead. This symbolic meaning is also reflected in the music, which is like a journey through various emotions: from painful longing to peaceful contemplation.
“As the years go by, I increasingly feel the need to maintain contact with people close to me who are no longer among the living. Contact with them does not cease, and the soulful bond become ever stronger. Unexpressed thoughts and feelings have become embodied in words,” the composer himself once said about the piece.
“Styx” is written for viola, choir and orchestra, creating a rich and multi-layered world of sounds. The viola solo part is particularly expressive, it is like a lonely soul wandering through the labyrinths of eternity, the choral singing gives the piece a mystical and ethereal dimension, and the orchestra creates a vast and colorful background.
The Concert is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, State Culture Capital Foundation, Liepāja City.
INFORMATION FOR OUR VISITORS:
Discounts:
Students, disabled persons, pensioners – 3 euros
Pupils - 50%
Family 3+ card holders - 30%
For a companion of a person with a disability of group I or II - 50%
Groups (10 or more people) – 20%
When purchasing group tickets online, please send an e-mail to sales@lso.lv
When attending the concert, the visitor must present a document certifying their eligibility to a discount.
Useful:
The concert is accessible to people with hearing impairments, as the induction loop function will be activated during it. Based on the experiences of people with hearing impairments when trying this system, the best listening experience is possible in seats in the center parterre area from rows 5 to 12 - from 6 to 28.
