Featuring:
Guntars Freibergs (percussion)
Liepāja Symphony Orchestra
Conductor Guntis Kuzma
Programme:
Frederick Delius (1862–1934) “Walk to the Paradise Garden”
Andris Dzenītis (1978) Southern Concerto for Metal Percussion and Orchestra (world premiere)
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) Symphony No. 1
For many years, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra has been a dedicated promoter of Latvian composers’ music, making it one of its main artistic priorities.
At the season finale concert, the orchestra continues this mission by presenting new, vibrant works to the audience, offering a special event – the world premiere of Andris Dzenītis’ new opus “Southern Concerto for Metal Percussion and Orchestra.”
“Southern Concerto” is an opus for percussion and orchestra by Latvian composer Andris Dzenītis, inspired by the rich musical and ritual traditions of the island of Bali. By fulfilling his long-held dream of visiting Bali, the composer gained rare insight into local communities and ceremonies usually inaccessible to tourists. This experience—encountering gamelan music, ritual dances, and unique cultural expressions—became the foundation for the creation of the concerto.
The solo part of the concerto is written exclusively for metal percussion instruments, thus imitating the characteristic sounds of the gamelan with Western instruments. Each of the four movements of the concerto is dedicated to a significant Balinese tradition or artifact: “Gangsa” – the leading instrument of the gamelan ensemble, “Abuang Peteng” – a religious dance, “Ogoh Ogoh” – the colorful demon statues and their burning ritual, and “Kecak” – the famous “monkey chant” or fire dance. These images and rituals are revealed not as direct illustrations, but as a Western composer’s personal commentary and interpretation of the world of Balinese culture.
Johannes Brahms’s First Symphony is one of the most significant symphonic works of the Romantic era, created after a long and careful period of the composer’s self-development. Brahms worked on this symphony for nearly twenty years, burdened by the weight of Beethoven’s legacy and his desire to create a work worthy of continuing the classical tradition.
The First Symphony is often called “Beethoven’s Tenth” because its dramatic structure, thematic unity, and majestic finale recall Beethoven’s achievements. Nevertheless, in this work, Brahms also brings to life his own individual musical language, harmonic richness, and emotional depth.
The symphony is structured in four contrasting movements: a dramatic and intense first movement, a lyrical second movement with expressive solo episodes, a light and playful third movement, and a triumphant finale featuring the famous theme reminiscent of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” In this symphony, Brahms combines classical forms with Romantic innovations, creating a work that is still considered one of the pinnacles of symphonic music.
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.
The Concert is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, State Culture Capital Foundation and the Liepāja City.
