Liepāja 400 Celebration Concert “Through Light Cometh Silver Shine”

Launching the month of Liepāja’s 400th anniversary celebration, the Liepāja Holy Trinity Cathedral will host a sacred music concert, “Through Light Cometh Silver Shine” (latvian: “Caur gaismu nāk un sudrabs top”). This event brings under single musical umbrella newly composed works by Liepāja-spirited composers Ēriks Ešenvalds, Jānis Lūsēns, and Andris Kontauts, paired with samples from the cathedral’s historical sheet music collection, creating a harmonious bridge between past and present.

The concert’s artistic programme is designed to inspire a jubilant and uplifting Liepāja 400 spirit for local residents and city guests, celebrating the sacred heritage of Liepāja while embracing the evolution of contemporary church music traditions.

Marking this milestone anniversary, the concert will feature newly commissioned compositions by composers from different generations who share deep ties with Liepāja. These modern works will be complemented by selections from the Holy Trinity Cathedral’s historic Liepāja Cantorate music library, including excerpts from cantatas by Gottfried August Homilius, Johann Adam Hiller, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Gottlob Heinrich Traugott Perle. The program will open with musical excerpts from the works of Baroque master J. S. Bach, while a special atmosphere will be created by prayers – “Dievs, svētī Latviju” (God Bless Latvia) by Blaumaņu Kārlis and “Mūsu Tēvs debesīs” (Our Father, Who Art in Heaven) by Lūcija Garūta.

The performance will feature the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, the Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs of Liepāja Music, Art and Design High School, soloists Ieva Sidare, Laura Bulava, and Mārtiņš Zvīgulis, flutist Reinis Lapa, and organists Līga Dejus, Līga Auguste-Meijere, and Ilze Tomsone as well as ensembles from the Liepāja Folk Art and Culture Centre and RTU Liepāja’s amateur art collectives.

The concert will be led by artistic director and conductor Ilze Valce, with conductor Andris Veismanis. Musicologist Orests Silabriedis will provide narration, guiding the audience through this musical journey.

The concert is part of the “Liepāja – European Capital of Culture 2027″ under the Programme Line “New Eyes!” project “Return of the Towers”.

Venue: Liepāja Holy Trinity Cathedral, Lielā iela 9, Liepāja

Duration: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes (one-part programme)
Recommended Age: 7+
Organised by: Liepāja 2027 Foundation
Supported by: Liepāja City Municipality, Ministry of Culture, State Culture Capital Foundation, and SIA LUX Express Latvia, Ltd.

Ticket Discounts:
25% for schoolchildren, students, lecturers, pensioners, Honorary Family Card (“3+ Family Card”) holders, and Blood Donor Privilege Card holders
50% for persons with disabilities (groups I and II) and their assistants
10% for groups purchasing at least 10 tickets

Visitors must present proof of eligibility for discounts when attending. The venue is accessible for those with reduced mobility; please select wheelchair-designated seating marked by an icon when purchasing tickets.