On April 8, the Chamber Hall of the Great Amber Concert Hall in Liepāja hosted a special concert uniting two European Capitals of Culture – Liepāja 2027 and Tartu 2024.
Young musicians from Karosta Music School (Liepāja) and Tartu Valla Music School came together to offer a musical tribute to Liepāja, continuing the city’s 400th anniversary celebrations.
The concert featured both solo performances and joint ensembles, showcasing the rich musical traditions and creative spirit of Liepāja and Tartu. Works by E. Grieg, W. A. Mozart, D. Kabalevsky, Estonian composers, and folk music were performed – including a special gift from the Tartu school to Liepāja: the Estonian folk song “Siisik.”
Special guests – folk musicians Julgī Stalte and Ēriks Zeps – joined the children on stage, bringing the powerful presence of traditional music. Together they performed the Latvian folk song “Noriet Saule vakarā,” the emotionally resonant “Oi di ri di” – a Livonian text with music by Julgī Stalte, and the Latvian folk piece “Upe nesa ozoliņu.”
From Tartu to Liepāja – this collaboration was a beautiful reminder that music is a bridge between cities, countries, and generations.
A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful participants of this concert – the young musicians from Liepāja and Tartu, the accompanists, and special guests Julgī Stalte and Ēriks Zeps – for an inspiring and heartfelt musical journey in celebration of Liepāja’s 400th anniversary!
Warm thanks also go to the teachers, educators, parents, and all supporters of young talent – this special event wouldn’t have been possible without you.
Cooperation partners: Liepāja Karosta Music School, Tartu Valla Muusikakool and Tartu 2024
Supported by: the Ministry of Culture.
Project funded by: Project “EstLat ECOCs together” is supported by Interreg IV-A Estonia-Latvia Programme 2021-2027 aiming to strengthen cooperation among regions across the borders of Estonia and Latvia.
Project objective: To empower young people and actors of the cultural community by developing their skills and knowledge in creating inclusive and innovative cultural programs with the help of cross-border knowledge and cultural exchange led by European Capitals of Culture.
The project’s duration is from July 2024 to December 2025, with a series of activities planned. Funding from the European Regional Development Fund: €69,935, partner co-financing: €17,483.75.
Project partners: Foundation Tartu 2024 and Foundation Liepāja 2027.
More information is available at www.estlat.eu.
