On November 16 at 18:00, Liepāja’s concert hall "Great Amber" will host a concert celebrating Latvia’s 106th anniversary. Conductor Ainārs Rubiķis will lead the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, presenting a selection of orchestral dances by Latvian composers, featuring both ballroom and folk dance motifs. The music will be accompanied by videographer “-8”’s specially created projections, displaying a choreographic tapestry of Latvian patterns and colors.
"The concert idea was rather spontaneous. These are Latvia’s celebrations, and we have always known how to rejoice—singing and dancing. Throughout history, even when facing hardship, Latvians have gathered to celebrate, donning white shirts and inviting loved ones. To me, this program reflects a need for joy amidst daily challenges and the weariness around us. On November 16, I will celebrate my land, my nature, and my sky. Come join us! Let’s whirl in a true Latvian dance celebration!" invites Ainārs Rubiķis.
The first part of the concert will feature sketches by Artistic Director Orests Silabriedis, exploring dance in Latvian history, while the second part will be enhanced by “-8”’s visuals, designed to immerse the audience in a dynamic experience, as if they were part of the dance. "From dizzying pirouettes to a slow waltz, the audience will dance through landscapes unique to Latvia, brought to life with cutting-edge technology," says the artist.
Known as a former videographer for Liepāja Theatre and a lecturer at the Liepāja University (now RTU Liepāja Academy), “-8” has created visuals for numerous productions at the Liepāja Theatre, Daile Theatre, Latvian National Opera, as well as Richard Dubra’s opera Suitu Saga and the 2023 amateur artists’ concert Bathed in Sunlight. A multi-time nominee for the “Players’ Night” award, he was also honored as "Person of the Year in Liepāja 2015."
The musical program will showcase classics of stage dance, including Andrejs Jurjāns’ four-part cycle featuring the famous couple dances Jandāls and Ačkups, and Jānis Ķepītis’ suite crowned by the familiar melody Es mācēju danci vest. Inspired by Emilis Melngailis, Edmunds Goldšteins offers vibrant scenes from the Mērdzene fair in Latgale, while Tālivaldis Ķeniņš, Liepāja’s own distinguished composer, presents Folk Dance and Fugue No. 2. Known for his humor, Pēteris Plakidis composed Singing Prelude and Dancing Fugue, punctuated by a wink to the folk tune Tūdaliņ, tagadiņ.
Imants Kalniņš’s Ball at the Palace from Symphony No. 6, with its graceful ladies and dashing cavaliers, will create a sparkling candlelit ambiance, while Jāzeps Mediņš’s Fantastic Waltz conjures glimmering chandeliers and haunting midnight shadows. Gederts Ramans’s Waltz Impromptu evokes the freshness of first love, and Romualds Kalsons adds a classic film touch with Tango from the movie These Dangerous Balcony Doors.
The concert will also be streamed live, allowing audiences worldwide to join for free via the concert hall’s website www.lielaisdzintars.lv and on its YouTube channel.
VIDEO: Orests Silabriedis introduces the National Holiday concert program.
The concert “National Holiday Concert. Latvia 106,” organized by SIA “Great Amber” with support from Liepāja Municipality and the State Cultural Capital Foundation, has more details available at www.lielaisdzintars.lv. Tickets are available at “Biļešu paradīze” ticket offices across Latvia, online at www.bilesuparadize.lv, and at the concert hall information center.
For inquiries, please contact the concert hall information center. Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00–17:00, Saturday-Sunday 10:00–15:00. Phone: +371 634 24 555, Email: info@lielaisdzintars.lv
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