Recording available on: Latvijas Koncerti facebook
In anticipation of the 75th anniversary of the composer Pēteris Vasks, the Latvian Radio Choir, conductor Sigvards Klava and pianist Reinis Zarins bring together the choral and piano music of Peteris Vasks, Arturs Maskats and Andrejs Selickis with several premieres.
Peteris Vasks is one of the most important light carriers in the Latvian cultural space, who has always been interested in his fellow composers, supporting and actively attending their premieres. The most heartfelt words about paternal care and inspiration are given to Peteris Vasks by a pleiad of Latvian composers who studied with him at the Emils Darzins Music School. Peteris Vasks’ music has always been present in the life of the Latvian Radio Choir, strengthening and healing with its spiritual power and persistent desire for light.
The concert will feature the dramatic ballad “Words of Our Mothers” with the words of Maris Caklais, written as a tribute to mothers – the strongest part of the Latvian people. The thrilling prayer “My Lord and My God” is based on the prayer of the Swiss mystic Brother Klaus, which he said every day. The composer encountered this text at a meditation retreat on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The Angele Dei choir a cappella will premiere. It is a prayer to the guardian angel to serve as a reminder of God’s guardian love.
The piano composition “Summer” from the cycle “Seasons” paints the joy of warmth and peaceful reflection, but “The Fruit of Silence” in the words of Mother Teresa is a quiet meditation on the path of service and love.
Along with the music of the jubilee Peteris Vasks, we will hear Arturs Maskats “Spring Theme” for piano and “Agnus Dei” – a confirmation of sacred beauty and deeply felt faith. The premiere is expected from Andrejs Selickis, a peculiar music pilgrim, whose compositions strongly echo the symbolism of icons and the sacred archetype. He composed “Ecstatic Song for the Mother of God”, next to which was written “Ave Maria” for the piano.
On April 17, 2021, at 9 pm, the concert will be available on Latvijas Koncerti webpage and Latvijas Koncerti un Latvijas Radio koris Facebook.
PROGRAM
Music by Peteris Vasks, Arturs Maskats un Andrejs Selickis
PARTICIPANTS
Latvian Radio Choir
Conductor Sigvards Klava
Pianist Reinis Zarins
More information: Latvijas Koncerti