The renowned Liepāja International Star Festival returns for its 32nd edition, gracing the Great Amber Concert Hall with its vibrant presence from 9 to 24 March 2024 featuring acclaimed local talents and international stars.
For over three decades, the festival has served as a beacon of musical excellence, attracting both dedicated audiences and renowned musicians to the charming city of Liepāja. Originally known as the International Piano Star Festival, its program has continuously evolved, welcoming an ever-wider spectrum of instruments and genres.
Renowned artists will take the stage among others the Canadian pianist Louis Lortie, German violinist Kathrin ten Hagen, and the mesmerizing sound of French oboist Céline Moinet. Be captivated by the skilled baton of Finnish conductor Juha Kangas and the resonant voices of the State Academic Choir "Latvija" alongside internationally acclaimed pianist Aurēlija Šimkus, jazz musician John Ruocco and many others.
This year's festival program features five concerts with evocative sounds of symphonic music by Chopin, Mozart, and Vasks. Be mesmerized by the intimacy of solo chamber jazz and piano recitals in the Great Amber's Chamber Hall. And witness the festival culminate in a monumental spectacle – a performance of Verdi's iconic "Requiem," a masterpiece of sacred vocal and instrumental music.
The Liepāja International Festival of Stars will kick off with a performance on March 9, at 18:00 featuring the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra conducted by Guntis Kuzma and acclaimed Canadian pianist Louis Lortie. Lortie, renowned for his versatility and exceptional artistry, will take centre stage to perform Chopin's First Piano Concerto. With a career spanning over three decades, he has captivated audiences worldwide with his passionate interpretations and technical virtuosity.
Adding to the festival brilliance, it will also showcase the outstanding talents of young Latvian musicians. Following the success of last year's collaboration, the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra will once again share the stage with the winners of the prestigious Valdis Vikmanis Latvian Young Performing Artists Competition. This year's rising stars include violinists Elza Siliņa and Lueta Žagare, cellist Reinis Rudzītis, percussionist Sonja Misiņa, and trombonist Dāvis Matīss Leišavnieks.
On March 15, at 19:00 experience the contemporary flair of "Trio Elpo" featuring internationally renowned saxophonist and clarinettist John Ruocco takes the stage with a dynamic jazz program. Whereas, on March 21, at 19:00 embark on a time travel with internationally acclaimed pianist Aurēlija Šimkus. Her solo concert features music by Philip Glass, Sergei Prokofiev, and Frédéric Chopin, offering a wonderful exploration of various styles and eras.
On March 16 at 19:00 the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra embarks on a musical voyage under the masterful baton of Finnish conductor Juha Kangas. The program highlights the timeless elegance of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Haffner Symphony and the Oboe Concerto. The latter piece will be brought to life by renowned French artist Céline Moinet on the oboe, promising a virtuosic display. Pēteris Vasks' compositions will include "Musica serena", a work dedicated to his long-time friend, conductor Juha Kangas, and "Vox amoris", a poignant fantasy for violin and strings exploring the most powerful force in the world – love. German violinist Kathrin ten Hagen joins the orchestra to add her stellar touch to this emotional journey.
The Liepāja International Festival of Stars reaches its grand finale on March 23 at 18:00 with a monumental performance of Giuseppe Verdi's Requiem. This masterpiece of sacred choral music will showcase the full spectrum of the composer's genius, from soaring melodies to dramatic crescendos.
The Liepāja Symphony Orchestra conducted by Atvars Lakstīgala will be joined by the renowned State Academic Choir "Latvija" and a quartet of exceptional soloists. Polish soprano Joanna Zawartko, Slovenian mezzo-soprano Monika Bohinec, Ukrainian tenor Oleksandr Chuvpilo, and Latvian National Opera bass Rihards Mačanovskis will lend their powerful voices to bring Verdi's masterpiece to life.
Don't miss your chance to witness this awe-inspiring performance! Secure your tickets now at https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/lv/organizer/50.
The Liepāja International Star Festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, the State Culture Capital Foundation, the City of Liepāja, SEB Bank, and the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Latvia.
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