National Day concert to be broadcast live from the Great Amber Concert Hall

National Day concert to be broadcast live from the Great Amber Concert Hall

Thanks to the digital capabilities of the Liepāja Great Amber Concert Hall, on 17 November at 19.00 (Latvian time), a global audience can enjoy a free live broadcast of Latvia’s National Day concert "Latvia 105" from the comfort of their home! Program will feature Latvia’s greatest symphonists from the 20th century, including works by Ādolfs Skulte and Jānis Ivanovs. The concert will reach its pinnacle with the world premiere of Zigmārs Liepiņš' Piano Concerto.

Led by conductor Jānis Liepiņš and featuring pianist Andrejs Osokins, this ambitious Liepāja Symphony Orchestra gala concert will be broadcasted to the concert hall’s digital platform https://digitalaisdzintars.lv/en/ and YouTube channel and live on Latvian Radio 3 "Klasika." For those who miss the live performance, a recording of the concert will be aired on Latvian regional television "ReTV" on 18 November at 22.00.

In the first part of the concert, you will hear Ādolfs Skulte’s Ninth Symphony, aptly nicknamed by the composer as “The Dramatic”. A creation that echoed with monumental significance during its time, "The Dramatic" captivated contemporaries with its vibrant energy, marking a powerful musical statement amidst changing times.

The second part of the "Latvia 105" concert promises a journey through the symphonic setting of Jānis Ivanovs' "Lāčplēsis," composed in 1957. Inspired by Rainis' play "Fire and Night," this piece unfolds with a powerful opening theme dedicated to the title character. The symphony weaves through a flattering portrayal of Spīdola, a gentle Laimdota, and a ravening Black Knight. Yet, each listener has the opportunity to draw their own narrative from this sound poem.

The highlight of the evening is the world premiere of Zigmārs Liepiņš's Piano Concerto, performed for the first time by the talented pianist Andrejs Osokins. Written exclusively for this festive occasion, the composer perceived it a musical self-portrait. As Liepiņš describes it, the concerto blends lyrical moments with dramatic and highly ironic episodes—much like the circle of life.

A National Day Concert “Latvia 105” is organized by “Lielais Dzintars” Ltd. with support from Liepāja Municipality and the European Regional Development Fund. For detailed information, please visit www.lielaisdzintars.lv/en. Get your tickets at "Biļešu paradīze" box offices across Latvia, online at https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en and at the concert hall information centre.

For any inquiries, reach out to the concert hall information centre during opening hours: Monday to Friday from 11.00 to 17.00, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10.00 to 15.00. Phone at +37163424555 or email at info@lielaisdzintars.lv.