Bright Night. Zanda Švēde and Reinis Zariņš

Zanda Švēde - mezzo-soprano

Reinis Zariņš - pianist

Mezzo-soprano Zanda Švēde and pianist Reinis Zariņš have shaped their joint program “Bright Night” as an emotional journey from late-20th-century Romanticism to works by contemporary American and English composers, reflecting the human inner struggle and the power of faith in moments when the world is sinking into darkness. The artists’ shared vision in music will speak of the flame of hope and the presence of light, seeking comfort and spiritual refuge.

The first part of the program will feature songs by Gustav Mahler and Hanns Eisler, deeply and personally reflecting human feelings in wartime while also reaching for transcendent light and unshakable trust in God. Between the songs, Arnold Schoenberg’s piano music will speak powerfully as a reflection on what the songs express. At the close of the first part of the concert, Gustav Mahler’s song “Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen (I am lost to the world)” from the cycle “Five Rückert Songs” is considered Mahler’s most intimate revelation in music, seeming to lead the listener beyond time toward quiet enlightenment.

In the second part of the concert, Zanda and Reinis will present works by contemporary American and English composers: Nico Muhly’s song cycle “The Last Letter,” whose texts are based on letters written during the First World War. The composer has brought them to life with transparent sensitivity and pulsating intensity. John Corigliano’s “Fantasia on an Ostinato” for solo piano is based on a motif from the theme of Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony, balancing between light and darkness, while in Jonathan Dove’s vocal cycle “All You Who Sleep Tonight” night becomes a space of compassion and togetherness.

The program “Bright Night” was nominated for the “Kilogram of Culture” vote and mentioned in the 2025 Great Music Award nominations for Zanda Švēde and Reinis Zariņš.

The concert performance begins at 7:00 PM. From 6:15 PM, guests are invited to a glass of welcome wine and a tour of three current exhibitions.

Concert performance in two parts.

Intermission - 30 minutes.

We will be delighted to see you at Ola!