The concert performance “Defenders of Riga” is a musical and visual journey through the pages of Latvian history, inspired by the legendary film about Latvia’s struggle for freedom and the founding of the state. It is a historically documentary story in which songs of the Latvian Riflemen and works by Latvian composers intertwine with historical evidence and stories of individual figures.
The concert performance offers a multimedia experience - it features live music performed by an orchestra and performing artists, complemented by video projections with documentary stories about the events of the early 20th century related to the Latvian War of Independence. The program includes both contemporary hip-hop and melodies from the early 20th century.
In this story of courage and freedom, a special place is given to the songs of the Latvian Riflemen and patriotic music by contemporary Latvian authors. The program includes songs such as "Gather, Sons of Latvia", "Forward, Latvians!", "I Rode Through Prussian Lands", "Song of the Defenders of Riga", "Your Flag", "To Call This Our Land", as well as other melodies that emotionally reveal the time of Latvia’s struggle for freedom and a modern view of patriotism.
Screenplay writer and director - Dace Micāne Zālīte
Video artist - Valdis Krūmiņš
Chamber Orchestra of Riga Schoolchildren’s Palace under the direction of Artūrs Švarcbahs
Soloists - Miks Galvanovskis, Roberts Rudzītis, The Ludvig, Eduards Rediko, Niks Freimanis, Jānis Ķirsis
Choreographer - Evita Tūna
