SÁMI SONGS. MARJA MORTENSSON

The traditional Sami* singing style is called joik. Joiks are like a melodic meditation. It is a moment to give in to thoughts, feelings, emotions. They also have another, magical function, to summon, hold back, or protect something. They are not songs or melodies about something, but rather a way to identify with an animal or a natural phenomenon.

At the Liepāja Concert Hall, this vibrant music will be experienced in a special concert program, a gift from the Nordic Council of Ministers Office in Latvia and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Norway to the people of Liepāja and the city's guests. Taking the stage will be Southern Sami singer, two-time Norwegian music award “Spellemann” winner Marja Mortensson and her stage partners, tuba player and composer Daniel Herskedal and percussionist Jakop Jansenn.

The concert will feature works from the singer's album “Båalmaldahkesne”, which translates as “to be intertwined” - like two braids woven together. These are Marja's stories, joiks, her universe, in which life cannot be separated from the cultural fabric. The singer speaks about language that colors everyday life, about children's astonishing ability to live in the moment, and about the fighting spirit of young people. About the sense of belonging and unity that strengthens the passing on of heritage to future generations.

• •The Sami live in the far north of Europe, across the territories of several countries. The Sami live in Norway (where most of the world's Sami live), Finland, Sweden, and also in Russia, where this people is the smallest national minority, mostly inhabiting the area around Lovozero on the Kola Peninsula.

The concert is part of the Nordic Days, whose aim is to strengthen cooperation and cultural exchange. Each year, this initiative travels to different Latvian cities. This year, Liepāja has been chosen as the venue, offering a broad program for residents and city guests.