On the Day of the Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, the grand concert of men’s choirs “To Edgars Račevskis - 90” will be held at the House of the Latvian Society in Riga, honoring the outstanding choral music figure, professor, and chief conductor of the Song and Dance Festival, Edgars Račevskis (1936–2022).
This is a tradition established by the maestro himself, which began in 2008 with the concert “With Latvia in My Heart.” Over the years, it has become a special National Holiday event, bringing together singing men from all over Latvia. This year, marking Edgars Račevskis’s 90th anniversary, the tradition continues as a musical tribute to the man who believed in the power of song to unite the nation and strengthen Latvia’s sense of self.
More than 10 men’s choirs from Riga, Vidzeme, Kurzeme, and Latgale will meet at the concert. Their voices will fill the Great Hall of the House of the Latvian Society with the sound of Latvian choral music, from beloved folk songs to large-scale cantatas. Alongside Edgars Račevskis’s works, the program also includes pieces by other Latvian composers and poets that have become part of our musical memory and national identity.
The grand concert will feature:
RTU Men’s Choir “Gaudeamus”, LU Men’s Choir “Dziedonis”, Riga Latvian Society Men’s Choir “Latvis”, Men’s Choir “Silvicola”, LU Presidium Convention Men’s Choir, Men’s Choir “Tēvzeme”, Men’s Choir “Absolventi”, Rēzekne Men’s Choir “Graidi”, Ventspils Men’s Choir, LBTU Men’s Choir “Ozols”, Valmiera Men’s Choir “Imanta”, Krimulda Men’s Choir, and Amata Men’s Choir “Cēsis”.
The choral sound will be complemented by soloists Gunta Greisle and Andris Ludvigs, cello trio - Dace Zālīte, Inga Ozola, Inita Malnača, horn quartet - Jānis Kronītis, Artūrs Krūmiņš, Rolands Sēlis, Guntis Kronītis, percussionist Vigo Račevskis, double bassist Jurijs Gavryliuks, and concertmaster Ilze Ozoliņa. Archive materials and photo selection by Ieva Ezeriete.
Artistic director of the concert - Marika Slotina-Brante.
The concert will be hosted by Jānis Grūtups.
Admission is free. Free invitations can be obtained from November 12 at 10:00 at the “Biļešu paradīze” ticket offices.
The concert is held with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation and the Riga City Municipality.
The event will be filmed and photographed. Photo and video materials may later be used for event publicity in the social media accounts and media of the House of the Latvian Society.
Any other filming takes place only with the permission of the administration.
