This Sunday, December 14 at 19:00, a special Christmas concert "Ziemassvētku prelūdija. Klavieres. Advente" will take place at the Riga Dome Cathedral, featuring a whole constellation of outstanding Latvian pianists - Daumants Liepinsh, Andrey Osokin, Alexander Komka, Aivars Kalejs (organ), and the young virtuoso, 11-year-old Gustavs Kalejs. The pianists will present a unique program - well-known musical masterpieces will acquire a new sound. The audience will hear not only solo pieces but also piano duets, trios, and other musical surprises.
The concert will open with a performance by the outstanding organist and composer Aivars Kalejs - the majestic sound of the organ at the Dome Cathedral will envelop the listeners in a special festive atmosphere and create a sense of Christmas wonder.
The most anticipated guest of the evening is the diva, the renowned soprano Inessa Galante. Her enchanting voice, velvety timbre, refined pianissimo, and ability to reach depths full of drama have won the hearts of listeners around the world. It is no coincidence that her repertoire includes about 40 leading opera roles performed on the most prestigious stages worldwide.
The Dome Cathedral will feature works by world-famous composers — including music by Mozart and Bach in unique interpretations specially prepared for this evening, as well as touching opera arias and the divine "Ave Maria" by Giulio Caccini.
The concert will be one of the most unforgettable and exquisite events of the Christmas season: the unique program, the performers' mastery, the majestic acoustics, and the unparalleled atmosphere of the Dome Cathedral will gift the audience a celebration of music and inspiration.
Information about the performers:
Aivars Kalejs - an outstanding Latvian composer, organist, pianist, and researcher, the author of more than 100 works of symphonic, organ, piano, chamber, and choral music. A participant in numerous international organ festivals, he performs at the most prestigious musical venues around the world, including Notre-Dame de Paris in Paris, the Vienna Philharmonic, the Cadet Chapel of the United States Military Academy at West Point with the largest organ in the world, and others.
Andrey Osokin – a brilliant pianist, laureate of the most prestigious international competitions. Critics describe him as "a mesmerizing personality, with a wide and expressive palette of sound colors and an extraordinarily convincing sense of various musical styles." The pianist has performed at many renowned concert venues, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the National Concert Hall in Dublin, the Royal Festival Hall, Wigmore Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields and Kings Place concert halls in London, Opera Comique in Paris, and the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. In 2018, Andrey Osokin was awarded the prestigious status of Associate Member of the Royal Academy of Music in London.
Daumants Liepinsh - one of the brightest pianists of his generation. In 2019, he was awarded the "Vendome" prize at the music festival in Verbier, Switzerland, and took first place at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona. After the release of his solo album in 2022, critics noted Liepinsh as a subtle interpreter with a rich artistic imagination and brilliant command of the instrument, capable of effortlessly captivating the audience.
Alexander Komka — a laureate of the "Talanti Latvijai", "Inessa Galante Talents" competitions, as well as a competition held by the Theodor Reiter Foundation; one of the brightest young Latvian pianists. He has won first places in competitions in Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Hungary, and has also received a Ministry of Culture award for outstanding achievements in music.
11-year-old virtuoso Gustavs Kalejs studies at the Emil Darzin Music School. He has already won the love of listeners and created a wide circle of fans. After winning the "Inessa Galante Talents" competition, Gustavs has participated in numerous events organized by the Inessa Galante Foundation, performed with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, and implemented his concert program "Gustavs Kalejs and Friends." The young pianist continues to achieve success in international competitions, participates in various musical events, and has received a letter of gratitude from the Ministry of Culture.
