From August 8 to October 25, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) will celebrate its centenary with a series of concert programs. Preparations are already underway.
The orchestra's anniversary program includes concerts at the Riga Congress Hall, the Riga Dome Cathedral, the Cesis Concert Hall, the Latgale Embassy 'Gors', as well as in France. The program features music by Latvian and foreign composers. In several concerts, the State Academic Choir 'Latvija' will perform alongside the LNSO.
The LNSO festival 'Vasarnīca' will take place for the sixth time at the Latgale Embassy 'Gors'. The orchestra adapts concerts for the regional audience, involving local musicians and paying special attention to the traditions of the audience.
The festive program of the LNSO will conclude with a concert by the orchestra's conductor Karel Mark Shishon and Elīna Garanča. According to LNSO director Indra Lukina, Shishon and Garanča played an important role in the orchestra's history, as Shishon was the chief conductor and created several programs, including those featuring Garanča.
Board member of the LNSO Foundation Jānis Enzīns reported that this year's charity concert will focus on homeless children and children with addictions.
Tomorrow, February 13, Estonian conductor Olari Elts will return to the LNSO for one concert. Elts worked with the orchestra as chief conductor and artistic director 20 years ago. He expressed regret that the completion of the reconstruction of the Riga Philharmonic building does not coincide with the orchestra's anniversary, but noted that it still demonstrates state support for music.
The ensemble, which gained academic status in 1986, is known for its wide repertoire, including works of world classics, symphonies, opera overtures, and compositions by Latvian composers.
In honor of the LNSO's centenary, 'Latvijas Pasts' today presented a postage stamp dedicated to the orchestra's anniversary. The denomination of the new stamp will be 1.50 euros, and it can be used to send letters to European Union countries. The print run of the stamp is 10,000 copies. The designer is Krists Salmanis.
September 5, 1926, is considered the birthday of the LNSO. On this day, the predecessor of the orchestra - the Riga Radio Symphony Orchestra - began regular operations with a concert broadcast featuring 14 musicians.
