Tickets are officially on sale for “Saknes jau vējš neizplēš… Agrim Engelmanim 90, Imantam Kalniņam 85,” a choral concert happening on November 14 at the Grand Hall of the Liepāja Latvian Society House. This event celebrates the musical legacies of two Latvian composers, featuring an assembly of regional choirs, instrumentalists, and soloists.
The Bottom Line
- The Event: A dual-jubilee concert celebrating composers Agris Engelmanis (90) and Imant Kalniņš (85) in Liepāja.
- The Date & Venue: November 14, at the Liepāja Latvian Society House Grand Hall, with tickets available via Biļešu Paradīze.
- The Lineup: Features regional choirs like “Līva,” “Laiks,” and “Saldava,” alongside the Kurland Quintet and guest soloists.
Honoring Two Latvian Composers in Liepāja
Agris Engelmanis and Imant Kalniņš are celebrated for the emotional resonance of their music. This November, the city of Liepāja will host a live-performance tribute. According to Iveta Štelmahere, public relations and marketing project manager for the Liepāja Popular Art and Culture Center, ticket sales have officially opened for the evening titled “Saknes jau vējš neizplēš…” (Roots Are Not Uprooted by the Wind…).
Set for November 14, at the Liepāja Latvian Society House Grand Hall, the program explores the emotional soundscapes crafted by both masters. Across their creative work, Engelmanis and Kalniņš have shaped a body of work where lyrical delicacy meets choral majesty. These are songs that have become a significant part of Latvia’s musical culture and continue to live in the hearts of singers and listeners.
A Regional Ensemble Takes the Stage
The roster assembled for this jubilee includes a gathering of regional talent. Audiences will hear the Liepāja Popular Art and Culture Center mixed choirs “Līva” and “Laiks,” the women’s choir “Aija,” the Saldus mixed choir “Saldava,” the Jūrmala mixed choir “Vaivari,” the Nīca men’s choir “Nīca,” and the Liepāja Music, Art, and Design Secondary School Girls’ Choir.
Adding textures to the choral arrangements are featured soloists Ieva Dreimane-Sidare and TIPA. Instrumental backing is provided by the wind quintet “Kurland Quintet”—featuring Reinis Lapa on flute, Mārtiņš Zālīte on oboe, Kārlis Catlaks on clarinet, Artis Zēns on bassoon, and Ingus Novicāns on French horn. They are joined by an instrumental ensemble comprising Normunds Kalniņš on keyboards, Miks Akots on guitar, Raitis Eleris on bass, and Gatis Jugāns on drums.
| Concert Element | Key Personnel & Ensembles |
|---|---|
| Artistic Leadership | Jēkabs Ozoliņš (Artistic Director and Conductor) |
| Hosts / Presenters | Agnese Jēkabsone and Viktors Ellers (Actors) |
| Participating Choirs | “Līva”, “Laiks”, “Aija”, “Saldava”, “Vaivari”, “Nīca”, and Liepāja Music, Art, and Design Secondary School Girls’ Choir |
| Instrumental Support | Kurland Quintet & backing band (Keyboards, Guitar, Bass, Drums) |
Two Musical Worlds in Two Acts
To honor both Engelmanis and Kalniņš, the program is split into two parts. This structural choice allows concertgoers to become more acquainted with the choral music worlds of both artists and the diverse sound of the choirs, moving from poetic lyrics to rich choral sound.
Guiding the production is artistic director and conductor Jēkabs Ozoliņš. Meanwhile, actors Agnese Jēkabsone and Viktors Ellers step into the roles of concert program hosts.
For those looking to secure access, tickets are available at Biļešu Paradīze sales points.
