Kokļu Skaņas: Ziemas Festivāls 2024 | Lente.lv

After a hiatus of over a decade, the enchanting sounds of the kokle – a traditional Latvian plucked string instrument – will once again resonate in Riga. The “Kokļu skaņas ziemas mirdzumā” (Kokle Sounds in the Winter Glow) festival is set to return in January 2026, offering a series of three concerts at the “Ave Sol” concert hall.

A Resurgence of Tradition

The festival, which first took place in 2014, aims to showcase the diverse capabilities of the kokle, blending programs inspired by various eras and musical styles. Anda Eglīte is serving as the festival’s artistic director. The event is being organized by “Ave Sol” with support from the State Culture Capital Foundation, according to reports from the newspaper Diena.

A Diverse Program

The festival’s schedule includes a concert on January 23rd, titled “Četru laikmetu dialogs” (Dialogue of Four Eras), exploring musical directions from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Impressionistic periods. Works by Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Pachelbel, Johann Sebastian Bach, Edvard Grieg, and Claude Debussy will be featured in arrangements for kokle ensembles, solo kokle, and chamber ensembles. Performers include the kokle ensembles “Cantata,” “Sidrabs,” and “Zeltskariņi,” along with kokle soloist Katrīna Mačuka and a specially formed four-musician chamber ensemble.

Did You Know? The festival will feature performances by ensembles from the J. Mediņa Riga Music Secondary School and the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy.

On January 25th, the concert “Latviešu mūzikas saknes un atzari” (Latvian Music Roots and Branches) will focus on Latvian folk music adaptations and original compositions. The program will include works by Kārļis Lācis, Biruta Dērums, Samanta Cerūka, Natālija Munda, and a world premiere composition by Marina Vidmonte for the kokle ensemble “Cantata”. The concert will conclude with a performance of two parts from Jānis Šipkēvics’ cycle “Vēstules no sākuma” (Letters from the Beginning), conducted by Inese Rasa.

Looking Ahead

The final concert on January 31st will be dedicated to contemporary kokle music and new works by modern composers. Details regarding the program for this concert will be released at a later date. It is likely that this concert will showcase the innovative spirit of current kokle musicians and composers.

Expert Insight: The revival of this festival underscores the enduring cultural significance of the kokle in Latvia. By presenting both traditional and contemporary works, the festival aims to bridge generations and foster a continued appreciation for this unique instrument.

The festival organizers emphasize the kokle’s role as a symbol of Latvian national identity, noting that a new generation of kokle players is actively exploring creative experimentation while respecting tradition. The event provides a platform for musicians of different ages to connect, share experiences, and inspire one another.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where will the festival take place?

The “Kokļu skaņas ziemas mirdzumā” festival will take place in January 2026 at the “Ave Sol” concert hall in Riga, with concerts on January 23rd, 25th, and 31st.

Who is the artistic director of the festival?

Anda Eglīte is the artistic director of the “Kokļu skaņas ziemas mirdzumā” festival.

Where can I purchase tickets for the festival?

Tickets for all festival concerts are available at “Biļešu paradīzes” ticket offices and online at www.bilesuparadize.lv.

As the festival approaches, will the renewed interest in the kokle inspire further exploration and innovation within Latvian music?