A repertoire of this kind and genre is relatively unusual among Latvian kokle ensembles, as the instrument’s sound is traditionally associated with classical or ethnographic music. Yet the kokle ensemble Cantata – Līga Griķe, Dārta Zelma Gailīte, Katrīna Anna Skrastiņa and Sabīne Treiguta – surprises audiences with almost every programme, continually challenging stereotypes and demonstrating both the limitless musical possibilities of this ancient instrument and its rich palette of sounds.

 

This time, too, the musicians will take the kokle beyond its familiar boundaries. By bringing it together with pop and rock music, they will reveal another facet of the instrument: energetic, virtuosic, dynamically contemporary and surprisingly versatile.

 

At the heart of the concert is the kokle ensemble Cantata, led by Anda Eglīte. The ensemble’s sound will be enriched by a vibrant and diverse group of musicians: emerging talent Mariuss Grencis, vocalist Elīna Krastiņa, guitarist Miks Akots and percussionist Uģis Upenieks.

 

Well-known compositions by celebrated Latvian composers, already part of the country’s shared musical memory, will take on new colours, rhythmic accents and unexpected sonic twists. The arrangements have been specially created for the kokle ensemble and accompanying band by Pauls Ādamsons, Aigars Raumanis and Andis Klučnieks, as well as by the musicians performing in the concert.

 

The programme Cocktail can be seen as a unique bridge between musical eras, inviting audiences to discover the kokle as a versatile, fully fledged and contemporary musical instrument.

 

Raitis Zapackis will weave the concert’s musical narrative into a cohesive story, sharing not only insights into the compositions themselves, but also their historical context, creators, moods and defining features of their time.

 

Tickets are available at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices and online at www.bilesuparadize.lv.

 

The event organiser informs visitors that photography and/or video recording may take place during the event for publicity and informational purposes, including media coverage and use in other informational materials. The event organiser is not responsible for photography or video recording carried out by third parties or for their use of such material.

 

Visitor information

The concert hall opens 45 minutes before the event. Visitors are kindly asked to arrive in good time, no later than 10 minutes before the concert begins.