An oak does not begin its life as a mighty, unshakable tree, spreading its vast crown of branches towards the sky and offering shade, shelter and a home to life. It begins quietly, with a tiny acorn that does not yet know what it will become. A symbol of our nation’s strength, resilience and sense of belonging, the oak does not proclaim its greatness. It simply grows. Quietly. Patiently. Strongly.

 

Nor can we know at what moment a word, a song, a choice or a dream might grow into something greater than ourselves.

 

In the concert narrative From a Tiny Acorn, a Mighty Oak Grows, created by the chamber choir Cantus, singers from different generations will come together. Their memories and experiences may differ, yet, alongside musicians Kristīne Kalniņa, Marts Kristiāns Kalniņš, Edgars Kārklis and an instrumental ensemble, they will sing the story of Latvia – from folk songs to the songs of the National Awakening, which became the voice of generations, and onwards to new works by contemporary composers. After all, song has always held a special place in Latvia’s story.

 

A song is like an acorn. It carries its roots within. It holds time, human experience, joy and longing, hope and strength. It may lie dormant for years until someone picks it up again and gives it a voice. Then it is reborn – in a different voice, in a different time, in a different generation, yet with the same roots. What one generation has lived through may be seen through different eyes by the next. What one person once protected, another continues to nurture. And what seems to have been left in the past can sometimes return unexpectedly, still finding its way to us.

 

This is how the story continues… and Latvia continues, too.

 

Performers

The concert will feature the Cantus Chamber Choir of the Ave Sol Concert Organisation, part of the Association of Cultural Institutions of the Riga City Municipality (artistic director Mārīte Junita Apsīte-Vuškāne, conductor Ieva Apsīte, vocal coach Inese Romancāne);

The Ķekava Culture Centre men’s choir Ķekava (artistic director Arvīds Platpers, choirmaster Edgars Briņķis, vocal coach Māris Evalds);

The 2nd- and 3rd-grade choir of the Emīls Dārziņš Music School (conductor Mārīte Junita Apsīte-Vuškāne).

 

The musicians:

• Kristīne Kalniņa (vocals, violin)
• Marts Kristiāns Kalniņš (vocals, piano, harmonium)
• Edgars Kārklis (vocals, accordion, bagpipes)
• Dzintra Vīcupe (piano)
• Ēriks Miezis (percussion)
• Liāna Linde (accordion)
• Madara Lūka (flute)

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.