Latvia – On March 25 at At 18.00 in the “Latvija” concert hall, Francis Poulenk’s Concert for organ, strings and timpani, Gabriela Fauré’s “Requiem” will be performed, performed by the Ventspils Chamber Orchestra, the mixed choir “Ventspils” and soloists Laura Grecka (mezzo-soprano), Rihards Macanovskis (baritone), Aigars Reinis (organ). . Conductor – Aigars Meri.
Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem” has three editions created by the author, written in 1888, 1893 and 1900. The first of them will be performed in Ventspils – for soloists, mixed choir, string orchestra, harp, timpani and organ. Gabriel Fauré has said the following about his “Requiem”: “[..] it is said that my “Requiem” does not reflect awe and fearful premonitions in the face of death and destruction. Someone even called it the “cradle song of death”. However, this is exactly my understanding of death, it saves us from the cares and troubles of this earth. It gives hope for eternal life in another – a world full of happiness…”
In 1934, Princess Edmonda de Poliņak commissioned Francis Poulenc to compose the piece, and in 1938 the premiere of the Concerto for Organ, Strings and Timpani took place. The organ part was performed by Maurice Duruflé, the performance was conducted by Nadja Boulanger.
During the creation of the piece, a personal tragedy befell the composer – Poulenc’s close friend, composer and music critic Piers Octavs Ferro, died in a car accident. Shocked by the tragedy, the composer went on a pilgrimage to the south-west of France, where he visited the black St. Statues of Our Lady experience a religious revelation. This influenced the musical language of the new work. The composer explains the choice of the sound of this work: “The concert is a dividing line between secular and religious music. It is not a liturgical concert, but limiting the composition of the orchestra, only the string orchestra and timpani – I did everything so that it could sound in the church.”
During the work process, Poulenc wrote about his new work as follows: “The concert is almost finished. It took me a lot of trouble to write it, but I hope you like it as it is. This is not the frivolous Concerto for Two Pianos, it is rather my way to the monastery…”
Laura Gretzka has been a soloist of the National Opera since 2010. She received her master’s degree in vocal art not only at the Jāzeps Vītolas Academy of Music of Latvia, but also at the Maastricht Conservatory of Music in the Netherlands. Gretzka played music with various Latvian collectives and gave concerts in Norway, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, etc.
Rihards Macanovskis has been a soloist of the Latvian National Opera since 2003. The singer has repeatedly received the evaluation of his work. In 2012 and 2014, the Latvian Gas Award was awarded in the nomination “Best Opera Soloist”, while in 2013 – the Paula Saks Appreciation Award. Macanovski was nominated for the Great Music Award 2013 for outstanding interpretation. The artist has performed concerts not only in Latvia, but also abroad.
Aigars Reinis – organist, professional singer of choirs and early music ensembles, music director of Riga Cathedral and chief organist. Having given concerts in many European countries, he regularly performs concerts in Riga Cathedral in Latvia. Aigars Reinis is a two-time winner of the Latvian Music Award – “For outstanding work in an ensemble” (Latvijas Mūzikas balva 2019) and “For outstanding performance throughout the year” (Latvijas Mūzikas balva 2021).
The concert will be conducted by Liene Jakovļeva, head of the Latvian Radio 3 “Classics” program, musicologist. The concert is organized by SIA “Kurzeme Philharmonia”. The event is financed by the European Regional Development Fund and the municipality of Ventspils.
Tickets for the concerts can be purchased at Biļešu Paradīzes sales points and on the Internet.
