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Featured Artists

2024-05-21T11:27:51-04:00January 27th, 2019|

TEIKSMA

Founded in 1946, Latvian folk dance ensemble Teiksma is recognized as one of the highest quality folk dance groups in Latvia. Their artistic talents are a joy to behold in both concerts and folk dance competitions. Led by Janis Erglis, Teiksma continually strives to be the best in order to master and develop Latvian folk dance traditions. Teiksma has become a main stage for new ideas and choreographies within the Latvian folk dance community, striving to advance Latvian folk dance into the next era. Many of their creations have become well established in the repertoire of both Latvian dance ensembles and major dance festivals. With their seemingly endless bounty of creative potential and hard work, Teiksma is devoted to preserving and sharing their love and knowledge of Latvian folk dance and culture within Latvia and beyond its borders.

RAXTU RAXTI

Contemporary folk music band “Raxtu Raxti” began their artistic journey together back in summer of 2012. It brought together a number of musicians from another band – “Autobuss debesīs” -, as well as present group’s lead vocal Kristīne Kārkle – Kalniņa and her brother Edgars Kārklis. At the beginning of their career, their repertoire was based on the music of Latvian composer Imants Kalniņš, which was brought closer to the sound of folk music. Over time the repoertoire has been complemented by original compositions and folk song arrangements by other composers, as well as by the band’s own members. “Raxtu Raxti” uses both – traditional and academic – Latvian musical instruments and also world music ethno-instruments in their music, creating a distinct and well defined sound that is solely unique to themselves.

Up till this point “Raxtu Raxti” has performed vigorously not only in Latvia, but also abroad. The main event for the group each year is the concert dedicated to the proclamation day of the Republic of Latvia performed in Riga, where the band collaborates with the bagpipe and drum group “Auļi” and several other well known Latvian musicians creating their very own folk music orchestra. In honour of the 100th anniversary of Latvia, a dance performance “Vēstījums rakstos” was created in collaboration with recognized and experienced choreographers and received the Dance award, which is the highest award in Latvia for professional dance art.

Released music albums: “Es atradu tautasdziemu” (“I found a folk song” translation from Latvian), “Līgo”, Oratorio by Imants Kalniņš “Dzejnieks un nāra” (“Poet and mermaid” translation from Latvian), “Man bij’ dziesmu vācelīte” (“I had a song pouch” translation from Latvian), “Vēstījums rakstos” (“Message in the writings” translation from Latvian).

Latvian University Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry mixed choir “Aura”

Latvian University Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry mixed choir “Aura” is comprised of  70 singers from all over Latvia. Founded in 2004, “Aura” began as the Riga Humanitarian Highschool teacher’s choir. Thanks to the enthusiasm of the Artistic Director Edgars Vītols and the two assistant directors Lauma Eglīte and Emīls Rusovs, along with the hard work of the singers, choir “Aura has grown and emerged as one of the top choirs in Latvia. They have successfully participated in many national and international choir competitions such as the 8th World Choir Olympics and 3rd European Choir Olympics in Riga, as well as in contests in Germany, Austria, Malta, The Czech Republic and Spain, bringing home many awards and diplomas.

The choir “Aura” has always participated in the Baltic Student Song and Dance festival “Gaudeamus”, as well as in the Latvian Song and Dance festival. During the Latvian Song festival competition the choir has been given the honour of being part of the top ten best choirs in Latvia. During the most recent song festival in 2023, “Aura” placed third highest.

During this upcoming choir season the choir is planning on participating in the XVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Canada, the Baltic Student Song and Dance Festival in Klaipeda, Lithuania, and Hamburg, Germany just in time for the holidays.

Choir “Aura” have had the privilege to collaborate with academic and popular musicians in Latvia. Amongst those are singer Daumants Kalniņš, singer Ance Krauze, composer and pianist Ilze Arne, and maestro Raimonds Pauls.

The choristers themselves believe that “Aura” is probably the best choir in the world. The choir is rounding out its second decade with some beautiful traditions that have emerged over time. These include annual choir retreats in various small towns of Latvia, celebrating member’s birthdays, Christmas ball, night hikes and many other adventures. “Aura” is not just a choir, it is a way of life.

During the festival in Toronto, choir “Aura” will deliver a solo concert in which they will perform various Latvian folk song arrangements, as well as give an insight in the music of the Latvian composer Raimonds Tiguls. The choir will participate in the Sacred music concert and will perform during the Reception organized by the Latvian University as a part of the University’s delegation.

ARTA JĒKABSONE

The XVI Latvian Festival of Song and Dance in Canada is thrilled to announce that Latvia’s “Grand Music Prize” laureate Arta Jēkabsone will be performing, leading two evening programs: a night of jazz at the legendary “Jazz Bistro” before the festival, and an evening of lighter fare at the Sheraton hotel.  Arta Jēkabsone is a vocalist, composer, violinist and arranger.  After graduating from Rīga’s Cathedral Choir School, she received a full scholarship to study at “The New School For Jazz and Contemporary Music” in New York.  Since then, Arta has been a prize winner at several festivals: the Montreux Voice Competition, the Sarah Vaughan International Competition and the Ella Fitzgerald International Vocal Competition. Arta has also recorded her debut CD “Light”.  Performing alongside Arta will be accompanied by many gifted and accomplished musicians: bass player Andrew Downing (a multiple Juno award winner), flautist Ilona Kudiņa (a graduate of both the Berklee School of Music and the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy, as well as a flautist with Latvia’s National Symphony Orchestra), professor of jazz music at Laval University saxophonist Jānis Steprāns, and Raxtu Raxti acclaimed drummer Artis Orubs.  You are invited to listen to Arta’s velvety voice and her talent for arranging in this following Latvian folk song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v62Iy162Hxk

www.artajekabsone.com

ANNA ŠTUBE

Anna Stube, violinist, is a senior Taylor Academy student in the studios of Jonathan Crow and Barry Shiffman.

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Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

2018-12-13T16:24:36-05:00March 20th, 2018|

XV Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Canada Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

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Events at a Glance

2024-08-26T12:19:56-04:00February 6th, 2024|

Džeza vakars

Slavenajā Toronto Jazz Bistro svētku ieskaņā notika džeza vakars Artas Jēkabsones vadībā. Vienkopus pulcējās izcili džeza mūziķi: Andrew Downing (kontrabass), Jānis Steprāns (saksofons), Ilona Kudiņa (flauta), Artis Orubs (sitaminstrumenti), Amanda Tosoff (klavieres).

Jazz night

To kick off the song festival, Arta Jekabsone organized a jazz night at the famous Toronto Jazz Bistro. The night featured artists Andrew Downing (double bass), Janis Steprans (saxophone), Ilona Kudina (flute), Artis Orubs (percussion), Amanda Tosoff (piano).

Kuģīša izbraucieni

Kuģīša izbraucieni:  2024.g. 3. jūlijā, gan pēcpusdienā gan vakarā – bija izdevība izbraukt ekskursijā ar buru laivu “Kajama” pa Ontario ezeru, izbaudīt un apskatīt Toronto pilsētas panorāmu.  Abos izbraukumos kopā līksmoja ap 450 cilvēku, kurus priecēja muzikanti: Katrīna Dimanta un Kalvis Mikelšteins, un uz vakara izbraukumu viņiem piebiedrojās talantīgais mūziķis Andris Mattson ar savu Trompeti. Abi izbraukumi bija pirmie svētku pasākumi, kurus izpārdeva.

Boat Cruise

Boat Cruise: On July 3, both the afternoon and in the evening, we had the opportunity to enjoy a leasurly excursion on lake Ontario with the tall ship “Kayama” and enjoy the panorama of the city of Toronto. A total of 450 people enjoyed both outings and were entertained by musicians Katrīna Dimanta and Kalvis Mikelšteins, and the talented musician Andris Mattson, who joined them with his trumpet on the evening cruise. Both outings were the first festival events to sell out.

Meistarklases

Meistarklase ar kori “Aura” Edgara Vītola vadībā un komponistu Raimondu Tigulu.

Masterclass

Masterclass with choir “Aura”, artistic director Edgars Vītols and composer Raimonds Tiguls

Svētku atklāšana

Svētku Atklāšanā uzklausījām uzrunas no Svētku Rīcības Komitejas Selgas Apse, Latvijas Republikas Kultūras Ministres Agneses Lāces, Latvijas Republikas Vēstnieka Kanadā Kaspara Ozoliņa. Līdztekus sveicieniem skanēja solisti, koris, mazo koklētāju ansamblis, kā arī deju grīdu piepildīja soļi un palēcieni.

Festival opening ceremony

At the festival opening ceremony we heard from Organizing Committee Chair Selga Apse, Latvijas Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce, and Latvian Ambassador to Canada Kaspars Ozoliņš among other dignitaries.  The ceremony also featured soloists, choir, Latvian school kokle ensambles. The dance floor was filled with steps and jumps.

Teātra izrādes “Dziesmu svētki…”

Teātris:  2024.g. 4. jūlija vakarā un 5. jūlija rītā –  Young People’s Teātrī tika uzvesta laikmetīga, moderna luga – “DZIESMU SVĒTKI…”. Lugas autore – Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce. 350 skatītāji iedziļinājās sarunās kopā ar DVTK ansambļa aktieriem, kamēr viņi iztirzāja jautājumu: “Vai Dziesmu svētki šodienas apstākļos ir nepieciešami?”  Izrādes tika sveiktas ar skaļiem aplausiem, ko skatītāji aktieriem veltīja, pieceļoties kājās.

Theatre “Dziesmu svētki…”

Theatre: On the evening of July 4 and the morning of July 5, 2024 – in the Young People’s Theatre – a new, modern play was performed – titled “DZIESMU SVĒTKI” by author Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce. 350 audience members were asked to debate along with the actors the merits and tradition of maintaining the Song Festival in todays complex world.   The multifaceted performances were well received including standing ovations

Garīgās mūzikas koncerts

Garīgās mūzikas koncertā 300 balsu kopkoris pieskandināja Sv. Andreja baznīcu. Kora skaņu kupināja divi viesu kori, orķestris, ērģeles, klavieres, saksofons, solistes Jūlija Plostniece, Ieva Parša un Maija Kovaļevska. 

Sacred music concert

Sacred music concert gathered a mass choir of 300 singers at St. Andrew’s church on Simcoe. Along the mass choir, the concert featured two guest choirs, the festival orchestra, organ, piano, saxophone and soloists Julia Plostnieks, Ieva Parša and Maija Kovaļevska.

TDA Teiksma koncerts

TDA Teiksma, VPDK Teiksma un VPDK DeTeiksma – Raxtu Raxti pavadījumā sniedza skatītājiem vienreizēju koncertu. Skatītāji baudīja reto iespēju redzēt augstākās kvalitātes latviešu tautas dejas Ziemeļamerikā.

Koncertu veidoja / mākslinieciskais vadītājs: Jānis Ērglis

Producenti: Sandis Apse, Selga Apse

The Guest Folk Dance Concert

Accompanied by Raxtu Raxti and under the artistic direction of Jānis Ērglis, this concert featured TDA Teiksma, VPDK Teiksma, and VPDK DeTeiksma. The audience was overjoyed to witness the highest level of Latvian folk dancing rarely seen in North America.

Created by: Jānis Ērglis

Producers: Sandis Apse, Selga Apse

Vakars ar Artu Jēkabsoni

Džeza dziedātāja Arta Jēkabsone izveidoja bagātīgu programmu kopā ar mūziķiem Andrew Downing (kontrabass), Ilonu Kudiņu (flauta), Arti Orubu (sitaminstrumenti), Jāni Steprānu (saksafons) un Amandu Tosoff (klavieres). Koncertā izskanēja Artas orģināldziesmas, bet otrajā daļā skanēja arī grupas mūziķu džeza aranžijas un orģināldarbi. Koncertu papildināja stīgu kvartets un daudzpusīgā deju grupa “Dzirnas” Agra Daņiļēviča vadībā.

Musical Evening with Arta Jēkabsone

Jazz singer Arta Jēkabsone curated a rich evening programme with musicians Andrew Downing (bass), Ilona Kudina (flute), Artis Orubs (percussion), Janis Steprans (saxophone) and Amanda Tosoff (piano). The concert featured original compositions by Arta Jēkabsone, and in the second part also compositions from other band members. The musicians were joined on stage by a string quartet and the multifaceted dance group “Dzirnas”, led by Agris Daņilēvičs.

Jauktā kora “Aura” koncerts

Viesu kora “Aura” un komponista Raimonda Tigula uzstāšanās viesu kora koncertā. Koncerta pirmā daļa bija latviešu orģinālmūzikas un komponista Raimonda Tigula darbu piepildīta. Savukārt otrā daļa bija veidota kā stāsts par latviešu tautas dziesmu.

Guest choir concert

Festival featured Latvian University choir “Aura” and composer Raimonds Tiguls. The choir sung original music by Latvian composers, including Tiguls. The second half of the concert was narrated like a story about the Latvian folksong.

Ceļojums ar klasiku: latviešu kamermūzika un opermūzikas pērles

Koncertā Ceļojums ar klasiku: latviešu kamermūzika un opermūzikas pērles publiku priecēja svētku orķestris maestro Farhada Stades vadībā, pianisti Rūdolfs Ozoliņš un Pēteris Zariņš, vijolniece Anna Štube, izcilais Brusubārdis kvartets, ēŗģelnieks Dāvids Šmits, operdziedātāja Maija Kovaļevska, komponists Raimonds Tiguls.

Concert A Journey with Classics: Latvian Chamber Music and Opera Music

Concert A Journey with Classics: Latvian Chamber Music and Opera Music featured the festival orchestra, led by maestro Farhads Stade, pianists Rudolf Ozolins and Peteris Zarins, violinist Anna Stube, the outstanding Brusubardis quartet, organist David Smits, opera soprano Maija Kovalevska, and composer Raimonds Tiguls.

Bērnu balle

Piektdienas vakarā, 5. jūlijā – lustīga, enerģijas pilna “Bērnu balle” Šeraton viesnīcā.  Vairāk kā 325 bērni un viņu vecāki varēja ballēties kopā ar Bērnu vokālo grupu “Dzeguzīte” no Latvijas.  “Dzeguzīte” iepriecināja klātesošos ar 45 minūšu programmu, kur bērni un jaunieši dejoja, dziedāja un izbaudīja balles gaisnotni.  Sekoja rotaļas un pāru dejas, Andras Dzintaras vadībā. 

Children’s Ball

Friday evening, July 5 – a fun, energetic “Children’s Ball” at the Sheraton Hotel! More than 325 children and their parents were able to celebrate with the children’s vocal group “Dzeguzīte” from Latvia. “Dzeguzīte” delighted the audience with a 45-minute program, where children and people young at heart danced, sang and enjoyed the atmosphere of the Ball. Rotaļas and latvian couple dances followed, led by Andra Dzintars.

Raxtu Raxti

1,150 skatītāji piektdienas vakarā. Raxtu raxti koncertā priecēja gan ar labi pazīstamām, gan jaunākām dziesmām.  Daļa skatītāju mierīgi sēdēja un baudīja koncertu, kamēr citi dziedāja un dejoja līdzi no sirds.  Zālē bija jūtāms neizsīkstošs prieks par latviešu mūziku!

Raxtu Raxti

Folk music band “Raxtu Raxti” Concert. 1,150 spectators on Friday evening, July 5th, enjoyed both well-known and newer songs by the popular contemporary folk music band Raxtu Raxti. Some sat and enjoyed the concert, while others sang and danced along from their hearts. You could feel the joy of Latvian music in the hall!

Jaundeju Skate

Jaundeju skatē piedalījās 17 horeogrāfi no Kanadas, ASV un Latvijas ar 20 dejām. Par labākām horeogrāfijām balsoja skates deju kopas, horeogrāfi un izpārdotās skates apmeklētāji. Augstāko vispārējo punktu skaitu saņēma Lilijas Liporas deja Pilna rinda piesēdusi un skatītāju balvu saņēma Agra Daņileviča deja Meitas mani melli sauca. Pilni rezultāti pieejami šeit: Jaundeju skates rezultāti.

Jaundeju skati veidoja: Kārlis Cērps, Andra Dzintara, Tija Freimuta, Kintija Palma, Zane Ziemele

Producente: Zane Ziemele

Administratori un palīgi: Sandis Apse, Selga Apse, Vineta Caune, Austra Gulēna, Ēriks Kalviņš, Kintija Palma, Kristaps Roze, Natālija Vāgnere

Paldies Daugavas Vanagiem Kanadā par atbalstu horeogrāfu balvām!

New Choreography Showcase

The New Choreography Showcase featured 20 dances by 17 choreographers from Canada, the US, and Latvia. Participating dance groups, choreographers, and the sold out audience voted for their favourite dances. Lilija Lipora’s dance Pilna rinda piesēdusi received the highest overall point total and Agris Daņilevičs’s dance Meitas mani melli sauca received the Audience Favourite Award. Full results are available here: Jaundeju skates rezultāti.

Created by: Kārlis Cērps, Andra Dzintara, Tija Freimuta, Kintija Palma, Zane Ziemele

Producer: Zane Ziemele

Administrators and Assistants: Sandis Apse, Selga Apse, Vineta Caune, Austra Gulēna, Ēriks Kalviņš, Kintija Palma, Kristaps Roze, Natālija Vāgnere

Thank you to Daugavas Vanagi Kanadā for their financial support.

Kopkora koncerts

Kopkora koncerts Let’s, lec, Letts! vienkopus pulcēja 900 dziedātājus, orķestri, solistus, diriģentus, kompnistus. Roy Thomson zāles lieliskajā akustikā mēs godinājām latviešu koŗa dziesmu ar ilgi gaidīto kopkoŗa koncertu. Šis bija lielākais un akustiski skanīgākais kopkoris kāds redzēts gadiem!  Visi klātesošie īpaši novērtēja uzrunu no Latvijas Republikas Valsts Prezidenta Edgara Rinkēviča.

Mass choir concert

The mass choir concert Let’s, lec, Letts! featured a choir with over 900 singers, the festival orchestra, soloists, conductors and composers. The great acoustic of Roy Thomson Hall resounded honouring the Latvian choir song in this long-awaited concert. This was the biggest and acoustically most accomplished mass choir concert in years!  All in attendance were delighted by the presence and speech by the President of the Latvian Republic, Edgars Rinkēvičs. 

Svētku vakariņas

Svētku vakariņas atgriezās XVI Latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētkos, 200 cilvēkiem baudot Prezidenta Edgara Rinkēviča un Kultūras ministres Agneses Lāces klātieni. Rīkotājas – korporācija “Spīdola”, Ineses Fludes vadībā, gādāja par elegantu gaisotni. Juris Ķeniņš kā vakara saimnieks un virsdiriģenti no Latvijas rūpējās par sadziedāšanos. Kultūras ministre Agnese Lāce un vīrs Pauls Miklaševics, ar komponistu Raimondu Tiguli pie klavierēm, novadīja “Zilo lakatiņu”.

Festival Banquet

The Festival Banquet returned to the XVI Festival of Song and Dance in Canada, 200 patrons enjoying the company of President Edgars Rinkēvičs and Minister of Culture Agnese Lāce.  The sorority “Spīdola” undertook organizing the elegant event under the leadership of Inese Flude, with Juris Ķeniņš as the evening host.  Conductors from Latvia lead the communal singing, with even the Minister of Culture leading “Zilais lakatiņš” with her husband Pauls Miklaševics and composer Raimonds Tiguls at the piano.

Svētku balle

Svētku Balle – balle pulcēja vairāk nekā 2100 gaviļnieku, kuri baudīja patiesu svētku sajūtu. Balles dalībnieki visu vakaru priecājās un dejoja pie Bostonas “Papardes zieds” un Čikāgas “Adam Zahl” mūzikas.

Festival ball

The Festival Grand Ball brought together over 2,100 revelers enjoying a true feeling of celebration.  They danced the night away to the music of “Papardes zieds” from Boston and Adam Zahl  from Chicago.

Rakstnieku cēliens

Dziesmu svētku prieka lādiņš turpina nest caur vasaru! Rakstnieku cēliena astoņi dalībnieki, ko Andras Zommeres vīzija saveda kopā meža krustcelēs (kaut Sheraton viesnīcā), piepulcēja pārpildītu zāli ar 170 skatītājiem. Liels paldies un pateicība visiem dalīniekiem: Rasai Bugavičutei-Pēcei, Mārai Gulens, Karl E. Jirgens, Matejam Kalnam, Laris Kreslins & Iryna Halaway, Baņutai Rubess, Michaele Weissman! 

Writers’ Symposium

The Writers’ Symposium brought a packed house of over 170 attendees and a lot of excitement – as someone from the public commented, “what an amazing event, and an unexpected highlight of the festival”. Many thanks Andra Zommers, Rasa Bugavičute-Pēce, Māra Gulēns, Karl Jirgens, Matejs Kalns, Laris Krēsliņš, Iryna Halaway, Baņuta Rubess and Michaele Weissman!

Tautas deju lieluzvedums

Tautas deju lieluzvedumā piedalījās vairāk kā 850 dejotāji no Kanadas, ASV, Eiropas un Latvijas. Ar Raxtu Raxtu un Dziesmu Svētku koru dzīvo mūzikas pavadījumu, dejotāji izpildīja raitu un jautru programmu ar senām un modernām horeogrāfijām, tajā skaitā slaveno Kanadas horeogrāfu dejas un dejas no Latviešu zelta repertuāra. Svētku pēdējais koncerts un oficiālais noslēgums – Tautas deju lieluzvedums bija izpārdots!

Koncertu veidoja: Sandis Apse, Selga Apse, Kārlis Cērps, Austra Gulēna, Tija Freimuta, Ēriks Kalviņš

Administratori un palīgi: Vineta Caune, Andra Dzintara, Kintija Palma, Kristaps Roze, Natālija Vāgnere, Zane Ziemele

Mūziķi: “Raxtu Raxti” – Kristīne Kārkle-Kalniņa, Marts Kristiāns Kalniņš, Edgars Kārlis, Jānis Bērziņš, Armands Trelihs, Artis Orubs

Kora aranžējums un diriģents: Juris Ķeniņš

Folk Dance Spectacle

The Folk Dance Spectacle featured more than 850 dancers from Canada, the US, Europe, and Latvia. The dancers performed a lively and joyful program of both historic and modern choreographies, including works by famous Canadian choreographers and works by Latvian classics. They were accompanied by the live music of Raxtu Raxti and the Song Festival choir. The final concert of the Festival and its official closing the Spectacle was a sold out event!

Created by: Sandis Apse, Selga Apse, Kārlis Cērps, Austra Gulēna, Tija Freimuta, Ēriks Kalviņš

Administrators and Assistants: Vineta Caune, Andra Dzintara, Kintija Palma, Kristaps Roze, Natālija Vāgnere, Zane Ziemele

Musicians: “Raxtu Raxti” – Kristīne Kārkle-Kalniņa, Marts Kristiāns Kalniņš, Edgars Kārlis, Jānis Bērziņš, Armands Trelihs, Artis Orubs

Choral Arrangements and Conductor: Juris Ķeniņš

Atvadu balle

Kanadas Latviešu Centrs Toronto bija izpušķots un gatavs uzņemt vairāk nekā 800 tautiešus.  Tik pilns centrs nav redzēts 20 vai pat 30 gadus?!?!  Muzicēja “Skandāls” un “Penzionāri”, baudīja Valmiermuižas alu, draudzējās, runāja un dejoja!

Farewell Ball

The Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre was decorated from top to bottom and welcomed more than 800 Latvians.  The Centre hasn’t seen a crowd that size in 20 or even 30 years!?!?!  Skandāls and Penzionāri delighted those who wanted to dance, while others enjoyed Valmiermuiža beer and conversation.

Latviešu Daiļamatnieku Izstāde “Toreiz Un Tagad”

XVI Latviešu Dziesmu un Deju svētku ietvaros, Latviešu daiļamatnieku savienība Kanadā rīkoja izstādi “Toreiz un tagad” savas 70+ gadu pastāvēšanas iezīmē, godinot senos meistarus, kuri bija trimdas kultūras stūrakmeņi, kā arī mūsdienu daiļamatniekus. 

Māra Ķenina, 

Atbildīgā rīkotāja

Latvian Artisans’ Exhibit “Then and Now”

As part of the XVI Latvian Festival of Song and Dance in Canada, the Latvian Artisans’ Association in Canada organized an exhibit “Then and Now” to commemorate its 70+ years of activity.  The exhibit featured works by master artisans, who were the founders of Latvian culture in Canada, as well as works by contemporary artisans.

Mara Kenins, 

Exhibit Chair

Valmiermuižas alus Toronto

2023. gada vasarā gadījās nejauša tikšanās ar Valmiermuižas alus darītavas pārstāvi Pārslu Jansoni. Tika uzsāktas pārrunās par alus importēšanu uz XVI Dziesmu un Deju svētkiem Kanadā. Sekoja vairākas tikšanās un pateicoties alus pārziņa Viestura Zariņa lielajam darbam, projekts izdevās un Valmiermužas alus bija pieejams Sheraton viesnīcā gan bāros, gan svētku pasākumos.

Valmiermuižas alus Toronto

In the summer of 2023, a happenstance meeting with Valmiermuiža Brewery representative Pārsla Jansone led to a discussion about the possible importing of their beer to the XVI Festival of Song and Dance in Canada.  Several meetings later, and thanks to the hard work of beer guru Viesturs Zariņš, Latvian beer was available in Sheraton bars and at Festival evening events.

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News

2023-03-28T13:05:37-04:00March 20th, 2018|

The XVI Latvian Festival of Song and Dance is pleased and proud to announce that the world-famous Latvian soprano Maija Kovaļevska will be performing at the festival.

Maija debuted at the Latvian National Opera in 2003, receiving Latvia’s “Grand Music Prize” the following year.  But she rose to prominence on the world’s stages by winning Placido Domingo’s international “Operalia” competition, and made her debut at New York’s legendary “Metropolitan Opera” in 2006 as Mimi in Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème”, where the New York Times praised her “Maija Kovaļevska is an exceptional Mimi”.  Since then, Maija has performed on the Met stage more than 50 times – truly one of the world’s most exceptional and highly regarded sopranos.  At the festival, Maija will sing at the Concert of Sacred Music and the Massed Choir Concert, as well as a prominent solo set at the Concert of Classical Music.  At the piano will be the wonderful Rūdolfs Ozoliņš, her longtime accompanist from Detroit.

www.maijakovalevska.com

XVI LATVIAN FESTIVAL OF SONG AND DANCE IN CANADA 

Original music for Dagmāra Bārbale’s new choreography 

“Ai, bagāta man zemīte” is now available for streaming 

In North America, there are quite a few small folk dance groups, but the repertoire for these groups can be limited. Wanting to offer a fun new dance for such groups, the XVI Latvian Festival of Song and Dance in Canada Organizing Committee asked Latvian choreographer Dagmāra Bārbale to create a dance for four couples, appropriate for both youth and older dancers. “I was really thrilled with this invitation to create a dance for the Latvian Festival of Song and Dance in Canada. I feel that maintaining the song and dance festival traditions outside of Latvia plays an invaluable role in strengthening our national identity. I really wanted to create something for this festival that was completely original, which is why I decided to create not only a dance, but also the music,” says Bārbale. 

“We are thrilled with the beautiful dance and music. Introducing the dance “Ai, bagāta man zemīte” into our festival program continues the Canadian tradition of creating new dances for the Folk Dance Spectacle – Zigurds Miezītis in 2009 and Jānis Purviņš in 2019,” says Tija Freimuta, head of the Dance Committee and Vice Chair of the Organizing Committee.    

The music was composed by Mārtiņš Miļevskis, lyrics by Inga Cipe. The song was recorded by musical ensemble Auļi, guitarist Jānis Kalniņš and Latvian instrument “kokle” artist Latvīte Cirse, with lead singer Renārs Kaupers. It was recorded at studio “LAUSKA”, with sound editor Kaspars Bārbals and can also be heard with Dolby Atmos Spatial audio format.

The song is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. 

The XVI LATVIAN FESTIVAL OF SONG AND DANCE IN CANADA takes place from July 4-7, 2024, in Toronto, continuing the longstanding Song and Dance Festival tradition in Canada. 

The festival programme includes the Folk Dance Spectacle, new choreography showcase, and Latvian folk dance ensemble TDA “Teiksma” performance, as well as the Grand Choir concert, sacred and orchestral music concert, theater, children’s activities, marketplace, art galleries, balls, and other events. Participants from Canada, the United States, Latvia, and Europe are expected at the Festival.

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Participant Info

2024-05-01T11:05:25-04:00May 1st, 2018|

🎯 Do participants have to pay for the events that they participate in?

 

No, you don’t have to purchase ticket or pay a participation fee. However, we ask that participants take care of their own meals.

We will provide lunch:

  • Thursday, July 4, 12:00 – 13:00, for the participants of the Sacred Music concert (choir, orchestra, soloists, musicians, conductors), @ St. Andrew’s church.
  • Saturday, July 6, 13:00 – 14:00, fort the participants of the mass choir concert “Let’s, lec, Letts!” (choir, orchestra, soloists, conductors)

 

🎯 What events can participants plan for when arriving in Toronto?

 

Participants are responsible for planning their own activities. The festival Market, Art exhibit and Artisan and Crafts exhibit will be free of charge at the festival hotel – Sheraton. Participants from Latvia will each receive a free ticket to the Festival Ball on Saturday. The festival organizers do not have the capacity to organize and provide excursions during the festival. We recommend that the participants do their own research on available commercial excursions, such as to the Niagara falls: https://www.niagaratorontotours.com/

 

🎯 When do we have rehersals?

Depending on which concerts you participate in, here is a list of rehearsals.

 

July 3:

 18:00-20:30    Sacred Music concert rehersal @ StA

July 4:

 9:00-12:00        Sacred Music concert rehersal @ StA

9:00-10:30         Festival opening ceremony rehersal @ Š

17:00-19:30      Mass choir rehersal @ StA

July 5:

8:00-11:30         Mass choir rehersal @ Š

8:00-13:00         Classic music concert rehersal @ StA

July 6:

8:00-13:00         Mass choir rehersal @ RTH

July 7:

10:00-13:00      Dance choir rehersal @ M

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Tickets to the festival are now on sale!

2018-11-10T14:37:08-05:00November 10th, 2018|Event News|

Tickets may be purchased online at www.songfesttickets.com

You may also purchase tickets at the Toronto Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre weekdays, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Until the year end, tickets will be sold at the Toronto Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre during Latvian Day festivities, on Sunday, November 18, 2018, from 9:00 until 5:00 p.m. as well as during the Christmas Brunch, on Sunday, December 9, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

Please note until January 15, 2019, a 10% discount is being offered on all ticket purchases, and until March 1, 2019, a 5% discount is being offered.

All tickets orders will be mailed by May 1, 2019.

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Venues

2024-06-25T17:48:07-04:00March 20th, 2018|

Event Venues

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Property Location at 123 Queen Street West

The Sheraton Hotel is the headquarters for the Festival. Perfectly located downtown and walking distance to many Festival venues, the Sheraton will host the marketplace, galleries, and events.

With a stay at Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, you’ll be centrally located in Toronto.

Steps from Osgoode Hall and Nathan Phillips Square, this 4-star hotel is close to Canadian Broadcasting Centre and CN Tower.

ON LINE RESERVATIONS: https://book.passkey.com/e/50490762

Toronto Metropolitan University’s Mattamy Athletic Centre

50 Carlton St, Toronto, ON M5B 1J2

Roy Thomson Hall

60 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 2H5

Roy Thomson hall is of the central concert venues in Toronto and the home to Toronto Symphony Orchestra. This will be the venue for our mass choir concert. We are very proud and delighted to welcome more than 900 singers in this beautiful acoustic hall. Roy Thomson Hall has a special acoustic and is very suited for choral and orchestra music. In addition to choir and orchestra, we will hear the famous Gabriel Kney Pipe organ.

St. Andrew’s Church

73 Simcoe St, Toronto, ON M5J 1W9

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church on Simcoe is one of the oldest churches in the city. It was built in 1876. The church is located right next to Roy Thomson Hall, and has been for years a significant musical venue for the city. The church hall has a spectacular Bösendorfer piano.

Most of the music events of our festival will take place at St. Andrew’s: Choral Masterclass, Sacred Music concert, Guest Choir “Aura” concert, and “Journey with Classics”, in which you will hear the Latvian opera diva Maija Kovaļevska, pianist Rūdolfs Ozoliņš and composer Raimonds Tiguls.

Innis College Town Hall

2 Sussex Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 1J5

This University of Toronto state-of-the-art venue features 200 plush seats and a 4.9 m x 10.58 m screen.  “Vairāk kā deja / More than a dance”  film will be shown here on Friday and Saturday during the Festival.

Bluma Appel Theatre

Bluma Appel Theatre

27 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B4

With 868 seats and a classic proscenium stage, the Bluma Appel Theatre is the ideal venue for large scale theatrical productions, award or fundraising galas, conferences, corporate meetings or product launches.

The Bluma Appel Theatre can accommodate the most demanding staging requirements as well as broadcast, recording, video conferencing and web casting.

The gorgeous Bluma Appel Theatre is located in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, and has been home to many of Canada’s finest theatre companies, including Canadian Stage, Soulpepper Theatre and the Canadian Opera Company. Most notably, the theatre presented the world premiere of the Tony award-winning musical “Kiss of the Spiderwoman”.

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Accommodations

2024-06-03T16:07:37-04:00March 20th, 2018|

Our Sheraton block of rooms is SOLD OUT. The hotel still has rooms available, but not at the special Festival rate.

Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel

Property Location at 123 Queen Street West

The Sheraton Hotel is the headquarters for the Festival. Perfectly located downtown and walking distance to many Festival venues, the Sheraton will host the marketplace, galleries, and events.

With a stay at Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, you’ll be centrally located in Toronto.

Steps from Osgoode Hall and Nathan Phillips Square, this 4-star hotel is close to Canadian Broadcasting Centre and CN Tower.

ON LINE RESERVATIONS: Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (marriott.com)

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Contact

2023-01-27T08:11:01-05:00March 20th, 2018|

XVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival Organizing Committee

4 Credit Union Drive
North York, Ontario
416 247-7636

Click here to visit the web-site of Latvian Song Festival Association in Canada.

info.latviansongfest2024@gmail.com 

Our plans for Dz Sv 2024 are underway! Robust schedules are forming with new events! We have heard from participants from around the globe at unprecedented levels! Sign up for updates in topics of interest!

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