It is a rare but unforgettable occasion when the world-renowned Latvian opera singer Aleksandrs Antoņenko treats the concert-goers in his homeland to a programme of chamber music. Frequently appearing on stage as opera heroes haunted by various adversities and tribulations of fate, he can also interpret musical pages for voice and piano with pearly subtlety and intimate warmth. The programme features a selection of songs by Latvian composers and three opuses by Richard Strauss. There is a special lyrical string, permeated with longing, to the vocal music written by Latvian composers; its vibrations resonate with the ears and hearts of contemporary listeners thanks to their melodiousness, the time-transcending subject matters and the high artistic quality of the lyrics. Excitement of love; serenade; contemplation of nature; religious and philosophical motifs; the subjective world of feelings: all of these things we find in Jāzeps Vītols, Alfrēds Kalniņš, Emīls Dārziņš, Jānis Mediņš and Jānis Kalniņš. Alongside the Latvian composers, the programme included three songs by Richard Strauss: the magnificent German master of instrumentation was also quite generous to the human voice, presenting it with some beauty-filled opuses.

One of the best-known Latvian tenors, Aleksandrs Antoņenko has become quite familiar with some of the greatest opera and concert hall stages in the world, singing and living the leading tenor parts, their number approaching thirty in all.

Aleksandrs Antoņenko, tenor

Daniels Pavļuts, piano

Programme: Jāzeps Vītols, Emīls Dārziņš, Alfrēds Kalniņš, Jānis Mediņš, Jānis Kalniņš, Richard Strauss.

At 18:00

Chamber Auditorium

INTRODUCTORY TALK

An opportunity to meet the soloist and learn more about the musical pieces featured in the programme and their interpretation. The conversation is mediated by the Klasika Radio presenterLiene Jakovļeva.