As part of the event on Good Friday, the audience enjoyed gems of boys’ choir music and special premieres together wih the Münchner Knabenchor under conductor Ralf Ludewig, with pianist/organist Frank Oidtman and other special guests.
In the first part of the concert, boys’ crystal clear voices performed works by Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Vivaldi, Mozart and other classics of the sacred music repertoire. At the conclusion of the night, with the author present onstage, two prayers in music, composed by globally acclaimed Latvian Ēriks Ešenvalds for this event, were performed for the first time ever. Addressing the audience, the composer revealed that he has created these pieces in reminiscence of his years in a boys’ choir when all boys’ choirs of the Liepāja region would meet to perform concerts together.
His works The King’s Sons and Daughters and Blessed are Those who Have not Seen and Yet Believe joined the boys’ choirs from Munich and the Liepāja Music, Design and Art School, as well as soloists of the Liepāja Symphony orchestra – percussionist Marta Kauliņa-Pelnēna, flautist Egija Sproģe and trompeter Mārtiņš Zujs. In celebration of the collaboration and friendship of the boys’ choirs from Munich and Liepāja, the second part of the original work was conducted by head of the LMDAS choir Ilze Balode. The Uniting History Foundation wishes to thank the brilliant musicians, our trusted partners from Liepāja Concert Hall Great Amber and the open-hearted listeners for this night of Good Friday filled with rays of light and hope.
Photos by: Valters Pelns / Liepāja Concert Hall Great Amber
Münchner Knabenchor
Ralf Ludewig, conductor
Boys’ Choir of the Liepaja Music, Art and Design Secondary School
Ilze Balode, conductor
Frank Oidtmann, piano/organ
Marta Kauliņa-Pelnēna, percussions
Egija Sproģe, flute
Mārtiņš Zujs, trumpet
Organized by: Great Amber
Supported by: Liepāja City Council and Uniting History Foundation