Conversations Without Words - World Premiere
The Latvian Radio Choir, conductor Sigvards Kļava, and dancer/choreographer Lilija Lipora invite you on a journey into a picturesque world of sound and movement, created and shaped by the most unique and complete instruments — the human voice and the human body.
Much like in painting, where we observe brushstrokes and color textures of varying intensities, the musical language of this program's composers features the widest range of expressive means. The voices of the Latvian Radio Choir, combined with Lilija Lipora's movement and gong playing, bring these elements to life as living works of art.
Dense layers alternate with transparent sound textures, resulting in transcendental musical scores. From delicate minimalism to intense and rich sound compositions, without strict forms and timelines, the performance flows freely, embracing the adventure of art.
Equally free and flowing are the texts created and crafted by the music authors, stringing together abstract vowels and syllables into necklaces of bright overtones. The composers have crafted their scores as illusionists and texture magicians, inviting everyone to listen and look into a space and time beyond reality, surrendering to dreams and flights of existence.
The premiere of the program "Conversations Without Words" is one of the events of the 2024 Riga A Cappella Festival.
In 2024, the Riga A Cappella Festival will take place from November 6 to 9, with a new theme – New Choral Sounds. The main festival events and concerts will be held in the Great Hall of the Sporta 2 Quarter. New compositions and programs will be premiered, with a significant focus on unique music projects and innovative performances.
The Latvian Radio Choir and conductor Sigvards Kļava are world-renowned stars of choral music, having been recognized with prestigious Grammy and Gramophone awards.
Lilija Lipora is a Latvian choreographer and movement director, known for her work in Latvian theater and dance. She has participated in various contemporary dance projects and festivals, and her work stands out for its innovative approach and ability to merge different art forms.
The Sporta 2 Quarter is a dynamic creative space that is constantly evolving and has become a popular destination to enjoy art, culture, and various events.
The Riga A Cappella Festival has been held since 2013, shaping a new identity for vocal music and presenting a cappella singing as a modern and contemporary art form. The festival has featured many well-known artists, including The Real Group, The Swingles, Postyr, Solala, Gentlemen Singers, Didgori, Anima Solla, Framest, Latvian Voices, the Riga Gospel Choir, Harmony4Riga, choirs Kamēr..., Balsis, Austrums, Sola, and others. In addition to concerts, the festival hosts seminars, masterclasses, and industry meetings on current issues in vocal music, creating a platform for dialogue. The a cappella music highlighted in the festival is a miracle that people create with their voices, and the energy that comes with this music always resonates powerfully! A cappella singing is the foundation of the Latvian Song Festival, a symbol of Latvian identity since time immemorial, and it continues to explore new creative paths in contemporary music.
The concert program is supported by the Riga City Council, the State Culture Capital Foundation, Sporta 2 Quarter, the State Concert Agency "Latvijas Koncerti", the Riga Culture and Folk Art Center "Mazā Ģilde", photo studio "Studio Imagine", and the Copyright and Communication Consulting Agency / Latvian Authors’ Association (AKKA/LAA).
More about the Riga A Cappella Festival's New Choral Sounds concert series: rigasacappellafestivals.lv