Echoes of Latvia

Didzis Kalniņš, piano

Jānis Mediņš (1890-1966):

Dainas No. 5, 11,13 and 16
Sonata
Vainadziņš, 3. Burtnīca [Little Crown, Book 3]
Spēle un Kaprīze [Game and Capriccio]
Velnu rija. Pasaka klavierēm [Devil’s Treshing Barn. Fairytale for piano]

Pianist Didzis Kalniņš returns to the National Concert Hall with a recital devoted to the vibrant musical heritage of his homeland. This special recital casts a lumionous spotlight on the works of Jānis Mediņš (1890-1966), one of Latvia’s most revered composers and a defining voice of his era.

Mediņš’s piano music, composed during years of exile after the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Union, carries weight of longing and the resilience of a displaced soul. Shaped by avant-garde impulses, jagged dissonances, and restless inner conflicts- yet still illumnated by sweeping lyricism and profound emotional depth- his music offers a haunting glimpse into the soul of an artist exiled from his homeland. Through these evocative piano pieces, listeners embark on a journey beyond borders- into soundscapes of nostalgia, cultural memory, and timeless beauty.

Dr Didzis Kalniņš is an acclaimed Latvian pianist celebrated for his expressive interpretations and deep connection to his cultural heritage. For more information about the artist visit www.didziskalnins.com

Presented by Didzis Kalniņš