This is the first “Big Concert” documentary film, which captures in video format the Latvian popular music festival, which has become a tradition, and its previously unpublished behind-the-scenes. Also, the film reveals the original idea of Olaf Saulrietas to switch places between the audience and the musicians, thus promoting a more harmonious singing together in a common song. The director of the documentary is Elvijs Pārpucis, who is the author of several popular Latvian music videos.
This summer, the third “Big Concert” took place, which brought together 190 of Latvia’s brightest musicians from a wide range of musical genres and almost 30 thousand visitors of different generations at Mežapark’s Great Stage.
The director of the concert series “The Big Concert” Aivars Čivželis, aka Papa Chi, reveals that the inspiration of the event can be found in the traditions of Latvian singing together and the Song Festival. “The audience of the concert are also participants of the event: the stage is set up in the area traditionally reserved for the audience, but the audience is in the choristers’ places in the stands to encourage them to participate in the concert by singing along,” explains Papa Chi.
Photo: 3rd Grand Concert of Latvia
In the third “Big Concert” you can meet pop king George Siksna, Latvian rock legend “Pērkona”, the award-winning choir “Maska” and the pride of classical music “Sinfonietta Rīga”, as well as rising stars such as “X-factor” laureates Emilija, singer Patricia and the youth favorite “Bermuda Divstūri”. And where can we go without rappers – fans of this genre are delighted by the performances of Gustavo, Ozola, Anša and Wiesuła. When the musicians and the audience sing together, such long-loved melodies as “Svetku diena”, “Nepärmet man”, “Yellow curtains”, “Mežrosīte” are heard, but honor is also paid to newer songs that quickly won the hearts of the listeners – “Brother, with don’t bargain for life”, “Be real”, “Strēlniece”, “Part of Riga”.
The Big Concert Documentary: A Symphony of Absurdity and Harmony
By the Ultimate Comedy Quartet: Jimmy, Rowan, Ricky, and Lee
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Latvia’s Musical Extravaganza
So, what’s this all about then? The **Big Concert** documentary isn’t just a bunch of fancy camera work tossed together over a couple of Latvian beers—oh no! It’s the first time a festival has been immortalized, capturing not just the notes and beats but all the charming chaos behind it. Think of it as a musical version of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ DVD extras, only with fewer bloopers and more Latvian folk tunes.
Director Elvijs Pārpucis, the maestro of Latvian music videos, has turned his lens on the legendary Latvian popular music festival, where 190 musicians and 30,000 enthusiastic souls gather at Mežapark’s Great Stage—a gathering so massive, you’d think the country was trying to compensate for all the times it didn’t get invited to Eurovision.
Swapping Places: The Audience Gets in on the Act
In a stunning inversion of the norm, the brilliant mind of Olaf Saulrietas proposed a genius idea: why not make the audience the performers and the performers the audience? It’s like swapping roles in a bizarre theatre play, where everyone gets a chance to embarrass themselves on equal footing! The poor musicians get to hear the audience butcher their beloved hits while they try to keep their professional composure. A win-win, if you ask me!
This whole concept promotes harmonious singing—nothing like a bit of crowd participation to elevate a tune from ‘soul-stirring’ to ‘how on Earth do I get out of here?’ But honestly, who can resist belting out classics like “Svetku diena” when surrounded by thousands of other enthusiastic, if off-key, crooners? Just make sure to leave the solo acts to the professionals!
A Melodic Medley of Stars
This year’s concert was a musical buffet featuring some of Latvia’s finest talent. From the pop king George Siksna to the legendary rockers **Pērkona**, it’s like a musical game of ‘Who’s Who?’—except you’ll actually want to know the answers! And let’s not forget the award-winning choir Maska and the pride of classical music Sinfonietta Rīga. If this concert were a platter, it would be the charcuterie board of your wildest dreams—everything from pop to rock to classical—all encased within the same opaque ‘Latvian’ flavor profile. Devour it!
Of course, no musical gathering would be complete without some raps to keep the youngsters entertained. Performances by Gustavo, Ozola, Anša, and Wiesuła made sure that if you weren’t singing about “Brother, don’t bargain for life,” you were too busy swagging it up amongst the melancholy folks with heartfelt tunes. It’s a glorious cacophony of generations, a true testament to the idea that music, no matter how you slice it, brings everyone together.
Conclusion: A Village of Voices
If you’re looking for a well-curated documentary that serves a slice of culture seasoned with a pinch of chaos, then **The Big Concert** is your ticket to ride! It encapsulates the trials, tribulations, and triumphs involved in the Latvian music scene while tipping its hat to the rich tradition of singing together. It may not be the most glamorous affair, but it’s one heck of a musical journey—a little like taking a bus ride through the countryside while everyone sings off-key. Just remember, in Latvia, the question isn’t whether you can sing, but rather, how loud can you sing it together.
So, grab your popcorn, get comfy, and prepare for a film that proves what we already knew: when it comes to music, sometimes the greatest harmony emerges from the most chaotic exchanges!
This documentary marks the inaugural release of the “Big Concert” series, providing an unprecedented video glimpse into the beloved Latvian music festival that has cemented its status as a cultural tradition. The film, which features never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage, explores the innovative concept proposed by Olaf Saulrietas, who envisioned a unique exchange between the audience and the performers. This approach not only fosters a sense of connection but also encourages collective participation and harmony in singing along to a unified anthem. Elvijs Pārpucis, noted for his work on numerous acclaimed Latvian music videos, directs this captivating documentary.
This summer, the third iteration of the “Big Concert” was a spectacular event that showcased performances by an astounding 190 of Latvia’s most talented musicians, representing an array of music genres, and drew nearly 30,000 attendees spanning multiple generations to the iconic Great Stage at Mežapark.
The director of the “Big Concert” series, Aivars Čivželis, affectionately known as Papa Chi, shares that the event draws inspiration from the rich traditions of Latvian collective singing and the esteemed Song Festival. He elaborates, “In this concert, the audience seamlessly transforms into participants; the stage is strategically placed in the area usually reserved for them, allowing concert-goers to occupy the seats typically held by choristers, thus motivating everyone to join in the singing experience.”
Photo: 3rd Grand Concert of Latvia
The third “Big Concert” showcased a diverse lineup featuring the undisputed pop icon George Siksna, the legendary Latvian rock band “Pērkona,” the highly praised choir “Maska,” and the classical music gem “Sinfonietta Rīga.” Additionally, the event highlighted rising stars like Emilija, a notable “X-Factor” finalist, the captivating Patricia, and the youthful sensation “Bermuda Divstūri.” Hip-hop fans were treated to thrilling performances from popular rappers such as Gustavo, Ozola, Anša, and Wiesuła. As the musicians harmonized with the audience, timeless classics like “Svetku diena,” “Nepärmet man,” “Yellow curtains,” and “Mežrosīte” resonated through the air, alongside fresh hits that have swiftly captured the hearts of fans, including “Brother, with don’t bargain for life,” “Be real,” “Strēlniece,” and “Part of Riga.”
How did the unique role reversal concept affect the audience’s experience during the concert?
**Interview with Elvijs Pārpucis, Director of “The Big Concert” Documentary**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Elvijs! Your new documentary, “The Big Concert,” sounds incredibly exciting. Can you tell us about the idea behind this first-ever film capturing the festival?
**Elvijs Pārpucis:** Thank you for having me! The idea was to showcase not just the concert itself, but the essence of what makes Latvian music and culture so special. “The Big Concert” is a celebration of unity through music, and I wanted to capture both the performances and the behind-the-scenes magic that often goes unseen.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! I understand there was a unique role reversal concept initiated by Olaf Saulrietas where the audience and musicians swapped places. How did this idea come about, and what impact did it have on the concert atmosphere?
**Elvijs Pārpucis:** Olaf’s concept was fantastic. It’s about breaking down the barriers between the performers and the audience. By placing the audience in the singers’ spots, everyone became a part of the experience rather than just passive spectators. This created an incredibly uplifting vibe—it turned the concert into a community event where everyone could interact and sing together. The joy of participation was palpable.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like it truly enhanced the experience for everyone involved. You also brought together a remarkable lineup of 190 musicians from various genres. What was it like filming such a diverse group in action?
**Elvijs Pārpucis:** It was magical! Filming such a diverse array of artists—from pop icons like George Siksna to the classical beauty of Sinfonietta Rīga—allowed us to showcase Latvia’s rich musical tapestry. Each artist brought their unique energy, and seeing how they interacted with the audience was a highlight of the filming process. It’s pure joy to capture those moments of shared musicality.
**Interviewer:** You made an excellent point about the shared experience. As one of the prominent figures in the Latvian music scene, how do you feel “The Big Concert” documentary reflects the cultural identity and traditions of Latvia?
**Elvijs Pārpucis:** The documentary is a tribute to Latvia’s cherished traditions of communal singing and the Song Festival. It embodies the spirit of togetherness that is central to our culture. “The Big Concert” not only highlights this musical tradition but also presents it in a contemporary context that resonates with all generations, proving that music truly transcends time.
**Interviewer:** With such a meaningful project completed, what do you hope audiences take away from “The Big Concert”?
**Elvijs Pārpucis:** I hope viewers will feel inspired by the sense of community and joy that music brings. It’s about more than just listening; it’s about feeling a connection with one another through shared experiences. My hope is that they’ll walk away with a newfound appreciation for the magic of singing together—no matter their singing ability!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Elvijs! We can’t wait to see the documentary and experience the joy and unity it promises.
**Elvijs Pārpucis:** Thank you! I can’t wait for everyone to experience it!