Orests Silabriedis in Liepaja concert hall “Lielais dzintars”. Photo: Valters Pelns
Orestes Silabriedis – Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika” program manager, artistic director of Liepaja concert hall “Lielais dzintars”, editor-in-chief of “Mūzikas Saule” magazine, music commentator and concert manager.
Composer Jēkabs Jančevskis. Photo: Ieva Luka/LETA
Jäkab Jančevskis – a composer and conductor who is widely known for his contributions to the field of chordal and instrumental music. Received several prestigious awards, including the UNESCO International Show of Young Composers Rostrum and the Latvian Grand Music Award, Gambler’s Night Award.
Rudīte Tālberga, conducting teacher and chief conductor of the 13th Latvian school youth song and dance festival. Photo: Youtube
Rudīte Thalberga – Ventspils Music High School Choir Class Leader, Conducting Teacher, Choir “Nošu Planeta”, Ventspils Technical School Choir “Tovaz”, Women’s Choir “Venda”, Vocal Ensemble “Mundus”, “Cita Planeta”, artistic director of LNKC Choir Department and Vocal Ensemble Department Expert of the Advisory Council, chief conductor of the 13th Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival.
About awards and nominations
Presentation of the first Choir Music Award on January 20, 2024 in the Kokaru Hall of the Mežaparka Great Stage. Photo: Uldis Siliņš
The Choral Music Award 2024 will be presented in ten nominations: Choir of the Year, Choir Leader or Conductor of the Year, Choral Music Concert of the Year, Performance, Event in Riga, Choral Music Concert of the Year, Performance, Event outside Riga, Award for Lifetime Contribution to Choral Music, Innovation of the Year in Choral Music, Choral Music Record of the Year, surprise in choral music, cultural and educational institution of the year, cultural place in Riga and culture and education of the year institution, cultural place outside Riga.
Presentation of the first Choir Music Award on January 20, 2024 in the Kokaru Hall of the Mežaparka Great Stage. Photo: Uldis Siliņš
Applicants can be nominated until December 14 (including). the state, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, cultural places, as well as other legal or natural persons, by filling out the application form on the association’s website. Applicants can be submitted by one nominator in one, several or all categories (no more than 3 applicants in one category for the period from December 10, 2023 to December 10, 2024).
Applicants will be evaluated by a specially formed jury consisting of five industry professionals. The winner of each nomination will receive an award made in bronze by the sculptor Oskar Mikans.
Photo: Publicity photo
The presentation of the first Choral Music Award took place in January 2024. It was awarded to Jēkabs Ozoliņš, choir “Kamēr…”, conductor Aigars Meri, the performance of the venue “Visi putni šaisti dīd”, concert “A different quote. “Voices” x “Sigma”, composer Jēkabs Bernāts, choir “Pernigele”, Riga Dome Choir School and Latvian Radio Choir’s album Ābele association and thanks to the support of the city of Riga.
The Spotlight Turns to Choral Excellence: Orests Silabriedis Takes Center Stage!
Meet the Musical Minds Behind the Magic!
Kudos to Orests Silabriedis, the brains behind the operation at the Liepaja concert hall “Lielais dzintars.” Not only does he manage the Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika” program, but he’s also the artistic director at one of Latvia’s premier venues. Talk about multitasking! If anyone knows a thing or two about bringing harmony to chaos, it’s this man.
And look, we can’t ignore the sensational Jēkabs Jančevskis, a composer and conductor famous for leaving us all strumming along! He’s bagged awards left, right, and center — including a few prestigious nods from UNESCO. You know, the kind that makes you question your college choice. Music or not, we should all be so inspired!
Chorus of Champions: Talented Teams Unite!
And let’s give a standing ovation to Rudīte Tālberga! The maestro leads the charge with the Ventspils Music High School Choir and is a jack-of-all-trades with ensembles and choirs flocking to her for guidance. It’s as if each choir is a small army under her command—singing their way to cultural dominance. Move over, world domination plans; these choristers are aiming for harmony, one note at a time!
The Choral Music Award: A Celebration of Excellence!
Now, let’s talk awards — because who doesn’t like a little shiny trophy to collect dust on a shelf? The inaugural Choral Music Award 2024 will be unveiled on January 20, 2024, at the Kokaru Hall. Ten categories mean there’s enough competition to fill a reality television show!
Expect nominations for everything from “Choir of the Year” to “Surprise in Choral Music,” which let’s be honest, sounds like a category that should have filled with chaos just for the laughs. With applications open until December 14, let the games begin! You know, this is why we can never have nice things—because there’s always someone ready with an application form!
Who Can Nominate? A Game of Musical Chairs!
Nominations can roll in from everywhere! If you’ve got a passion for crooning, you could put forth your favorite choir or conductor. But zip it—only one nominator per category, please! You’re not stockpiling trophies here; this isn’t a musical apocalypse. With a jury of five music pros on hand to judge, we can assume there will be no shortage of witty comments and animated deliberations. Just imagine it—tension so thick you could cut it with a conductor’s baton!
Bringing Home the Bronze!
And let’s not forget the reward! Winners will be bestowed with a bronze trophy, crafted by the talented Oskar Mikans. Because, you know, nothing says ‘I’m a choral genius’ quite like playing a game of “Who’s Literally Got the Most Bronze in the Room?”
Past winners had their shining moments, too. I mean, just look at Jēkabs Ozoliņš and his ensemble’s celebration! These accolades not only glow with glory but also help further the concert culture in Latvia.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Sing!
So, as we approach the Choral Music Awards, it’s a perfect reminder of the dedication, passion, and heaps of talent enriching our cultural fabric. As the applause echoes through the Lielais dzintars, here’s hoping the performances will knock our socks off. Will you be there, cheering on the contenders, or are you that one person who diligently avoids all forms of social gatherings?
Either way, let’s raise our voices (and mugs) to the wonderful world of choral music! Because when it comes to bringing joy and unity, nothing quite beats a harmonious choir. Bravo, Latvia!
Orests Silabriedis – is a prominent figure in the Latvian music scene, serving as the program manager for Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika”. He also holds the esteemed position of artistic director at the Liepaja concert hall “Lielais dzintars”. Beyond these roles, Silabriedis is the editor-in-chief of “Mūzikas Saule” magazine, a noted music commentator, and an accomplished concert manager, advocating for the artistic community through various mediums. Photo: Valters Pelns
Jäkabs Jančevskis – is an acclaimed composer and conductor, celebrated for his innovative contributions to both chordal and instrumental music. His excellence has been recognized with several prestigious accolades, including the UNESCO International Show of Young Composers Rostrum award and the Latvian Grand Music Award, along with the Gambler’s Night Award, which reflects his significant impact on the culture of Latvia’s music scene. Photo: Ieva Luka/LETA
Rudīte Thalberga – serves as a chief conductor for the 13th Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival, showcasing her leadership in choral music. As the Choir Class Leader at Ventspils Music High School, she also directs multiple choirs, including “Nošu Planeta”, Ventspils Technical School Choir “Tovaz”, Women’s Choir “Venda”, and Vocal Ensemble “Mundus”, “Cita Planeta”. Furthermore, she contributes as the artistic director of LNKC Choir Department and is recognized as an expert in the Vocal Ensemble Department Advisory Council. Photo: Youtube
About awards and nominations
The Choral Music Award 2024 will be presented in ten distinguished categories that celebrate the best in choral artistry. These categories include Choir of the Year, Choir Leader or Conductor of the Year, Choral Music Concert of the Year, as well as performances and events both in and out of Riga. Additional recognitions honor Lifetime Contributions to Choral Music, Innovations in the field, and award for Choral Music Record of the Year, alongside acknowledgments for cultural and educational institutions across the region. Photo: Uldis Siliņš
Applicants can be nominated until December 14 (including). Nominees can originate from a variety of sources, including the state, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, cultural venues, and individuals, by submitting a nomination form found on the association’s website. Each nominator has the flexibility to submit nominations in one or multiple categories, with a limit of three applicants per category during the nominations period from December 10, 2023, to December 10, 2024.
The evaluation process will be conducted by a specially appointed jury composed of five seasoned professionals from the music industry. Each nomination winner will be awarded a unique bronze trophy designed by the talented sculptor Oskar Mikans.
The presentation of the first Choral Music Award took place in January 2024. It recognized Jēkabs Ozoliņš, choir “Kamēr…”, conductor Aigars Meri, the performance of the venue “Visi putni šaisti dīd”, concert “A different quote. “Voices” x “Sigma”, composer Jēkabs Bernāts, choir “Pernigele”, as well as the Riga Dome Choir School and Latvian Radio Choir’s album, all supported by the city of Riga.
What are the eligibility criteria for nominators for the Choral Music Award 2024 in Latvia?
Nations: The inaugural Choral Music Award 2024 is an exciting opportunity for the recognition of exceptional talent and contributions to the choral music scene in Latvia. Aspiring nominees can submit their applications for consideration until December 14, 2023. Eligible nominators include states, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, cultural institutions, and individuals, making this an inclusive search for the best of the best in choral performance. Each nominator can submit up to three applicants in any category, ensuring a diverse pool of talent.
Five seasoned professionals in the industry will comprise the jury, bringing their expertise to evaluate the nominees. Winners across the ten categories will have the honor of receiving a custom bronze award designed by the talented sculptor Oskar Mikans—a true symbol of choral excellence.
As the awards ceremony draws near, the excitement builds not only for the accolades but also for the celebration of Latvia’s rich choral heritage. Let the music play on, and may the best voices rise to the occasion!