A Journey Through Sound and Verse: Dante‘s “Divine Comedy” Comes to Life in Concert
A unique and innovative concert performance inspired by Dante Alighieri’s timeless “Divine Comedy” is set to captivate audiences with a mesmerizing blend of music, poetry, and evocative imagery. This one-night-only event will take place on November 29th at 7:00 PM in the magnificent Great Hall of the University of Latvia.
A Vision of Light and Love
The creators of this captivating experience have envisioned the performance as an ethereal tapestry of light and sound, a flowing river of love that guides the audience through Dante’s profound journey. “It all started with music for me,” reveals composer Kaspars Putniņš. “Italian folk music will play a rather important role here. This music was played very often at that time, so Dante must have heard it. To expand this experience with readings from The Divine Comedy, of course, I couldn’t think of anyone else but Juri Strenga. When he starts reading passages, I could sit for a week and listen. It’s so suggestive.”
Illuminating the Brighter Side of Dante
Acclaimed actor Juris Strenga will bring Dante’s words to life through his powerful and sensitive performance. Strenga emphasizes the desire to highlight the optimistic and ultimately hopeful nature of the epic poem. “I especially want to bring up the brighter, more optimistic side of this work, the relationship with the Supreme, which is already divine in itself,” Strenga shares. “The most important thing is for people to enjoy this moment, the fact that we are alive and everything is still ahead of us, and not engage in various philosophical speculations. It would be good if people took it more simply.”
A Sonic Tapestry Woven Through Time
The musical score, meticulously curated by Putniņš, reflects the multifaceted nature of Dante’s journey. Works by modern composers known for their lightness, fragility, and transcendental sound have been carefully selected to enhance the choir’s mastery. Among these are Gērģa Ligeti’s Three Helderlin Fantasies, composed for a sixteen-part choir, and Santa Ratniece’s ethereal Morning Eve, which will unveil the paradise Dante describes. Additionally, Italian medieval folk music will infuse the performance with a joyful vitality and danceability, bringing a sense of timeless energy to Dante’s enduring message.
Experience “Divine Comedy” Live
Tickets for this extraordinary encounter with Dante’s “Divine Comedy” are available at Ticket Paradise. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of sound and poetry, where the depths of human experience are explored with beauty and profound insight.
* How does Kaspars Putniņš use Italian folk music to enhance the audience’s experience of Dante’s “Divine Comedy”?
## Dante’s Inferno on Stage: An Interview with Composer Kaspars Putniņš
**News Anchor:** Welcome back. We’re talking about a unique event coming to Latvia – a performance that blends music, poetry, and visuals to bring Dante’s “Divine Comedy” to life. Joining us today is composer Kaspars Putniņš, the creative force behind this ambitious project. Kaspars, welcome.
**Kaspars Putniņš:** Thank you for having me.
**News Anchor:** For our viewers unfamiliar with the “Divine Comedy,” could you give us a brief overview and explain how it inspired this concert performance?
**Kaspars Putniņš:** Dante’s ”Divine Comedy” is an epic poem that tells the story of a journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. It’s a profound exploration of sin, redemption, and the human condition. The music for this concert is my interpretation of that journey, aiming to evoke the emotions and landscapes Dante describes through sound.
**News Anchor:** You mentioned using Italian folk music as a key element. Why was that choice important to you?
**Kaspars Putniņš:** [[1](https://www.viagogo.com/Concert-Tickets/Pop-Rock/Alternative-Indie-Rock/Alternative-Pop-Rock/The-Divine-Comedy-Tickets)]As I began composing, I kept imagining the sounds Dante would have been familiar with in his time. Italian folk music was prevalent then, so including it felt like a way to truly immerse the audience in his world.
**News Anchor:** This performance features readings from “The Divine Comedy” alongside the music. Can you tell us more about the collaboration with Juri Strenga?
**Kaspars Putniņš:** Juri Strenga is a phenomenal actor and voice, and I knew he was the perfect choice to breathe life into Dante’s words. His performance will guide the audience through the poem’s narrative, creating a powerful synergy with the music.
**News Anchor:** This sounds like an unforgettable experience. Where and when can viewers catch this performance?
**Kaspars Putniņš:** The concert will be held on November 29th at 7:00 PM in the majestic Great Hall of the University of Latvia. It’s a one-night-only event, so I encourage everyone interested to secure their tickets soon!
**News Anchor:** Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, Kaspars. We wish you and the entire team a successful and inspiring performance.
**Kaspars Putniņš:** Thank you!
