At the end of December, when singer Līga Priede and guitarist Andrejs Grimms will give a concert in Liepāja, they will also visit composer Imanta Kalniņa, whose songs they released in a joint album called “Imanta Kalniņa’s silent songs”. According to both, the tunes that have received the greatest response from the audience at the concerts have been selected for the program. Andrejs once sang the music of Kalniņas together with the group “Autobuss debesīs”, which he was a member of in the first years of its existence and also joined the ensemble on the 25th anniversary tour. Līga is also very close to the work of this composer, it is not for nothing that Priede was among the laureates of the competition “Imanta Kalniņa’s new stars” 20 years ago.
Līga and Andrejs met twenty years ago, no one remembers a specific moment or concert, but with the music of Imantas Kalniņas in the foreground, they have been walking together in recent years.
“Andrei came up with this idea, one day he called, and it was immediately clear to me that Kalniņš’s songs are close to my heart. We started putting song after song, the first concert was ready right away.”
First of all, they remembered what they had played and sung before, but at one time, when Andrejs was still playing music as part of “Autobuss debesīs”, they never came out to perform together. They were also cooperation partners of the association of musicians “Kopējā ištsme” with Ainārs Paukšēnas, who played the cello in the new album. Both Priede and Grimms were also members of several Imantdies:
“First of all, I have listened to Kalniņa’s songs a lot, first of all, performed by Austras Pumpure. I grew up with them since childhood,”
Līga admits that she is currently a singer and music teacher in Saulkrasti and Carnikava secondary schools, but she is currently on a pleasant creative vacation with her fourth son. However, there is still time for music – on October 25, Ķegum, there were many listeners at the celebration of the release of the 12-song CD “Silent Songs of Imanta Kalniņa”, and several performances will take place during the week of the November public holiday.
Priede’s parents are musical, they sang in the “Zvani” youth choir, music has always swirled around them. Music school was followed by Jázeps Mediņš College of Music as an opera singer, but the path led to pedagogy.
“I prefer to address the audience personally at such small concerts, so that I can look into their eyes. Opera is a completely different story, a different field.”
Andrejs Grimm says that one of his ancestors crossed the Baltic Sea from Gotland to Ventspils on foot during the cold season. His grandfather played the violin, Andrej also learned this instrument at a music school, after which he put the violin aside.
“I said never again. Then I went to the “Turaidas roze” concert at the Saulkrasti stage and somehow woke up there. Even before that, my favorite album was “Voice of the Cuckoo” with songs by Imanta Kalniņš. So, Kalniņš brought me back to where I wanted to be, and I have a desire to adjust his songs according to how I feel them inside me. Well, the moment has come when it has succeeded.”
The album “Silent Songs of Imanta Kalniņa” includes melodies from the films “Lake Sonata” and “Breathe Deeply”, as well as from the shows “Captain Grant’s Children”, “Love, Jazz and the Devil”, “The Prince and the Beggar Boy” and “Liliom”.
“The beginning of Imanta Kalniņš’s music is a quiet start,”
according to Andrejs Grimms, who made the arrangements of these 12 songs, among them there are also two instrumental pieces.
Līga also worked for some time at the free Waldorf school in Đadaži, where he led the choir, Andrejs works there even now – he leads a unique orchestra.
“With my students, I performed the theme from the movie ‘Breathe Deep,’ which is one of their favorites, although it’s not pop music, not even close to it.”
Grimm, self-taught in music, trained in guitar playing, starting with books and Beatles songs, until studying with our flamenco guitarist, singer Andras Kārkliņš. Grimm also composed this, and maybe someone still remembers his group “Oroboro” from the late 1990s, which released two albums – in which Andrejs played music together with Aleksander Maijers, who now makes musical instruments on the Latgale side.
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Līga Priede and Andrejs Grimms Step Back in Time with Imanta Kalniņa’s “Silent Songs”
Well, well, well! Just as you thought the music scene was all about TikTok dances and remixing old hits, along come Līga Priede and Andrejs Grimms, ready to tickle your taste buds with the nostalgia of Imanta Kalniņa! This exciting duo is set to grace the stage in Liepāja with some melodic magic that not only whispers to the soul but also gives a warm hug to your childhood memories. They’ve just released their collaborative album, “Imanta Kalniņa’s Silent Songs”, which… spoiler alert… might just be the soundtrack to your next existential crisis.
Now, let’s get the backstory straight! Līga and Andrejs met two decades ago—an eternity in music time—where the precise moment is lost to the sands of time. But let’s be honest, it was probably magical or just another Tuesday with a cup of coffee and a spontaneous jam session. They’ve time-traveled through musical history together, focusing primarily on Kalniņa’s works. Andrejs, bless his heart, crooned Kalniņa’s tunes with the group “Autobuss debesīs”, which I presume translates to “Bus in the Sky”—which sounds like the worst travel experience ever.
“Andrei came up with this idea, one day he called, and it was immediately clear to me that Kalniņš’s songs are close to my heart. We started putting song after song, the first concert was ready right away.”
And there you have it! One phone call, much like a blind date, and boom—an album is born! The pair reminisced on what they had performed in the past, their music interwoven with the threads of many collaborations. It’s like a musical tapestry, if you will, where each thread represents a memory, and each memory is slightly embarrassing (let’s face it). Līga recalls falling in love with Kalniņa’s songs as a child, singing along with the legends. Who needs karaoke when you have childhood trauma gifting you vocal skills?
“I prefer to address the audience personally at such small concerts, so that I can look into their eyes. Opera is a completely different story, a different field.”
Aha! The eyes—it’s all about the eyes! Līga’s approach to concerts feels intimate. Like a cozy coffee shop where the barista knows your order before you do, but instead of lattes, you get soulful renditions of songs that’ll melt your heart. Who needs grand opera houses when you can croon your way into the hearts of an audience? And dear Andrejs, what a character! His family background includes a great-grandfather who literally walked across the Baltic Sea. Let that sink in a moment—imagine the epic storytelling potential!
“I said never again. Then I went to the ‘Turaidas roze’ concert at the Saulkrasti stage and somehow woke up there… Kalniņš brought me back to where I wanted to be.”
Talk about musical resurrection! Forget about “The Voice,” folks—this is real-life audition material! Andrejs is experiencing an artistic revival worthy of a Shakespearean tale. It seems Imanta Kalniņa didn’t just write songs; he crafted a divine intervention, recalibrating Andrejs’s musical compass. Oh, what a beautifully poetic moment!
The album, “Silent Songs of Imanta Kalniņa”, features musical gems from films and shows that will probably make die-hard fans weep openly. I won’t judge; I might do the same if I hear “Lake Sonata.” Romance, longing, and introspection all rolled into 12 songs that have the ability to make you feel things… deeply. Two of those are instrumental pieces, which is basically a green light for you to cry without worrying about the lyrics.
“With my students, I performed the theme from the movie ‘Breathe Deep,’ which is one of their favorites, although it’s not pop music, not even close to it.”
Ah, the sweet, sweet sound of kids being exposed to music beyond Justin Bieber and ‘do-it-your-self’ rap. Bravo, Andrejs! We salute you! While many gifted artists still struggle to express themselves, it’s refreshing to see three generations represented through music—parental influences, a passion for teaching, and a relentless pursuit of personal artistry. The balance between nostalgia and creativity is nothing short of genius, so if you’re in the area, don’t miss out on those upcoming performances!
So, there you have it—a delightful concoction of nostalgia, artistry, and a sprinkle of audacity. Līga and Andrejs have taken it upon themselves to not only celebrate Imanta Kalniņa but also to create a legacy that fuses the past with the present! Cheers to them for challenging ourselves and each other in the pursuit of musical excellence while giving us a good reason to laugh (and cry) along the way!
What are your thoughts? Did this article strike a chord, or are we just throwing sounds into the void? Drop your comments below – but keep it respectful, folks!
At the end of December, celebrated singer Līga Priede and accomplished guitarist Andrejs Grimms will come together for an anticipated concert in Liepāja, where they plan to pay a special visit to renowned composer Imanta Kalniņa. The duo is set to perform selections from their recent collaborative album, titled “Imanta Kalniņa’s Silent Songs,” which features a curated collection of tunes that have resonated deeply with audiences during their previous performances. Notably, Andrejs has a rich history with Kalniņa’s music, having previously sung his compositions as a member of the iconic group “Autobuss debesīs” during its formative years and on its 25th-anniversary tour. Similarly, Līga’s connection to Kalniņa runs deep, as she was honored as one of the laureates in the prestigious “Imanta Kalniņa’s New Stars” competition two decades ago, solidifying her status as a passionate advocate for his work.
Līga and Andrejs first crossed paths two decades ago, although the exact moment of their initial meeting has faded from memory. However, it is evident that their musical journey has been intertwined, especially with the enchanting melodies of Imanta Kalniņa serving as a central theme in their collaboration over recent years.
“Andrej came up with this idea, one day he called, and it was immediately clear to me that Kalniņš’s songs are close to my heart. We started putting song after song together, and before we knew it, the first concert was ready right away,” Līga reminisced about their creative process.
Reflecting on their past, they recalled their previous performances, although they never had the opportunity to take the stage together while Andrejs was an active member of “Autobuss debesīs.” Their shared journey also involved collaborations with the musicians’ association “Kopējā ištsme,” where they partnered with the talented cellist Ainārs Paukšēnas for their latest album. They both proudly count themselves among the multiple Imantdies, a testament to their dedication to Kalniņa’s music.
“First of all, I have listened to Kalniņa’s songs a lot, especially the beautiful renditions by Austras Pumpure. I grew up with them since childhood,” Līga shared, highlighting her deep-rooted appreciation for the composer’s work.
Currently, Līga balances her role as a singer and music educator in the secondary schools of Saulkrasti and Carnikava, while enjoying a creative respite with her fourth son. Despite her busy schedule, Līga remains committed to music; on October 25, the celebration of their 12-song CD “Silent Songs of Imanta Kalniņa” drew a large audience, and they have several performances lined up during the upcoming November public holiday week.
Growing up in a musical family, Līga’s parents were actively involved in the “Zvani” youth choir, creating an environment where music was always a significant presence. After completing music school, Līga continued her studies at Jázeps Mediņš College of Music, specializing in opera singing, before ultimately transitioning into pedagogy.
“I prefer to address the audience personally at such small concerts, so that I can look into their eyes. Opera is a completely different story, a different field,” Līga expressed, emphasizing the intimate connection she fosters with her audience.
Andrej Grimms shared a fascinating family tale, revealing that one of his ancestors traversed the cold Baltic Sea from Gotland to Ventspils on foot. His grandfather’s love for music flew through the generations—playing the violin—an instrument that Andrejs also learned during his childhood. Eventually, he set the violin aside, marking the beginning of his artistic exploration.
“I said never again. Then I went to the ‘Turaidas roze’ concert at the Saulkrasti stage and somehow woke up there. Even before that, my favorite album was ‘Voice of the Cuckoo’ featuring songs by Imanta Kalniņš. So, Kalniņš brought me back to where I wanted to be, and I have a desire to adjust his songs according to how I feel them inside me. Well, the moment has come when it has succeeded,” Andrejs fondly recalled the pivotal moment that reignited his passion for music.
The enchanting album “Silent Songs of Imanta Kalniņa” features beloved melodies from films such as “Lake Sonata” and “Breathe Deeply,” alongside selections from theatrical works including “Captain Grant’s Children,” “Love, Jazz and the Devil,” “The Prince and the Beggar Boy,” and “Liliom.” This collection offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Kalniņa’s musical legacy.
“The beginning of Imanta Kalniņš’s music is a quiet start,” Andrejs noted, underlining the subtle beauty of the arrangements he crafted for these 12 songs, which also includes two instrumental pieces, showcasing the versatility of their collaboration.
Līga previously contributed her talents to the Waldorf school in Đadaži, where she directed the choir, while Andrejs continues to work there, leading a unique orchestra that showcases the talents of emerging musicians.
“With my students, I performed the theme from the movie ‘Breathe Deep,’ which is one of their favorites, although it’s not pop music, not even close to it,” Andrejs enthused, revealing their commitment to exploring a diverse range of musical styles.
Grimm, a self-taught musician, honed his skills in guitar playing by starting with instructional books and the iconic songs of The Beatles, later studying under the guidance of renowned flamenco guitarist and singer Andras Kārkliņš. He also composed music and has a rich history with his band “Oroboro,” which gained recognition in the late 1990s, producing two albums where Andrejs collaborated with musician Aleksander Maijers, who now crafts musical instruments in Latgale.
Continuing their journey into the world of Imanta Kalniņš, both Līga and Andrejs embody a deep connection to the legacy of his music while also infusing it with their unique artistic perspectives. Their collaborative album, **”Silent Songs of Imanta Kalniņa,”** serves not just as a tribute but as a canvas where their individual styles and shared experiences coalesce into something altogether new and resonant.
This forthcoming concert in Liepāja promises to be more than just a performance; it’s set to be a celebration of continuity and rediscovery. With each song, both artists will beckon the audience to join them in a refreshing exploration of Kalniņš’s oeuvre. Whether you have been a long-time admirer of the iconic composer or are new to his work, this concert will surely offer a poignant journey through memories often intertwined with the poetry of Kalniņš. Līga’s intimate approach and Andrejs’s passionate renditions are poised to elevate the experience for everyone present.
“With my students, I performed the theme from the movie ’Breathe Deep,’ which is one of their favorites, although it’s not pop music, not even close to it,” Andrejs shared, hinting at the beauty he sees in moving beyond mainstream sounds to engage young minds with richer, more layered musical experiences.
This commitment to artistic integrity extends beyond the stage; it reflects in their teaching practices as well. Līga’s role as a music educator allows her to shape the future of music, ensuring the next generation remains connected to cultural milestones represented by composers like Kalniņš. Such efforts reveal the duo’s understanding that music is not just about entertainment but a vital thread of identity and history.
As the anticipation builds for their concert, Līga and Andrejs are not just reviving old songs; they are breathing new life into them. They are urging audiences to ponder and reflect, reminding us that the past informs the present, and perhaps, in the hands of passionate artists, it can become a vibrant part of our future as well. So, if you find yourself in Liepāja at the end of December, don’t miss the chance to witness this magical intersection of legacy and innovation!
What’s your favorite Imanta Kalniņš song? Are you planning to attend the concert? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!