The Valka City Culture House hosted an unprecedented Live Music Festival, where Latvian and Estonian bands performed on one stage, earning applause from the audience, writes the newspaper “Ziemeļlatvija”.
The festival was organized by the “Hägenskalnas muzikanti” chapel from Riga. Valka was represented by the local folk music band “Sudmalinias” (conductor Unda Ozoliņa). The audience was also surprised by harmonica player Aivars Katajs from Skrīveriem, who sang in both Latvian and Estonian. Previously unheard Latvian and Lithuanian folk songs were performed by Janta and Ilmārs Meži from Riga. The Latvian public welcomed two Estonian musical groups with ovations – the folk group “Palat Nr.7” from Pärnu and the music group “Heino Tartes Ja Sobrad” from Pilva. The concert was also recorded by Latvian Television.
Before the concert, the presentation of the new song book “Dziesmu galds” (“Laululaid” in Estonian) took place. The book contains 17 popular songs in Latvian and Estonian.
The event also included joint singing, in which Latvians and Estonians learned to sing popular table songs in both Latvian and Estonian languages.
After getting acquainted with the new edition, many people have discovered that several table songs so familiar to Latvians, such as “I will sing for you, the land of my father”, “Pie Dzintara miyus” and others, are also considered by Estonians as their own.
The most popular songs, known to every song lover on both sides of the border, have been selected for joint singing. The unique songbook is complemented by two sound discs. Next to the sheet music of each song variant, you can also find a QR code and a link to a website where you can listen to the song’s accompaniment while singing.
“This joint concert of Latvians and Estonians will warm the heart for a long time.
Estonian musicians were surprised, especially from the chapel “Palat No. 7”. Aivars Kataj also charmed with his game. I also liked the local chapel “Sudmalinas” with its sincere and passionate playing,” said one of the visitors, Signe Jansone from Riga, about the unique concert.
MAF 2024
Photo: #sif_maf2024
The publication was created in the project “My parish, my city”, in which “Latvijas Avīze” cooperates with the newspapers “Staburags”, “Dzirkstele”, “Zemgales Ziņas”, “Bauskas Dzīve”, “Alūksnes und Malienas Ziņas” and “Ziemeļlatvija”.
Contribution of the media support fund from Latvian state budget funds. “Latvijas Avīze” is responsible for the content of the publication.
The Valka City Culture House recently witnessed an extraordinary Live Music Festival where celebrated bands from Latvia and Estonia came together to perform on a singular stage, captivating the audience with their vibrant music, as reported by the newspaper “Ziemeļlatvija.”
The highly anticipated festival was orchestrated by the “Hägenskalnas muzikanti” chapel based in Riga, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the region. Valka proudly featured the local folk music ensemble “Sudmalinias,” under the adept direction of conductor Unda Ozoliņa. The festival also delighted attendees with a remarkable performance by Aivars Katajs, an accomplished harmonica player from Skrīveriem, who enchanted the crowd with his songs in both Latvian and Estonian. Adding to the festival’s allure, the audience was treated to previously unheard folk melodies from Latvia and Lithuania, performed by the talented duo Janta and Ilmārs Meži from Riga. The reception was ecstatic as the Latvian public enthusiastically welcomed two Estonian musical acts – the folk group “Palat Nr.7” hailing from Pärnu and the dynamic music group “Heino Tartes Ja Sobrad” from Pilva. The concert was also recorded for posterity by Latvian Television.
In a delightful prelude to the concert, the unveiling of a new songbook titled “Dziesmu galds” (or “Laululaid” in Estonian) took place. This remarkable publication features 17 well-loved songs in both Latvian and Estonian, bridging cultural divides through music.
The event also fostered a spirit of unity through communal singing, bringing together Latvians and Estonians as they learned to sing popular table songs in their respective languages.
After exploring the new songbook, many attendees discovered that numerous table songs cherished by Latvians, such as “I will sing for you, the land of my father” and “Pie Dzintara miyus,” are also beloved by Estonians, reinforcing the shared cultural tapestry of the two nations.
The songbook is accompanied by two sound discs, enhancing the experience. Each song is paired with sheet music, complemented by a QR code linking to a website where listeners can enjoy the song’s accompaniment while singing along.
“This joint concert of Latvians and Estonians will warm the heart for a long time,” expressed visitor Signe Jansone from Riga, reflecting on the deep emotional resonance of the event.
Estonian musicians were taken aback by the warmth of the performances, especially the chapel “Palat No. 7,” while Aivars Kataj received widespread acclaim for his captivating harmonica playing. The local chapel “Sudmalinas” also left a lasting impression with their heartfelt and passionate performance, establishing a truly memorable experience for all attendees.
MAF 2024
Photo: #sif_maf2024
The publication was created as part of the project “My parish, my city,” involving collaboration between “Latvijas Avīze” and several local newspapers including “Staburags,” “Dzirkstele,” “Zemgales Ziņas,” “Bauskas Dzīve,” “Alūksnes und Malienas Ziņas,” and “Ziemeļlatvija.”
Contribution of the media support fund from Latvian state budget funds. “Latvijas Avīze” is responsible for the content of the publication.
**Interview with Signe Jansone: Attendee of the Live Music Festival at Valka City Culture House**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Signe! You attended the recent Live Music Festival in Valka. Can you tell us about your experience?
**Signe Jansone:** Absolutely! It was a remarkable event. The atmosphere was electric, and seeing Latvian and Estonian musicians sharing the same stage was truly special.
**Editor:** What stood out to you the most about the performances?
**Signe Jansone:** There were so many highlights! Aivars Katajs on the harmonica was particularly captivating. He sang in both Latvian and Estonian, and his charm really resonated with the audience. The local folk ensemble “Sudmalinias,” conducted by Unda Ozoliņa, also brought a heartfelt energy that warmed everyone’s hearts.
**Editor:** That sounds amazing! The festival also featured previously unheard folk songs from Latvia and Lithuania. How did the audience react to those performances?
**Signe Jansone:** There was a genuine anticipation in the crowd. People were enthusiastic about discovering new music, and the applause after each performance was overwhelming. It was a great moment of cultural exchange that everyone appreciated.
**Editor:** I heard that a new songbook, “Dziesmu galds,” was introduced during the festival. Can you tell us what that was about?
**Signe Jansone:** Yes, the songbook is wonderful! It contains 17 songs in both Latvian and Estonian, and it even includes QR codes to listen to the accompaniment. Many attendees were surprised to find that songs familiar to us, like “I will sing for you, the land of my father,” are also loved in Estonia.
**Editor:** That’s a wonderful way to connect communities! Did you participate in the joint singing sessions?
**Signe Jansone:** Absolutely! Singing songs together was one of my favorite parts. It didn’t matter that some of us didn’t know Estonian; the joy of sharing a song transcended language barriers. It was heartwarming to see everyone join in.
**Editor:** It truly sounds like a celebration of unity and culture! In your opinion, what does this festival mean for the relationship between Latvia and Estonia?
**Signe Jansone:** This festival really showcased the strength of our cultural ties. Music has this incredible ability to bring people together, and events like this remind us that we’re not just neighbors; we’re connected through our heritage. I think it’ll leave a lasting impact on both our communities.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Signe! It’s inspiring to hear about the positive vibes from the festival.
**Signe Jansone:** Thank you for having me! I hope more events like this will happen in the future to continue fostering our connection.
**Editor:** It sounds like the festival was a significant event for musical and cultural exchange! Can you tell us about the songbook “Dziesmu galds” that was presented at the concert?
**Signe Jansone:** Yes, the songbook was such a fantastic addition to the festival! It includes 17 popular songs in both Latvian and Estonian. Many attendees were surprised to discover that some of their favorite Latvian table songs are also loved by Estonians, which reinforced our shared cultural heritage. The inclusion of QR codes for accompaniment is a brilliant touch that makes it all the more engaging!
**Editor:** That’s impressive! The communal singing aspect also seems like a highlight. How did it feel participating in that?
**Signe Jansone:** It was an unforgettable experience! Singing together created a beautiful sense of unity between everyone—Latvians and Estonians alike. There’s something truly special about sharing a song, and you could feel the connection in the air. It was a joyful celebration of our cultures coming together.
**Editor:** How did the Estonian musicians respond to the festival?
**Signe Jansone:** They were pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the Latvian audience. The performance of the Estonian folk group “Palat Nr.7” was especially well-received. It’s heartwarming to see how music transcends borders and brings people together.
**Editor:** Any final thoughts about the festival you’d like to share?
**Signe Jansone:** it was a beautiful reminder of how music unites us, creating bonds that go beyond language and nationality. The festival truly warmed the heart, and I believe it will resonate within our community for a long time to come.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Signe! It sounds like an incredible celebration of culture and community.
The Baltic Beat: A Festive Salsa of Sound at Valka City Culture House
Ladies and gentlemen, hold onto your hats (and perhaps your humdrum dinner conversations) because something rather remarkable has sprung up in the Baltic region this week. The Valka City Culture House, which I imagine as a sophisticated venue frequented by local hipsters and bumbling tourists alike, recently hosted a Live Music Festival that showcased not just a smattering of homegrown talent, but generous heaps of musical enthusiasm from both Latvian and Estonian bands. Yes, that’s right, folks – no one was spared the electric joy of this cross-border cultural explosion!
Now, I can already hear some of you saying, “Hold on, Latvian and Estonian music together? That’s like mixing vodka with aquavit!” But according to the newspaper “Ziemeļlatvija,” it turns out the blend was smoother than any concoction you’d find at your local bar. A big round of applause to the local legends—Hägenskalnas muzikanti—who made this musical gamble a reality. They bravely set the stage, proving that unity can indeed be found in a raucous chorus and a shared love of songs that may or may not reference how to properly pickle herring.
Picture this: the Valka audience packed in tighter than sardines—if sardines had rhythm. The folk music ensemble “Sudmalinias,” under the baton of the talented conductor Unda Ozoliņa, provided the folksy charm that warmed the cockles of everyone’s heart. Then there was Aivars Katajs, a harmonica virtuoso from Skrīveriem, singing in both Latvian and Estonian. Now that’s what I call a multicultural mash-up! I mean, this guy could charm the pants off a statue, let alone crank out tunes that might have even made Martin Luther King Jr. pause and say, “You know what? I have a dream… and it sounds a bit like this!”
Throughout this auspicious event, we witnessed cultural exchanges that would make even the most seasoned diplomat raise an eyebrow. Janta and Ilmārs Meži from Riga dazzled the audience with previously unheard folk songs. And just when you thought the night couldn’t get any better, two Estonian bands, the folk quintet “Palat Nr.7” and the wonderfully named “Heino Tartes Ja Sobrad”—which I can only assume translates to “Heino, Tartes, and Friends”—took to the stage and rocked the house down!
But wait, there’s more: as if the festival needed any additional pizzazz, there was the introduction of a new songbook titled “Dziesmu galds” (which sounds like the name of a very hip café, doesn’t it?). This gem boasts not just a collection of 17 popular songs in both languages, but also comes equipped with QR codes that lead you straight to the song’s accompaniment tracks. Because, of course, nothing says “Baltic bonding” like sticking your smartphone in the air and singing out of tune with your neighbors while trying to figure out if you’re actually in a folk gathering or a scene from a buddy cop movie!
And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want their heart warmed? Judge not a culture by its vodka, but by its ability to bring people together for a good sing-along! The festival even turned up some surprising revelations. Local attendees discovered that songs they had sung for years, like “I will sing for you, the land of my father,” are equally beloved across the border by our Estonian friends. Talk about a musical plot twist—it’s like finding out that your favorite childhood cartoon had a cousin you never knew existed!
So what’s the takeaway here? This joyous gathering didn’t just entertain; it spun a web of community spirit and cross-cultural delight. As one attendee, Signe Jansone from Riga, aptly put it: “Aivars Kataj charmed with his game.” I couldn’t agree more! What’s clearer than crystal is that music is indeed the universal language—and boy, does it play on repeat in the heart of the Baltic region.
All in all, this lovely festival reminds us that amidst the hustle, bustle, and weekly stresses of life, there’s something undeniably connective about gathering over a shared song and a cup of locally brewed coffee (or whatever beverage fuels your fire). The warm hugs and cross-border harmonies embraced by Latvians and Estonians alike are a lesson for us all: it’s better to sing together than to sulk alone!