The Latvian Radio Big Band celebrates the centenary of the Baltic States

march 27, 2018

In celebration of the Centenary of the Baltic States, Vilnius Jazz Festival was presented a concert entitled "Beat the Rhythm of Tomorrow. Jazzy Baltic Freedom" at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre in Vilnius.

The idea of the concert was focused on jazz music which embodies novelty, modern spirit and freedom of interpretation, and reflects innovative urban culture.

The show was featured Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian jazz stars representing various generations. Accompanied by the internationally renowned Latvian Radio Big Band, the musicians performed compositions and songs written by the Baltic States composers, interpretations of folk music, jazz standards and much more.

During the visit, Maestro Raimonds Pauls and the Artistic Director of the Latvian Radio Big Band Maris Briezkalns received several official meetings, including the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania Saulius Skvernelis, the Republic of Lithuania Minister of Culture Liana Ruokytė-Jonsson, the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia to the Republic of Lithuania, Einars Semanis, and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, where Raimonds Pauls was awarded with the Medal of Honor.

The audience also had the opportunity to enjoy Kristine Praulina, the winner of the international jazz contest Riga Jazz Stage Grand Prix, a powerful vocalist, with Maestro Raimonds Pauls at the piano.

"Beat the Rhythm of Tomorrow. Jazzy Baltic Freedom" concert, dedicated to the Centenary of the Baltic States, was equally beautiful and powerful, showing an attractively selected bouquet of brilliant soloists from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and also proving the highest level of internationally renowned Latvian Radio Big Band. Thanks a million, - Antanas Gustys, Vilnius Jazz Festival Director