upcoming concerts:
march 6, 2026, 7 pm - Latvian Radio Big Band | jazz ensamble “LUPA” | Karlis Vanags | Paula Saija @ riga congress hall
A celebration of contemporary Latvian jazz will take the main stage at the Riga Congress Centre, where the Latvian Radio Big Band will join forces with the modern jazz ensemble “LUPA”. This two-part concert invites listeners on a journey through fresh musical currents, bold sonic textures and the creative energy that’s shaping today’s jazz scene.
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The evening will open with the world premiere of “The Seventh Sense”, a selection of new works by Kārlis Vanags, the Latvian Radio Big Band’s musical director, composer, arranger, and saxophonist. Inspired by the mysterious power of intuition and the undiscovered potential of the human mind, the programme reflects on that inner voice we sense but often overlook in the bustle of everyday life. Derived from the Latin intueri (“to look within”), intuition draws from our experiences, knowledge, and the subconscious, processing and guiding us in a split second. While the conscious mind hesitates, calculates, and doubts, intuition often reveals the truest answer. “The Seventh Sense” asks – do we listen, do we acknowledge? Can empathy be cultivated? These ideas unfold through the vivid interplay, colours, and textures of the big band’s instruments.
This concert also marks the release of the programme’s new recording under the recording label “Jersika Records”, and it will be available for purchase before and after the performance.
II
In the second half, the big band will be joined by the cutting-edge jazz fusion group “LUPA” for a modern fusion experience. The program will feature brand-new works and big band arrangements by “LUPA’s” keyboardist Ritvars Garoza, alongside special big band versions of the group’s most beloved pieces. The evening’s special guest is acclaimed vocalist Paula Saija.
Founded in 2016, LUPA bridges instrumental jazz, analogue electronics, and contemporary fusion. The group brings together four of Latvia’s most innovative musicians: Dāvis Jurka – alto saxophone, “Erica Synths” effects; Ritvars Garoza – synthesisers, “Fender Rhodes”; Valters Sprūdžs – bass guitar; Andris Buiķis – drums, “Tempest” analogue drum machine.
tickets
I
The evening will open with the world premiere of “The Seventh Sense”, a selection of new works by Kārlis Vanags, the Latvian Radio Big Band’s musical director, composer, arranger, and saxophonist. Inspired by the mysterious power of intuition and the undiscovered potential of the human mind, the programme reflects on that inner voice we sense but often overlook in the bustle of everyday life. Derived from the Latin intueri (“to look within”), intuition draws from our experiences, knowledge, and the subconscious, processing and guiding us in a split second. While the conscious mind hesitates, calculates, and doubts, intuition often reveals the truest answer. “The Seventh Sense” asks – do we listen, do we acknowledge? Can empathy be cultivated? These ideas unfold through the vivid interplay, colours, and textures of the big band’s instruments.
This concert also marks the release of the programme’s new recording under the recording label “Jersika Records”, and it will be available for purchase before and after the performance.
II
In the second half, the big band will be joined by the cutting-edge jazz fusion group “LUPA” for a modern fusion experience. The program will feature brand-new works and big band arrangements by “LUPA’s” keyboardist Ritvars Garoza, alongside special big band versions of the group’s most beloved pieces. The evening’s special guest is acclaimed vocalist Paula Saija.
Founded in 2016, LUPA bridges instrumental jazz, analogue electronics, and contemporary fusion. The group brings together four of Latvia’s most innovative musicians: Dāvis Jurka – alto saxophone, “Erica Synths” effects; Ritvars Garoza – synthesisers, “Fender Rhodes”; Valters Sprūdžs – bass guitar; Andris Buiķis – drums, “Tempest” analogue drum machine.
tickets
MARCH 26, 2026, 7 PM - American Jazz Night. Miles Davis 100. Porgy and Bess @ Spikeri concert hall
In honour of the legendary American trumpeter Miles Davis’ (1926-1991) 100th anniversary, the Latvian Radio Big Band invites audiences to experience Davis’ iconic interpretation of themes from George Gershwin’s timeless opera “Porgy and Bess” – melodies that have become beloved jazz standards worldwide.
As a visionary trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and fearless innovator, Miles Davis shaped nearly every major direction in modern jazz. From cool jazz to modal jazz and fusion, his creative voice defined entire eras and continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Adding even more brilliance to this extraordinary concert, acclaimed Austrian jazz trumpeter Gerhard Ornig will join as a distinguished guest soloist to embody the spirit of Miles.
“American Jazz Night” at the Spikeri Concert Hall – a concert series that focuses on the birthplace of jazz, the USA, highlighting legends of jazz music, especially big band music
TICKETS
As a visionary trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and fearless innovator, Miles Davis shaped nearly every major direction in modern jazz. From cool jazz to modal jazz and fusion, his creative voice defined entire eras and continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Adding even more brilliance to this extraordinary concert, acclaimed Austrian jazz trumpeter Gerhard Ornig will join as a distinguished guest soloist to embody the spirit of Miles.
“American Jazz Night” at the Spikeri Concert Hall – a concert series that focuses on the birthplace of jazz, the USA, highlighting legends of jazz music, especially big band music
TICKETS
APRIL 16, 2026, 7 PM - American Jazz Night. Girls and guitars @ SPIKERI CONCERT HALL
The name of the concert takes its inspiration from the album “A Girl and Her Guitar” from the 1960 album by American jazz guitarist Mary Osborne, celebrating the women who helped shape jazz guitar – an instrument long dominated by men, especially in the big band format. From pioneers like Osborne, Emily Remler, and Mary Halvorson to today’s rising voices, the concert pays tribute to their artistry.
Taking the spotlight are Latvian jazz guitarist and recent Latvian Grand Music Award nominee Ella Zīriņa, alongside acclaimed British guitarist–vocalist Rosie Frater-Taylor.
The programme is conceived by British saxophonist, arranger, and conductor Phil Meadows, known for his cross-genre work with the Metropole Orkest and BBC Concert Orchestra.
Audiences will hear original works by Zīriņa and Frater-Taylor in brand new arrangements created especially for this event.
“American Jazz Night” at the Spikeri Concert Hall – a concert series that focuses on the birthplace of jazz, the USA, highlighting legends of jazz music, especially big band music.
TICKETS
Taking the spotlight are Latvian jazz guitarist and recent Latvian Grand Music Award nominee Ella Zīriņa, alongside acclaimed British guitarist–vocalist Rosie Frater-Taylor.
The programme is conceived by British saxophonist, arranger, and conductor Phil Meadows, known for his cross-genre work with the Metropole Orkest and BBC Concert Orchestra.
Audiences will hear original works by Zīriņa and Frater-Taylor in brand new arrangements created especially for this event.
“American Jazz Night” at the Spikeri Concert Hall – a concert series that focuses on the birthplace of jazz, the USA, highlighting legends of jazz music, especially big band music.
TICKETS
APRIL 29, 2026, 7 PM - Ola Onabulé | Latvian Radio Big Band @ RIGA CONGRESS HALL
Ola Onabulé, the internationally acclaimed British-Nigerian singer and composer, performs live with the Latvian Radio Big Band once again. Celebrated for his astonishing three-and-a-half-octave vocal range and collaborations with Grammy-winning orchestras across the globe, Ola brings unmatched sophistication and virtuosity to the stage.
The evening will feature selections from his acclaimed album “Point Less”, with dazzling arrangements by one of today’s most distinguished big band leaders, Ed Partyka. This is a concert to celebrate jazz, world-class musicianship, and pure vocal brilliance. Ola Onabulé’s performances are captivating and inspiring!
The evening will feature selections from his acclaimed album “Point Less”, with dazzling arrangements by one of today’s most distinguished big band leaders, Ed Partyka. This is a concert to celebrate jazz, world-class musicianship, and pure vocal brilliance. Ola Onabulé’s performances are captivating and inspiring!
JUNE 11, 2026, 7 PM - China Moses | Latvian Radio Big Band @ RIGA CONGRESS HALL
China Moses is a true storyteller – her voice radiates power, soul, and elegance, transforming every performance into an unforgettable emotional journey. With her dynamic stage presence and uncanny ability to bring songs to life, she creates a concert experience that is cherished by audiences worldwide.
Daughter of the legendary jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, China discovered her passion for music at an early age. Her artistry blends the timeless essence of jazz, blues, and soul, drawing inspiration from icons such as Dinah Washington, Ella Hutton, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, and the great divas of jazz, soul, and R&B.
Her latest album, “it’s complicated…”, explores the depths of love, weaving emotion into every note and word. This concert is especially remarkable – it will mark China’s first-ever big band recording, later to be released as a live album. Audiences attending will witness this once-in-a-lifetime musical moment live. The program features China Moses’s original compositions from “it’s complicated…,” “Crazy Blues,” and “Nightintales”, specially arranged for the Latvian Radio Big Band, alongside legendary jazz, blues, and soul classics.
A concert with China Moses is a concert not to be missed!
TICKETS
Daughter of the legendary jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, China discovered her passion for music at an early age. Her artistry blends the timeless essence of jazz, blues, and soul, drawing inspiration from icons such as Dinah Washington, Ella Hutton, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, and the great divas of jazz, soul, and R&B.
Her latest album, “it’s complicated…”, explores the depths of love, weaving emotion into every note and word. This concert is especially remarkable – it will mark China’s first-ever big band recording, later to be released as a live album. Audiences attending will witness this once-in-a-lifetime musical moment live. The program features China Moses’s original compositions from “it’s complicated…,” “Crazy Blues,” and “Nightintales”, specially arranged for the Latvian Radio Big Band, alongside legendary jazz, blues, and soul classics.
A concert with China Moses is a concert not to be missed!
TICKETS
