Opening of the summer season of the Dzintari Concert Hall. Sisters Balanas, Choir Kamēr... and Choir Ave Sol

Program: Johannes Brahms, Pēteris Barisons, Jēkabs Jančevskis

The first part of the concert will feature Johannes Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin and Cello with Orchestra — one of the most important works of the Romantic concerto repertoire, in which both solo instruments engage in an equal dialogue with the symphonic texture. In this opus, Brahms combines musical grandeur with the subtlety characteristic of chamber music, creating an emotionally rich and dramaturgically dense form that particularly highlights the interplay between the soloists.

The second part of the concert is dedicated to the music of Latvian composers, highlighting the connection between the national music tradition and contemporary creative thinking. It will feature Pēteris Barisons’ choral work Brīnumzeme — a piece distinguished by its lyrical atmosphere and delicate choral texture, revealing the aesthetics of Latvian choral music in its classical values.

A special place in the program is held by Jēkabs Jančevskis’ music. Dzintari Concert Hall will host the concert premiere of the work Zeme, as well as the piece Koki. Both works are characterized by a modern musical language, a strong connection to text and symbolic thinking, and careful attention to the colors of the choral sound and emotional intensity. These works resonate organically with the anniversary year of Dzintari Concert Hall, emphasizing the continuity and development of singing culture in Latvia today.

Performers: Kristīne Balanas, violin Margarita Balanas, cello Ilze Grēvele-Skaraine, soprano Rihards Millers, baritone Choir AVE SOL Choir Kamēr Conductor Aivis Greters Festival Orchestra

The 2026 summer season at Dzintari Concert Hall opens with a special concert in the year when the hall will celebrate its 90th anniversary on 27 June. Since 1936, this concert venue has been an important part of professional music life in Latvia and a venue for international events.

The summer season opening concert will feature the Balanas sisters, soloists Ilze Grēvele-Skaraine and Rihards Millers, as well as the Festival Orchestra and the Kamēr and AVE SOL choirs under the direction of conductor Aivis Greters.

Kristīne Balana is a Latvian violinist who graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London. She is a laureate of several international competitions, including the ARD International Music Competition in Munich and the Beare’s International Violin Competition in London.

Margarita Balana is a Latvian cellist and conductor. She made her debut at Wigmore Hall in London at the age of 17 and has performed in concert halls such as Carnegie Hall in New York, Royal Albert Hall in London, Royal Festival Hall in London, Berliner Philharmonie, and Sydney Opera House.

In 2025, Kristīne and Margarita Balana became the first Latvian musicians to sign a recording contract with the label Decca Classics.