Bach and the Jubilarians. Vasks, Kalējs, Zemzaris

Vita Kalnciema (organ)
Programme: J. S. Bach, P. Vasks, A. Kalējs, I. Zemzaris

2026.10.aprīlis_Rīgas Doms (1).pdf

In the spring of 2026, Rīgas Doms will become the home of an important organ music celebration, marking the anniversaries of three outstanding Latvian composers — Pēteris Vasks (80), Imants Zemzaris (75), and Aivars Kalējs (75). They are universally recognized classics whose contribution to Latvia’s culture is invaluable.
The music of Pēteris Vasks has for several decades been widely performed across the world, becoming a symbol of spiritual strength and love. Aivars Kalējs, himself an active organist and prolific composer, is regarded as a leading figure in contemporary organ music, with his works included in the repertoires of distinguished international performers. Meanwhile, Imants Zemzaris, with his picturesque and poetic sound world, holds a special place in the landscape of Latvian music.

Eight distinguished Latvian organists will perform nearly all the organ works composed by the jubilarians to date in seven concerts — a significant and unprecedented event in Latvia’s concert life.

The programs will be complemented by organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach — each year on 31 March, Rīgas Doms celebrates Bach’s birthday. His organ music, filled with majestic virtuosity and the breath of cathedral grandeur, represents the golden repertoire of the instrument.

On 10 April, as part of the cycle, organist Vita Kalnciema will perform, vividly highlighting the many-voiced stylistic signatures of Latvian composers. Alongside Bach’s iconic Toccata and Fugue in D minor (BWV 565), the program will feature Vasks’ hymn-like Canto di forza, Zemzaris’ Gaidas un korālis and Patiesība, as well as Kalējs’ Prayer and Solitudinem faciunt.

In the concluding moments of Solitudinem faciunt, the composer wishes to convey the message that Christ, granting eternal peace to the victims of the world’s tragedies, overcomes violence through all-encompassing love.