Latvian music masters to host workshop on choir music

Our Reporter
Dimapur, Feb. 10 (EMN): The Embassy of Latvia in India in collaboration with Hope Centre for Excellence, Patkai Christian College and the Associate Board of Royal School of Music (ABRSM) will be conducting a workshop on choir music on February 10 and the 11th, and a choral concert on February 12 at Patkai Christian College in Dimapur.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror, ambassador of Latvia to India, HE Artis Bertulis, said he has visited other states of the Northeast region but this is his first time in Nagaland. He said to have heard that Nagaland had a strong choral foundation in western classical music.

Bertulis informed that the project has gained huge momentum. The choral master class and concert will be conducted by Latvian conductors Janis Ozols in partnership with vocal coach and composer Laura Jekabsone.

When queried about artists from Nagaland, he said to be impressed by the quality of the choir singing and added that the choir students are skilled and well-trained.

Bertulis opined that they can also contribute something more as their own country Latvia have strong choral traditions besides being internationally well known as the ‘Land That Sings.’

During the oppression from the Soviet occupation it was the singing of patriotic songs together that brought the people together, he added. For them, he explained, it was called a ‘singing revolution,’ which is also a form of non-violence.

He informed that the project comes within the framework of the Latvia 100 years celebration of being a republic. This year will be its 102nd year, it was informed.

Bertulis said he is also here to establish political contacts with the state for commercial development as Nagaland is opening up. He said to have observed that a lot of things are in the process.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror vocal coach and composer Laura Jekabsone she said the choral event will really make a beautiful concert and the reason they are here is to represent Latvia and share about their cultural stories, and heritage. She said to be honoured to be part of the event.

She said various techniques will be taught to the choir students. She hoped they will learn as it is very necessary for choir processes and music in general as well.
The two-week-long choral event by Latvian conductors Laura Jekabsone and Janis Ozols will conduct a concert at the Bundrock Auditorium in Patkai Christian College on February 12 and the next will be at Delhi and NCR, and then Maharashtra and Karanataka on February 23, it was informed.