RSU mixed choir Rīga winter concert: a peaceful moment before the holidays

Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On 20 December, St. Saviour’s Anglican Church hosted a concert by the RSU mixed choir Rīga “Pēc vienkāršības noilgojies prāts” (A mind longing for simplicity), bringing listeners together in a peaceful and contemplative pre-holiday atmosphere.

The concert programme was designed as a musical kaleidoscope, reflecting on the achievements of the past year and looking ahead to the future. The programme featured compositions by this year’s anniversary celebrants Uldis Stabulnieks and Arvo Pärt, as well as music by Jānis Zālītis, Raimonds Pauls, Georgs Pelēcis, Rihards Dubra, Madars Kalniņš, Ēriks Eglītis, and other composers. The diversity of the programme blended organically with the bright, warm and peaceful atmosphere of the Christmas season.

The choir was conducted by Evita Taranda and Zane Zilberte, with Uģis Meņģelis as choirmaster, while pianist Māris Žagars enriched the concert with his musical accompaniment. The heartfelt interpretation and the church’s acoustics created a particularly intense musical space that captivated the audience.

After the concert, visitors were invited to stay for an informal gathering and enjoy gingerbread baked by the choir members, continuing the evening in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

As conductor Evita Taranda emphasised,

this evening was intended as a brief break from the everyday hustle and bustle – an opportunity to encounter simplicity, peace of mind and tranquillity, which are especially important at the end of the year.