The special occasion of the program ‘Jānis Šipkēvics un Reinis Zariņš. Latvians’ is the extensive cycle Baltas dziesmas by multiple Grand Music Award winner Andris Dzenītis, with lyrics by Aleksandra Line. This original composition, which was started during the pandemic and finished as life nearby is torn apart by cruelty, has been created out of a ‘need for calming, sheltering music that would resemble a warm and deeply personal embrace. The music and lyrics speak and tell of all the good things around us, of positive and remarkable human traits – sincerity, love, courage, open-mindedness, fairness, justice, respect, sacrifice, presence, comfort. No apogee, no dramatics, just letting the listener enjoy spiritual refuge.’
Thanks to this work, two of the brightest musicians of their generation will perform together for the first time on the night of June 9 on the stage of the Dzintari Concert Hall. The owner of the captivating voice with an incredibly broad spectrum of genres, Jānis Šipkēvics, will present his talents as a lyricist as well, and, in collaboration with the author of thoughtful interpretations and versatile pianist Reinis Zariņš, he will perform Arturs Maskats’ songs.
The program will also feature Krists Auznieks’ poetic piano piece ‘Carmine’, as well the fulfillment of a musical dream: ‘I am immensely grateful to Andris Dzenītis for the opportunity to create completely new sound collaborations and to share the stage with Reinis Zariņš for the first time. It is a great gift from God. And Benjamin Britten has always struck me as extremely contemporary and archaic at the same time, I have always cherished his ‘Canticle II’, which tells of Abraham’s beautiful confidence in God as he entrusted Him with his most beloved son. I once interpreted it at the age of 18, and now I return to it from a completely different perspective. I am very glad that conductor and singer Mārtiņš Klišāns will join me in the role of a father – he was my mentor during my time in the boys’ choir and has greatly contributed to my growth as a musician and a person,’ says Jānis Šipkēvics.
PROGRAMME
Benjamin Britten; original works by Jānis Šipkēvics, Arturs Maskats’s songs with lyrics by Jānis Šipkevics, and Andris Dzenītis - Baltas dziesmas /White Songs (premiere)
PARTICIPANTS
Jānis Šipkēvics, vocals
Mārtiņš Klišāns, vocals
Reinis Zariņš, piano
