PARTICIPANTS
Orchestra RIGA
Conductor Raitis Ašmanis
Soloist Anyanya Udongwo
Moderator Anete Ašmane-Vilsone
The WINDSTREAM 2025 festival's opening concert offers an elegant fusion of instrumental mastery and soulful vocals. The Orchestra Rīga Big Band, under the seasoned direction of conductor Raitis Ašmanis, will deliver a program that celebrates the enduring legacy of Frank Sinatra. The evening's repertoire includes iconic hits such as "Strangers in the Night," "My Way," and "New York, New York," featuring sophisticated big band arrangements from the album “Sinatraland” by Patrick Williams and Dan Costa.
Enhancing the performance is Nigerian-born, Lithuania-based vocalist Anyanya Udongwo, whose journey from medicine to music has captivated audiences. After moving to Ukraine in 2009 to study medicine, Udongwo discovered his passion for singing through church choir participation. He later transitioned to a full-time music career, winning the 10th season of The Voice of Lithuania in 2023.
Conductor Raitis Ašmanis notes that Patrick Williams' big band arrangements, showcased in the concert's first part, are rarely performed in Latvia. He describes them as a treat for listeners and a challenge for musicians, featuring dynamic, exuberant music enriched with additional flutes, clarinets, and trombones, creating a richly textured sound. Improvisation plays a key role in Williams' jazz arrangements, offering every instrumental group a moment to shine.
This concert marks a reunion of the orchestra and its conductor, celebrating their shared history and dedication to jazz excellence. The collaboration with Anyanya Udongwo adds a vibrant vocal dimension, promising an unforgettable evening that honors the timeless appeal of Sinatra's music.
