A
press conference timed for the launch of the Baltic
Musical Seasons
project, which should become one of the brightest events in the
cultural life of the Baltic region and the entire Europe, was held in
Riga. Within the framework of the project, it is planned to hold
important international events in the field of classical music art in
Latvia.
To
implement the project, the Foundation of the same name was
established. Its founders of which are large Latvian and foreign
businesspersons and patrons of art.
At
the event, the Organisers presented the program of the first concert
cycle, told about the plans and ideas for the development of the
project and shared their goals.
The
press conference was opened by the chairman of the Board of Trustees
of the Baltic
Musical Seasons
Foundation, the well-known businessman and philanthropist Guntis
Ravis: "We are proud of the Latvian opera and classical music
stars, whose talent is recognised all over the world – Elina
Garanca, Kristine Opolais, Gidon Kremer, Andris Nelsons
and many others. However, I believe that the time has come to take
the next step and designate Latvia on the European map as a
competitive, valuable cultural destination. If we can ensure the
high-quality offer and become the best in the region, both
connoisseurs of art and the state budget will benefit from it. This
will be an excellent alternative to the usual summer festivals in
Jurmala, as our project is called upon to promote high art in the
long term," he said, stressing that Latvia has the potential to
become the most popular European destination of cultural tourism.
In
turn, the art director of the Foundation, director Andrejs Zagars
promised that not only the debut concert season, but also the further
program of the Baltic
Musical Seasons
will be eventful and interesting.
"During
the next events, the Latvian audience will have the opportunity to
hear great artists on our stage for the first time, and the
Foundation's strategy for the next year will allow us to
significantly expand the genre's boundaries, and will present many
pleasant surprises not only to connoisseurs of classical music, but
to the admirers of modern art as well. We plan to henceforth
cooperate with legendary musicians, choreographers and theatre
directors from around the world," Zagars assured.
The
director of the Baltic
Musical Seasons
Foundation Alexander Gafin noted that thanks to the financial support
of the founders of the Foundation, the price policy of the events
will be democratic, which will allow local and foreign connoisseurs
of classical music to enjoy extra-class concerts, regardless of
material wealth. In addition, he expressed confidence that the
project will be successful and will gain popularity not only in
Latvia but also in Europe.
Chairperson
of the Board of the company ART
Forte
Julija Locmele also attended the press conference. She stressed the
importance of the established Foundation for the popularisation of
classics in Latvia and the opportunity to finance major projects.
The
first concert cycle will be opened on the 3rd
of June in the Dzintari
concert hall by the tour of the legendary Italian conductor Riccardo
Muti and his Luigi Cherubini Youth Symphony Orchestra.
In
addition, the summer program includes performances by other brightest
stars of the world classics: the magnificent opera divas Elina
Garanca and Hibla Gerzmava, Kristine Opolais, Lawrence Brownlee and
Sarah Coburn, one of the best trumpet-players on the planet Chris
Botti, incomparable violinist Joshua Bell and pianist-virtuoso Denis
Matsuev.
The
founders of the Foundation and members of the Board of Trustees:
Guntis Ravis, Mikhail Fridman, Pyotr Aven, Arkadiy Sukharenko,
Alexander Gafin, Yuri Shefler and Leon Zilber.
Tickets
for the concerts of the Baltic
Musical Seasons
are available in the city's box offices and on the website
www.bilesuparadize.lv.
Press-contact:
marketing@balticmusicalseasons.com
Distributed by Pressat