Opening event of RIGA SINGS © INTERKULTUR

RIGA SINGS again!

1st International Choir Competition & Imants Kokars Choral Award opened

RIGA SINGS

Since yesterday evening, RIGA SINGS again! After hosting the successful 8th World Choir Games 2014 and the Grand Prix of Nations Riga 2017 & 3rd European Choir Games, yesterday the opening of the first edition of RIGA SINGS - International Choir Competition & Imants Kokars Choral Award rang in five days of excellent choral singing, international friendship and harmony between cultures.

31 choirs from 11 nations take part in this prelude event of a new series, which was officially opened in Riga Congress Center yesterday evening. The opening event started with the Latvian Folklore group Tautumeitas, followed by official welcome of the participating nations including an emotional entry of their respective countries’ flags. The participants were then officially addressed and welcomed by Riga Deputy Mayor Olegs Burovs and Baiba Šmite, Head of Culture Board of the Education, Culture and Sports Department of Riga City Council.

RIGA SINGS is supposed to fulfil the dream of the world famous Latvian conductor Imants Kokars († 2011) to hold an international choir competition in Riga, as the Artistic Director of the event, Latvian conductor and Artistic Director of INTERKULTUR, Romāns Vanags emphasized in his welcome speech. He added that RIGA SINGS was a seal of peace, friendship and song spirit, in which everyone would strive to achieve the best result; one choir would take the “Imants Kokars Choral Award” home and let the Maestro shine in the world.

For the second part of the opening event a selection of participating choirs took the audience on a tour around the world, presenting choral music from different countries and regions: Adolf Fredriks Musikklasser 9CD (Sweden), Bel Chorus (Norway), Ak. Khor Muzikalnogo Uchilischa RAM imeni Gnesinikh (Russia), Seisen High School Choir (Japan), and Emīla Dārziņa jauktais koris (Latvia) presented their skills on stage – a nice preview of what’s to come during the upcoming days!

The competitions of RIGA SINGS are starting today – keep following the event on Facebook and instagram! A livestream of the concert of Imants Kokars choirs will start here tonight, 19:30 h local time.

Opening event of RIGA SINGS © INTERKULTUR Opening event of RIGA SINGS © INTERKULTUR Opening event of RIGA SINGS © INTERKULTUR
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