BACH. SCHUBERT. SCHUMANN

In August 2026, admirers of symphonic and organ music are once again invited to the SUMMER CLASSICS concert series, presented by Orchestra RIGA in one of the most distinctive churches of Riga Old Town – St. John’s Church, Riga. This unique medieval building, dating back to the 13th century, combines late Gothic and Renaissance elements and is known for its intimate atmosphere and warm acoustics, making it an ideal setting for the sounds of organ and wind orchestra music.

The program brings together music from different periods, where the Baroque polyphony of Johann Sebastian Bach meets the emotional depth of the 19th century. It leads the listener from Bach’s clear and structured musical language through the more intimate world of early Romanticism to the lyrical and expressive sound of Franz Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony. The influence of Bach can also be heard in the music of Robert Schumann, whose Six Fugues on the Name B-A-C-H, Op. 60 show his strong interest in counterpoint and his admiration for Bach’s work.

PARTICIPANTS

Orchestra RIGA
Organist Aigars Reinis
Conductor Atvars Lakstīgala

PROGRAM

Johann Sebastian Bach – Fantasia in G major, BWV 572 ; Fantasia and Fugue in C minor, BWV 537 (arr. Donald Hunsberger)

Robert Schumann – Fugue No. 3 “Mit sanften Stimmen” from Six Fugues on the Name B-A-C-H, Op. 60 ; Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood), Op. 15 (arr. Hans-Volker Mass Kiless) ; Sketch No. 3 “Lebhaft” from Four Sketches , Op. 58

Franz Schubert –  Symphony No. 8 in B minor / “Unfinished Symphony” D 759 (arr. B. Voļaks).

The closing concert of the series Summer Classics “BACH. SCHUBERT. SCHUMANN” will take place on August 25 at 7PM in St. John’s Church, Riga. Under the direction of Atvars Lakstīgala, Orchestra RIGA is joined by organist Aigars Reinis.

Tickets are available at “Biļešu paradīze” box offices and online, as well as at St. John’s Church, Riga, one hour prior to the concert.