SPRING FESTIVAL WINDSTREAM 2025
WINDSTREAM Spring Festival 2025
Presented by Orchestra “Riga”
March 20 – April 21, 2025
This spring, Orchestra “Riga” proudly launches the 13th edition of its signature event – the WINDSTREAM Spring Festival 2025 – under the motto: “Awaken and remember, listen and enjoy!” From March 20 to April 21, music lovers are invited to enjoy five stylistically and genre-rich concerts across Riga.
Festival opening Concert “SINATRA, REIMAGINED“
March 20, 7 PM at Cinema Splendid Palace
The festival opens with a glamorous tribute to the legendary Frank Sinatra in the concert “A Different Sinatra”. This unique program will spotlight the Orchestra “Riga” Big Band, led by conductor Raitis Ašmanis, and feature vocalist Anyanya Udongwo – a Nigerian-born, Lithuania-based singer with a soulful voice and international acclaim.
The evening will celebrate Sinatra’s most iconic hits, including “Strangers in the Night”, “My Way”, and “New York, New York”, with fresh big band arrangements by Patrick Williams and Dan Costa. Ašmanis highlights that many of Williams’ arrangements are rarely heard in Latvia and bring both excitement and challenge to the musicians. The music will be richly textured, enhanced by flutes, clarinets, and trombones, with a strong element of jazz improvisation throughout.
Singer Anyanya Udongwo began his career singing in church choirs during medical studies in Ukraine. Though trained as a surgeon, his passion for music soon led him to the stage. He won The Voice of Lithuania 2023 and has since performed in numerous jazz concerts and festivals across Europe.
“STOCKHOLM BRASS & ORCHESTRA RIGA”
April 10, 7 PM at Ziedonis Hall, National Library of Latvia
Experience a world-class brass performance as Orchestra “Riga” joins forces with the renowned Swedish quintet Stockholm Chamber Brass, conducted by Valdis Butāns. Founded in 1988, Stockholm Chamber Brass quickly rose to international fame, winning first prize at the International Brass Competition in Narbonne, France. Over the past 35 years, they’ve commissioned over 50 new works from leading composers like Anders Hillborg and Andrea Tarrodi, and are recognized globally for their innovative repertoire. Their acclaimed recordings “Clockworks” and “Then” reflect this artistic vision. The American Record Guide praised Clockworks as “the best brass quintet imaginable.” The ensemble also runs its own academy in Sweden, fostering young talent in brass chamber music. Program highlights include a chamber music set by Stockholm Chamber Brass, collaborative performances with Orchestra “Riga” of Dana Wilson’s “Quintessence”, Mats Larsson Gothe’s “Clockworks”
Memorial Concert “REMEMBER ME”
March 25, 7 PM at Riga Cathedral
In commemoration of the Victims of Communist Genocide, this deeply moving concert features cellist Ēriks Kiršfelds and Orchestra “Riga”, conducted by Valdis Butāns. The program includes emotional works by Latvian composers Jānis Ivanovs and Rihards Dubra, as well as the world premiere of Gaits Jānis Pujāts’ new cycle “Mākoņdaivas”. The composer describes it as “a musical sketch of different cloud forms – evoking childhood, home, and the scent of Latvia, no matter where life takes us.”
Good Friday Concert “STABAT MATER”
April 18, 7 PM at St. John’s Church, Riga
On Good Friday, the festival presents a sacred concert conducted by Andris Veismanis, featuring Orchestra “Riga” and the Ave Sol Chamber Choir. The evening will include the editorial premiere of Uģis Prauliņš’ Stabat Mater, along with spiritual works by Vilnis Šmīdbergs, Jēkabs Mediņš, J. S. Bach, and Antonio Lotti – creating a deeply reflective musical experience in preparation for Easter.
Family concert “MUSICAL ILLUSIONS ON EASTER MONDAY”
April 21, 7 PM at Ziemeļblāzma Culture Palace
This joyful Easter Monday concert is specially designed for families with children aged 5 and up. Featuring the illusionist Edžus and Orchestra “Riga”, conducted by Valdis Butāns, the concert blends magical tricks and playful music to surprise and delight. Rumor has it the Easter Bunny is hiding in the magician’s hat – and only the power of live orchestral music can coax him out! At 14:00, a creative workshop for children will be led by Edžus before the performance.
Festival WINDSTREAM is made possible with the support of the State Culture Capital Foundation and the Riga City Council. Students, schoolchildren, and pensioners receive a 15% discount on all festival concerts.
