kamerfest.lv - History

Rīga 2024

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 07:53:00 +0000

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Rīga 2018

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:36:00 +0000

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Rīga 2016

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:34:00 +0000

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Rīga 2011

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:33:00 +0000

The organisers of our annual Festival – Competition: Foundation Muzicējam kopā ar draugiem and Jāzeps Mediņš Riga's 1^st music school.

During the day of June 3, the registration and repetitions of participants went on in the concert hall of school. In the evening concert and service at Old St. Gertrude church took place with teachers, students and members of jury playing.

The morning of 4^th June, with traditional old-fashioned Minuet started opening ceremony of Festival – Competition. International jury, leaded by professor Gunta Sproģe from Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, together with her colleagues from France (Evan Rothstein, the chairman of European Chamber Music Teachers Association ECMTA), from Finland (Alexander Kulikov), Estonia (Anneli Kuusk) and Lithuania (Jonas Kazlauskas) as well as Evija Šukeviča, Secretary ofthe Jury, judged the performance of 46 chamber ensembles. Altogether 148 young musicians from Finland, Estonia, Russia, Lithuania and Latvia as well as their 64 teachers were applied for the event. In the evening we all were together in dinner party with rich and tasty regale and true spirit of friendship and cooperation between both – teachers and the children.

Methodical seminar for teachers took place in the morning of June 5^th in which the members of jury spoke, analysing the performance of young musicians and discussing other with our work related questions causing rich debate. The chairman of ECMTA Evan Rothstein told about the aims for the association to support the traditions of chamber music among the young children. The guest from Lithuania Jonas Kazlauskas shared thoughts about this experience in his country. Meanwhile, children and their parents went on a little excursion around the Old Riga. In the noon we all were delighted by the concert in Botanical Garden which gathered a lot of listeners. In the afternoon there was the closing ceremony of the Festival, again in the concert Hall of Mediņš Music School. It was opened with the concert of laureates, after which the awards and thanks giving followed. And then, warm-hearted moments of goodbye from friends in music.

We thank for the support to our many well-wishers and helpers, whose unselfishness, warm heart and sedulous hands helped for the Festival to sound so glamorous!

We also thank to all the listeners and supporters which in such great numbers attended concerts both in Old St. Gertrude church and Botanical garden. Thanks to the congregation and its priest Rolands Eimanis for such inspiring wishes! Thanks for the people of Botanical garden who took us so kind in their kingdom of spring flowers, giving again the opportunity for the children and public to enjoy glamorous blossoming of rhododendrons, together with exciting play of young musicians. The support of listeners also helped young artists to show their best during the Competition.

We invite all the admirers of chamber music to our next, 10^th (Anniversary) International Chamber Music Festival – Competition WE PLAY MUSIC WITH FRIENDS in the spring of year 2012!

Rīga 2010

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:32:00 +0000

The VIII International Festival/Competition “We play music with friends” for chamber ensembles of young performers took place in Riga, Latvia 4-6 June 2010. Organizers was the Foundation„We Play Music with Friends” and Jāzeps Mediņš Riga 1st music school. June 4, Lead-in-concerts of the Festival sounded in Riga streets and squares (at school, Congress House, and at the terrace of Gutenberg near the Dome Square).

5 June morning began with a solemn Festival opening ceremony, which was introduced with a traditional ancient Minuet and school dedicated Romance by Jāzeps Mediņš. 132 participants aged 7 to 19 from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland - 48 chamber ensembles - and 50 teachers attended it. The competition was judged by an international jury composed of professors from Latvia, Finland, Estonia, presided by Gunta Sproge of the Latvian Academy of Music, and including ECMTA Chairman Evan Rothstein. The competition took place in the beautiful concert hall of the recently opened new building Jazeps Medins Riga 1st Music School.

June 6, contestants and other young ensembles performed in Festival concerts in Column Hall at the Historical Museum of Riga and in the Botanical garden of Latvian University, where the magnificent rhododendrons flowering joined the passionate performance of young chamber musicians. The weekend also included a seminar for teachers in attendance, in which members of the jury made comments on the preparation of the contestants and on the organization of the competition. The Festival concluded with a gala concert of the Youth chamber orchestra Armonico and awards ceremony.

Dobele 2009

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:31:00 +0000

VII International Festival-Competition of Chamber Ensembles for Young Performers “We Play Music With Friends” was held in the sunny lilac capital of Dobele.

This year 95 young musicians (32 ensembles) and 56 teachers from Vilnius B. Dvarionas MS, Vilnius M.Churlionis NMS, Tartu H.Eller MS, Dobele, Venstpils, Limbazhi, Liepaja, Tukums, Vetsumnieki, Vidzemes Jurmala, Gluda and Riga (1, 4, P. Jurjāns MS, Jāz. Mediņš Music Schools) went in for the Festival – Competition .

The young chamber musicians had already unofficially opened this year's festival on May 29. On May 30 in the morning the opening ceremony in the exquisitely decorated hall of Music School of Dobele was introduced by traditional sounds of menuet. Everyone present was greeted with good wishes in 4(!) languages by the principal of Dobele Music School Māra Rozentāle, the mayor of Dobele Andris Elksnītis, the artistic director of the festival Gunta Melbārde from Jāzeps Mediņš MS and others.

At the Competition the achievement of children ensembles was evaluated by an international jury. After a joint photo session in the school yard the day was concluded by a brief concert in the Lutheran church of Dobele - moments of peace, gratitude and silent contemplation filled with sounds by teachers' playing. In the evening a joyful friendly gathering took place at Ausātas guest house. A decent meal awaited us there. The kids had fun together performing music in an informal atmosphere. The beautiful weather, the picturesque view of the lake, the adorable scent of the blossoming flowers was like a special present for the young musicians and their teachers from Nature herself.

The next morning was devoted to a seminar for teachers: meeting with the jury and methodic analysis of the children's achievement. Gunta Melbārde told everybody present some news from ECMTA, which resulted in an active informal discussion about daily problems. After that, professor Gunta Sproģe held an open master class with the attractive trio of girls from JMMS.

The Festival concerts took place at the Dobele Palace of Culture and the gorgeous fragrant Lilac Garden in the afternoon. Thanks to the children's sparkling joy of playing music and the responsive audience the concerts turned out to be utterly excellent.

In the evening the music events took place among the ancient ruins of the castle of Dobele. We were all enthralled by the expressive performance of Gaiva string ensemble from RTU (The Technical University of Riga) conducted by Dzidra Pelēķe. Then, at the closing ceremony the results of the Competition were announced, the participants were awarded and warm words of gratitude were said.

Making our farewells we want to thank the hospitable colleagues from Dobele Music School and to say special THANKS to principal Māra Rozentāle and her helpful team for the inexhaustible energy and disinterested assistance. The brightest moments of this music spring were shot thanks to Didzis Biedriņš. If you would like to get some of the video materials, please, contact us.

Organisers of the event, Foundation 'We Play Music with Friends', Jāzeps Mediņš Music School and Dobele Music School would like to thank for support:

Latvian State Culture Capital Fund,

ULMA,

Egils Kaljo personally,

Reklāmdruka,

SIA ONYX and Musica Baltica publishing house

We hope to meet everyone at the traditional annual Masterclasses, which will take place in JMMS, January 8-10, 2010. Outstanding chamber ensemble teachers not only from JVLMA, but also from other countries will be invited.

We also expect young musicians next summers, June 4-6, 2010, in Riga in the new premises of JMMS on 8, Kronvald Boulevard to participate in the VIII International Festival – Competition of Chamber Ensembles for Young Performers 'We Play Music with Friends'.

Thank you, Dobele! And hello, Riga!

Dobele 2008

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:31:00 +0000

The VI International Festival-Competition of Chamber Ensembles for Young Performers “We Play Music With Friends” is over. This time we met again in Dobele (30.V-1.VI 2008). We are grateful to the participants who delighted us with their artistic performance at this musical spring celebration.

The are thankful for financial support to the Culture Capital Foundation, as well as the Municipality of Riga District and the Municipality of Dobele.

This year 44 chamber ensembles (110 jung musicians) and 55 teachers had applied for the enterprise from Pärnu,Vilnius, StPetersburg, Tartu, Baldone, Dobele, Liepaja, Ādaži, Tukums, Vecumnieki, Glūda and five music schools of Riga.

On 31th of Mai the competitors were sincerely welcomed by the Honorary Patron of the Festival-Competition Ingūna Rībena. After the tough hours of competition the children went to discover the most beautiful places of Dobele (the famous wonderful Garden of Lilac!). At the end of the first day there was a silent moment at the lutheran church of Dobele which was followed by a little concert of teachers chamber music ensembles. But eveningtime –Party in the backyard of the music school, the moments of friendship next to the fire place and dinner.

Next morning the teachers met the judges of the competition. It was very valuable to hear the analysis, formal advices and remarks, as well as grateful words about the children’s musical performances. The professor (the Head of Jury) Gunta Sproģe and her colleagues expressed their gratitude for the competition’s professional development and the enthusiasm of its organizers and tell about ECMTA.

On 1st of June the concert of the Festival took place in Dobele Culture House. This time children played the barocal, the classical and contemporary music.

The last concert took place at Palace ruin of Dobele (Chamber orchestra Armonico; the conductor Normunds Dregis). At the end of this concert the jury congratulated the winners of the competition.

We are really thankful to Māra Rozentāle, the director of Music School of Dobele for her great energy and generous help.

Next year on 9th - 11th of January we have intended to organize three-day masterclasses for children and their teachers and to invite pedagogues of chamber ensembles from Latvian Academy of Music and their foreign colleagues to take part in the workshop.

Looking forward for meeting you in Dobele, the capital city of lilac, on 5th -7th of June, 2009!

Dobele 2007

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:30:00 +0000

The Fifth International Festival-Competition of Chamber Ensembles for Young Performers “We Play Music With Friends” is over. This time we met in Dobele on 1th - 3th of June, 2007. We are grateful to the participants who delighted us with their artistic performance at this musical spring celebration.

The organizers – “We Play Music With Friends” Foundation, Jāzeps Mediņš Music School of Riga and Music School of Dobele – are thankful for financial support to the Culture Capital Foundation, as well as the Municipality of Riga District and the Municipality of Dobele.

This year 42 chamber ensembles and 68 teachers had applied for the enterprise from Vilnius, StPetersburg, Tartu, Baldone, Dobele, Liepaja Ventspils, Piltene, Limbaži, Roja, Ādaži, Tukums, Vecumnieki, Glūda and five music schools of Riga.

On 2th of June the solemn opening ceremony at the Dobele’s Music School was marked by the ancient sounds of menuet. The competitors were sincerely welcomed by the Honorary Patron of the Festival-Competition Ingūna Rībena, the director of Jāzeps Mediņš Music School Valdis Lastovskis, the director of Music School of Dobele Māra Rozentāle and the artistic director of the Festival, the teacher Gunta Melbārde from Mediņš Music School.

After the tough hours of competition the children went to discover the most beautiful places of Dobele and Tērvete. But the teachers met the judges of the competition. It was very valuable to hear the analysis, formal advices and remarks, as well as grateful words about the children’s musical performances. The professor Gunta Sproģe and her colleagues expressed their gratitude for the competition’s professional development and the enthusiasm of its organizers. The professor Anna Ščerbakova (Moskau) introduced other teachers with their experience; the masterclass of the teacher Egle Čobotiene (Vilnius) took place, too. At the end of the first day there was a silent and memorable moment at the lutheran church of Dobele which was followed by a little concert of chamber music.

Next morning the first concert of the Festival took place in Dobele Culture House. This time children played the barocal and the classical music. The second concert of the Festival took place in the beautiful Dobele`s Garden of Lilac (romantic and contemporary music).

At the end of this concert the jury congratulated the winners of the competition in Dobeles Music School. We are really thankful to Māra Rozentāle, the director of Music School of Dobele for her great energy and generous help.

The last concert took place at Palace ruin of Dobele (Chamber orchestra of Ziemeļkurzeme; the teacher Indra Sproge). The children sat next to the fire place, ate roasted sausages and the twist of bread and of course played music ...

We are still continuing to receive the reports from our colleagues in Latvija and other countries! The Festival – Competition was filmed by Solvita Loka, and soon it will be possible to watch the most interesting moments of the Festival on video.

Next year on 3th - 5th of January we have intended to organize three-day masterclasses for children and their teachers and to invite pedagogues of chamber ensembles from Latvian Academy of Music and their foreign colleagues to take part in the workshop.

Looking forward for meeting you in Dobele, the capital city of lilac, on 31 of May – 2 of June, 2008!

Baldone 2006

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:29:00 +0000

The Fourth International Festival-Competition of Chamber Ensembles for Young Performers “We Play Music With Friends” is over. This time we met in Baldone on 3th and 4th of June, 2006. We are grateful to the participants who delighted us with their artistic performance at this musical spring celebration.

The organizers – “We Play Music With Friends” Foundation, (established at the end of 2005), Jāzeps Mediņš Music School of Riga and Music School of Baldone – are thankful for financial support to the Ministry of Culture, the Culture Capital Foundation, as well as the Municipality of Riga District and the Municipality of Baldone.

This year 43 chamber ensembles and 60 teachers had applied for the enterprise from Vilnius, StPetersburg, Tartu, Utenas, Kiev, Baldone, Dobele, Liepaja, Tukums, the coastal towns of Vidzeme, Ķekava, Jaunpiebalga, Glūda, five music schools of Riga, the Cultural centre “Nellija”, Riga highschool Nr. 88 and “Kadanss” Music School.

The solemn opening ceremony at the Baldone’s Music School was marked by the ancient sounds of menuet. The competitors were sincerely welcomed by the Honorary Patron of the Festival-Competition Ingūna Rībena, the director of Jāzeps Mediņš Music School Valdis Lastovskis, the director of Music School of Baldone Dace Sloka and the artistic director of the Festival, the teacher Gunta Melbārde from Mediņš Music School.

On 3th of June after the tough hours of competition the children went to discover the most beautiful places of Baldone; they also visited the observatory of Baldone. But the teachers met the judges of the competition. It was very valuable to hear the analysis, formal advices and remarks, as well as grateful words about the children’s musical performances. The professor Gunta Sproģe and her colleagues expressed their gratitude for the competition’s professional development and the enthusiasm of its organizers. The composer Imants Mežaraups and his colleague Juta Bērziņa introduced other teachers with their experience at arranging the compositions for different types of chamber ensembles. At the end of the first day there was a silent and memorable moment at the church of Baldone which was followed by a little concert of chamber music.

Next morning the first concert of the Festival took place at the church of Baldone. This time competitors played the barocal and the classical music. The second concert of the Festival took place at the cinema house of Baldone. At the end of this concert the jury congratulated the winners of the competition. We are really thankful to Solvita Loka, the teacher of Music School of Baldone for her great energy and generous help.

Although it was a rainy evening, it was hard for everyone to say good-byes. The children sat next to the fire place, ate roasted sausages and the twist of bread and of course played music ...

We are still continuing to receive the reports from our colleagues in Latvija and other countries!

The Festival – Competition was filmed by Edmunds Mickus, and soon it will be possible to watch the most interesting moments of the Festival on DVD.

Next year on 5th and 6th of January we have intended to organize two-day masterclasses for children and their teachers and to invite pedagogues of chamber ensembles from Latvian Academy of Music and their foreign colleagues to take part in the workshop. Next year is also the fifth annivesary of the Festival. We are very happy about the invitation from the Music School of Dobele to organize the next Festival.

Looking forward for meeting you in Dobele, the capital city of lilac, on 1st – 3rd of June, 2007!

Kuldīga 2005

Sun, 18 Dec 2022 14:28:00 +0000

The 3rd International Festival – Competition of Chamber Ensembles for Young Performers “We play music with friends” took place on May 28th and 29th 2005 in the pearl of Kurzeme, the beautiful town of Kuldīga. It was a great event in the life of our music schools. The organizators were Jazeps Medins Music School of Riga and Ernests Vigners Music School of Kuldiga. The financial support was given by National Culture Capital Foundation, Council of Ministers and the City Council of Kuldīga.

Last year the Festival – Competition gathered 220 children from 26 music schools ( 76 ensembles ) and 86 teachers. We were also happy to meet and listen our friends in music from Vilnius, St.Peterburg, Kauna and Velikije Luki.

Each year the Festival – Competition’s circle of friends become more and more closer. We get a new experience, that gives us a chance to make the next enterprise more interesting amd more successful. Or thanks are due to our colleagues in Latvia and other countries for new ideas and valuable suggestions. The most exciting moments of the last year’s festival you could watch in a two hour long video film.