CD “Ziema”(“Winter”) includes three major compositions written by Laura Jēkabsone dedicated to Christmas theme – „Advent Story”, „Xmas All Around the World” and “Ziema”. These compositions are performed by choir, soloists and various instrumental groups – pianist Aurēlija Šimkus, kokle ensemble “Balti”, guitar virtuoso Gints Smukais, Latvian National Symphony Orchestra string group; conducted by – choir’s artistic director Jānis Ozols.
The record is already available in the world’s most popular streaming services:
The record is also available in a tangible form at choir’s concerts or through contacting choir’s representatives.
We remind that CD’s presentation concert “ZieMASKAsvētki” will be held on December 20 in Riga Dome Cathedral at 19:00.
“Choir’s second CD and the concert is another culmination of choir “Maska” 15th anniversary. Composer Laura Jēkabsone has been choir’s vocal teacher that allows her to feel choir’s possibilities, sound and character. However, her signature can be described with lightness and specific melody, as well as attention to detail. In a result we have created an album in a Christmas mood, which is also a great way for Laura to be noticed as a great composer in the professional choir-music environment” emphasizes choir’s conductor Jānis Ozols.
Opus “Advent Story” tells the story about winter from Advent till the birth of Jesus Christ. Music is dominated by contrasts, which are created by variety in the performers as well as the specifics of the acoustic of the room and usage of rhythm percussions. „Xmas All around the World” is a journey in Santa’s sleigh around the world, visiting France, Ukraine, Sweden, Venezuela, Israel, South Africa, England and coming back to Latvia, having gather each nation’s most beautiful winter solstice songs. However, composition „Ziema” is for mixed choir, string orchestra, piano and soloist, that brings to life lyrics by Rainis and Aspazija, as well as composer herself.