Daugava from up above
Daugava is one of the symbols of Latvia, and also its greatest (but not longest) river. It's called likteņupe - the river of fate - and for good reason as a number of crucial events in Latvian history have centered around it, and Rīga has been at times split in two between two warring forces each on its own bank of the river.
An exhibition by photographer Igors Pličs, on display at the Centrs gallery in Rīga's Old Town, chronicles the length of Daugava from the border with Belarus to Rīga in a huge array of photos of some 70 meters.
The aerial photos were taken from the plane, and perhaps you'll be able to feel the same astonishment that the photographer said he felt when he was taking the photos of the right bank from a height of about 500 meters. On May 4 some vertigo-inducing frames were shot as well when the Latvian flag was raised on the Television Tower.
Freedom Monument turns octogenarian
The Freedom Monument was unveiled on November 18 back in 1935. This means it turns 80 this year. An exhibition, featuring large-scale photos of the Freedom Monument from previously unseen angles - like very, very, close up - has been opened just by the Cabinet of Ministers building in central Rīga.
Classical music for the soul
Though not on too patriotic notes (let's leave some for November 18), the Latvian Academy of Music will hold a performance by renowned pianist Alexei Lubimov on November 13 at 7 PM.
The performance, called 'In quest of sacred rituals', will see pieces by J.S. Bach being performed within the bounds of the 15th International Bach Chamber Music Festival. Info & tickets.
Meanwhile - well, actually at the very same date and time when Lubimov is performing - the Latvian National Symphonic Orchestra continues the cycle titled All the Symphonies of Brahms in which... all of the symphonies of Brahms are performed.
Lielā ģilde at Atmatu st. 6 will see pieces by Schumann and Brahms interwoven - much like their fates were. Info & tickets.
The press announcement is like a pristine flower from a very precious anthology, so we can't resist quoting it:
"Measured Brahms connoisseurs would be surprised by Schumann’s springtime smile, created by the genius of Nicholas Angelich, while excited Schumann fans will get a share of soothing Brahmsian wisdom under the guidance of Andris Poga."
Glass? Art? Glass art
The Finnish contemporary glass exhibition Finnish Glass Art. 2005-2010 has finally arrived to Rīga and is on display from November 7 to January 3 next year at the Museum of Decorative Arts and Design.
The exhibit, supported by the Embassy of Finland to Latvia, features works by 65 artists. The works include stylish dishes, plastic sculpture and even art objects with a spark of humor, along with glass installations that make you think twice - that's how massive the scope of the exhibition is.
