spinozzi Leads LNSO in Centennial Season Opener: A Journey Thru Baroque Splendor and fauré’s Hopeful Requiem
The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) welcomes renowned French conductor Jean-Christophe Spinozzi for his Latvian debut in two performances: September 26th at the Riga Congress House and September 27th at the Ventspils concert hall “Latvija.” Spinozzi, celebrated for his interpretations of Baroque and Classical music and his leadership of the ensemble Matheus, promises a dynamic and emotionally resonant experience for audiences.
The program, titled “LNSO, Wax, Golden Baroque and Fauré’s Requiem,” charts a course through centuries of musical expression. The concert will open wiht “Cantabile” (1979) for strings by Latvian composer Pēters Vasks, a work embodying philosophical reflection and a search for harmony.
Listeners will then be transported to the Baroque era with Antonio Vivaldi‘s “Sit nomen Domini” from “Laudate pueri,” featuring the soaring vocals of French soprano Nina Spinozzi. The first half concludes with Johann Sebastian Bach’s Concerto for Harpsichord and Orchestra in D minor, BWV 1052, performed with Latvian harpsichordist Ieva Saliete, a Grand music Prize winner known for her collaborations with European early music ensembles.
The second half of the concert will be dedicated to Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, a work distinguished by its hopeful and peaceful portrayal of eternity, rather than traditional mourning. Norwegian baritone Halvors Meliens will join the LNSO and the state Academic Choir “Latvija” in this powerful performance. spinozzi himself describes the requiem as “very true and profound,” likening it to “a moment of truth, just like crossing the valley of death.”
Spinozzi, who began his conducting career in 1991, is known for his energetic style and ability to inspire deep emotional connection within his musicians and for his audiences, believing music offers “divine light that can bring peace and inspiration.”
