Yura Kulakov’s cantata “The Red Train”

This year marks 75 years since March 25, 1949, when during the mass deportation, the Soviet authorities took more than 42 thousand inhabitants from Latvia to Siberia, some of whom died already on the way. This day has become one of the darkest pages in the history of our nation. At the same time, on this day it is important to realize that it is the duty of every resident of Latvia to respect and protect their country, land, people, culture and language.

The cantata “Red Train” by Jura Kulakov and Pēter Aigars is a tribute to the memory of the victims of the communist genocide – a “Latvian requiem” for those who were affected by the cruel Soviet repressions. The preface of the poem “The Red Train” created by the exiled Latvian poet Pēteras Aigars says – “the poem is dedicated to the Latvian people who were taken away, died and suffered during the Soviet rule”. The cantata is a bright, content-deep and musically powerful composition that personally and emotionally appeals to both listeners and players.

Also, the concert performance will be a special tribute to the great composer, multi-instrumentalist and founder of the band “Pērkons” Yuris Kulakovs, who passed away. He was a legend of rock music, a deep and unusual personality, a symbol of the creative spirit of the Third Awakening and an inspiration to several generations.

Soloists Ieva Akuratere, Ivars Cinkuss and Nauris Puntulis, actor Jēkabs Reinis, rock group “Pērkons”, chamber orchestra and choirs – TIARA Girls’ Choir of the Riga Cathedral, VEF Culture Palace Women’s Choir “Dzintars”, Ogre Region Culture Center Women’s Choir “Rasa” will take part in the performance. The artistic director of the performance is Aira Birziņa. The concert performance is organized by the Riga Dome girls’ choir society.

The live broadcast of the performance of the dramatic cantata “Red Train” and its recording can also be viewed for free on LMT Smart TV and on the Internet.