Good afternoon and welcome,
The whole Latvia, especially the capital Riga, celebrates Lāčplēsis Day and victory over the West Russian Voluntary Army led by Bermondt today. Congratulations to all of you on this significant victory for all of us, Latvians, and congratulations to ‘Kamēr…’, one of the most outstanding Latvian choirs. I am happy to welcome you here at the Riga Castle, the place where the President of Latvia works. You probably have seen the historic photographs that depict the Riga Castle shortly after the defeat of Bermondt’s force. It is difficult to imagine the front line here through today’s eyes. The line right next to the Castle marks the very centre of our state, the very heart of it, and I am really glad to see you here today.
We won the right to create our own statea and on this day we celebrate our heroes and honour those who gave their life for Latvia. We also honour all lour troops. After winning the war, Latvia became stable and could continue to work, and, more importantly, for the first time in Latvia’s history, Latvian culture became the national culture, which is especially relevant in this context. Whereas the Declaration on the restoration of independence of the Republic of Latvia was signed the same year as choir ‘Kamēr…’ was founded. So, your choir is the same age as the restored Republic of Latvia and in the past almost three decades it has witnessed the hardship that the whole country has gone through and the moments of glory that came along with representing the culture of the democratic and free Latvia at the international level.
The state of Latvia and Latvian culture are closely intertwined. As we all know, culture, art and music embody the creative potential and belong to the basic human needs. A life of dignity is unimaginable without culture.
Latvia has many talented and creative people. That is who we are as a country and our national asset. Modern Latvia is and must continue to be a culture state. Culture is one of the main elements of quality of life. Culture, and especially music, is one of the main attractions in Latvia. Even in today’s globalised world it continues to draw people towards Latvia. Our quality of life is better because of the vibrant cultural life and you are the ones who make our culture what it is. You have done a tremendous job. Your passion and dedication to choral singing that brings your performances to the highest possible level which seems nearly impossible to many. Your creative energy strengthens Latvia’s cultural space and enriches it with very good and modern contribution to our, Latvian, national identity. You, the choir ‘Kamēr…’, are the only choir in the world to win the prestigious European Grand Prix in choral singing three times. Your tremendous achievements have made all Latvian people and me, the President of Latvia, very proud of you.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the founder and long-standing director of the choir, conductor Māris Sirmais who conceived the idea of the choir ‘Kamēr...’, set ambitious goals and made sure those goals, including the winning of the first European Grand Prix in choral singing, were achieved. Māris Sirmais and all of you also have taken part in unique international cooperation projects. One of such projects is World Sun Songs. The creative process of writing those songs has also been captured in an original documentary film ‘World sounds’. It is a truly unique achievement.
I would also like to thank Jānis Liepiņš who took over the conducting duties after Maris Sirmais for keeping the quality bar of choir’s performances at a high level and winning the second Grand Prix and, of course, for many other notable achievements.
Aivis Greters is choir’s current conductor and art director. It is not an easy task to ensure continuity and take over the reins. However, by winning the European Grand Prix in choral singing, which no other choir has ever achieved, you have showed that the transition has been successful. Therefore, I am convinced that the recognition that comes with prizes shows that you not only have musical talent but also competitive spirit. Competitive athletes usually add medals to their tally and you too now have several of them.
I would also like to wish success to one of your singers and an up and coming film director, Emīls Alps, whose documentary about the choir rehearsals and the road towards the third European Choral Grand Prix has been nominated for the national film award ‘Lielais Kristaps’ as one of the best new debuts.
I want to thank all singers of the choir ‘Kamēr…’, vocal coaches and above all your director Aivis Greters for this excellent result. Clean and nearly perfect sound of ‘Kamēr…’ makes you think of the higher things and universal values. At the same time, it is the voice of Latvia that comes from our and our ancestors’ collective experience and depths of soul.
Congratulations on winning this prestigious prize and once gain thank you for representing our country globally with such stellar results!
