In the run-up to its 25 years’ anniversary next year, the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia invites to a show of Northern lights, organised as part of the light festival “Staro Rīga 2015”. Light object/video installation “Northern Lights” is the result of cooperation between the Norwegian photographer Kjetil Skogli and Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. The scientific explanation of Northern lights refers to the light emitted by the atmosphere’s uppermost layers and air molecules interacting with solar and wind particles. On a clear day, from September until April, the lights can often be seen in northern polar regions in the Nordic countries, as well as Russia, Alaska and Canada. During strong magnetic storms Northern lights sometimes appear also further to the south, including Latvia. Northern peoples, who have been observing this unique natural phenomenon for generations, have created their own beliefs and legends about it. Some compare it to the snow drawings by a foxtail, some call it the heavenly gates; others associate it with tireless warriors on a battlefield or dancing old maids. But nobody knows for sure. During the light festival “Staro Rīga 2015” everyone is welcome to drop by in the inner yard of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia building at the Bergs Bazaar district and see the wondrous interplay of Northern lights documented by Kjetil Skogli. All the entrances of Bergs Bazaar will be marked with “Ziemeļblāzma” (“Northern lights” in Latvian) flags while the pavement will bear indications showing the way to the video screening.“Northern Lights” installation will be on display every night through 18-21 November, 18.00-23.00 o’clock. At 19.30 and 20.30 the screening will be joined by the best Riga choirs, who with the help of water-filled glasses will perform the world-renowned musical piece “Stars” by Latvian composer Ēriks Ešenvalds. 18 November at 19.30 Riga Culture and Folk Art Centre “Small Guild”, youth choir “Voices”, conductor Ints Teterovskis at 20.30 Latvian Culture Academy, mixed choir “Sōla”, conductor Kaspars Ādamsons 19 November at 19.30 Riga Stradins University, mixed choir “Riga”, conductor Zane Zilberte and at 20.30 Latvian Home Guard, mixed choir “Stars” (“Ray of Light”), conductor Ārijs Šķepasts 20 November at 19.30 Riga Latvian Society, chamber choir “Austrums”, conductor Ārijs Šķepasts and at 20.30 University of Latvia, mixed choir “Juventus”, conductor Valdis Tomsons 21 November at 19.30 and 20.30 youth choir “Kamēr…”, conductor Jānis Liepiņš Recorded performance of the song “Stars”: by State Academic Choir “Latvia”, conductor Māris Sirmais. Northern Lights video: Kjetil Skogli, Norway Music: Ēriks Ešenvalds Storytellers from the North: Rósa Jóhannesdóttir, Iceland Pauls Bartkevičs, Latvia Sirkka Kosonen, Finland Janar Mürkhain, Estonia Irene Grønbeck, Norway Majbritt Marie Bech, Greenland KKlaus Geisler, Greenland Creative team: Kjetil Skogli, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Renārs Vimba, Dainis Juraga, Uģis Ezerietis Organiser: Nordic Council of Ministers’ Office in Latvia Supported by: Norwegian Embassy in Riga, “Musica Baltica”, Bergs Bazaar, “Staro Rīga”.
