Full power from the Latvian Radio Choir

By Nick Boston, 16 August 2017

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“these are voices to be reckoned with”

Reviewed at Cadogan Hall, London on 14 August 2017

Shostakovich, Ten Poems on Texts by Revolutionary Poets for chorus and boys' chorus a cappella, Op.88 (excerpts)

Shostakovich, 24 Preludes and Fugues for piano, Op.87 (1-4, 7-8)

Alexander Melnikov, Piano

Latvian Radio Choir

Sigvards Kļava, Conductor

Technique, fervency and passion: the Latvian Radio Choir

David Karlin, 15th March

The Latvian Radio Choir's 24 singers display exceptional virtuosity in the service of a varied programme of contemporary spiritual works.

*****

An inspiring, faith-filled concert in Riga

Andrew Larkin, 12th June

The Latvian Radio Choir, coupled with the Sinfonietta Rīga Orchestra under the conductor Sigvards Kļava give an ethereal rendition of four contemporary Latvian composers in Riga Cathedral.

****1

A whiff of incense as the Proms explore Rachmaninov and religion

Mark Pullinger, 13th August

Rachmaninov was not an especially religious man, yet he composed religious music, most famously the haunting All-Night Vigil (or Vespers) which was the climax to this evening's two Proms.

****1

Resplendent in Gregorian chant and the Eton Choir Book

Jonathan Sutherland, 6th July

In the tiny Baltic state of Latvia, music loving locals are hell-bent on going for Baroque.

****1

Waves of spiritual energy: Pärt and Mozart in LA

Laurence Vittes, 19th May

A bird's-eye view of Gustavo Dudamel's opening concert in the LA Phil's Mozart-Pärt cycle.

Latvian Radio Choir impresses in Dublin

Andrew Larkin, 3rd May

LRC give a sublime rendition of Rachmaninov's All Night Vigil and astound with surreal vocal effects in the contemporary music of the second half.

****1

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Nick Boston

Nick has an MA in Music, specialising in performance and repertoire. His particular passions are choral music, chamber music and opera, with a particular interest in early music. He sings in a number of choirs in the south east of England, plays the piano and occasionally dusts off the violin. He writes about music here.

PCM5: Full power from the Latvian Radio Choir with understated excellence from Melnikov