History of Latvian Song Festival
Our fellow member Uldis Kinis gave a fascinating multi-media presentation on the history of the Song and Dance Festival in Latvia which since its inception in 1873 has served as the rallying point for the renaissance of Latvian national culture. During the Soviet occupation the festival was the most powerful weapon against the dictatorship and helped preserve the Latvian language and culture. When the festival was held in 1990, after the fall of the Berlin wall and a year before Latvia regained its independence, the Latvian national anthem was sung three times in succession and brought tears to the eyes of all people present. The festival is held every five years and boasts some 35.000 participants (out of a population of 2.2. million).
The presentation was eagerly followed and the music that Uldis played was warmly appreciated. A DVD of the latest festival is being circulated among members of the club.
A complete list of our other events from Calendar is also available.