The state chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga, unique in the Baltic states, is actually a multi-functional laboratory for the performance of music written for strings and wind instruments. The orchestra explores the tradition of Baroque performance practice and studies Classical music in detail; it is also distinguished for its performances of New Music and open to non-academic experimentation and cross-over projects. The musicians regularly form chamber music ensembles – there are in fact two independent string quartets in the group – and they are active in conceptual chamber music programs. The instrumentalists of the Sinfonietta Rīga are primarily young students, most of whom have been members since the orchestra was founded in the summer of 2006. Also important is its role as a melting pot for Western and Eastern cultures. It is a place where musicians educated in Latvia and the Baltic region meet young musicians who have studied in Western Europe, resulting in a unique style of performance. Sinfonietta Rīga performs not only in Latvia, but also in Estonia and Lithuania; it has gradually become one of the most important orchestras in the area. The ensemble has twice received the Great Latvian Music Award (2007 and 2008) and has recorded four CDs, two of which have been released by WERGO: instrumental music by Pēteris Vasks conducted by Normunds Šne (WER 67052) and by Juha Kangas, with Alina Pogostkina as soloist (WER 67502).
Further information: www.sinfoniettariga.lv