EVENT GUIDE

  • 2016-11-02

ESTONIA
Open till Nov. 6, Exhibition “Marcel Lefrancq and Belgian Surrealist Photography,” Kumu Art Museum, Tallinn
Discovering the unknown in familiar things, Marcel Lefrancq applied unconventional plots, unexpected angles, and a collage-like manner of execution to create works that make us see the world unlike it actually is. As an artist who cultivated surrealism, Marcel Lefrancq first became known for his collages. However, he soon discovered photography as a means of evoking his dream-like world, as well as the fears of the era, through strongly symbolic images. Following the example of other surrealists, for example, Man Ray and Raoul Ubac, he created manipulated images and abstract pictures in the manner of automatic writing in his laboratory. Having a deep love for his home town of Mons, he photographed its residents, local customs, and mysterious nocturnal atmosphere: a part of his work that is less known. The exhibition is put together in co-operation with the Charleroi Museum of Photography (Belgium). For more information on the exhibition please visit: www.kumu.ekm.ee

Nov. 4-12, Tallinn International Piano Festival, various concert halls in Tallinn
Tallinn Piano Festival is the biggest piano festival of the Baltic and Nordic region. The festival was founded in 1998 on the initiative of its founder and artistic director pianist Lauri Vainmaa, who wished to introduce exceptional pianists to the Estonian music audience, as well as to familiarise the locals with the new trends of the global music arena. All this took place before the explosive spread of YouTube, which now brings a large portion of global activities to one’s doorstep. Another idea was to honour the format of a traditional piano recital practiced for as many as 150 years. Tallinn International Piano Festival is a unique piano week. The festival attracts the greatest number of visitors of any festival of classics in Estonia, making it a prestigious event to perform at. The festival has a special aura — an attraction that draws a large audience from many neighbouring countries. Tallinn is an enchanting historic city with its mediaeval Old Town listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Between concert visits, one can gleefully roam the mediaeval streets, relax in cafeterias, and gaze at the stunning panorama of the city from the slopes of Toompea. Detailed information on the festival’s programme and locations is available at the official web page: www.tallinnpianofestival.com and to buy tickets please visit: www.piletimaailm.com

Nov. 9-13, Jazz & Rhythm Music Festival “IDeeJazz 2016,” Tartu
Tartu Jazz and Rhythm Music Festival “IDeeJazz” brings to Tartu Estonian music that is packed with creative power. Keywords like good sound, improvisation, and idea connect the best thoughts of the Estonian jazz elite and the bold projects of the young musicians’ generation, filled with positive energy. The festival draws no clear genre borders — providing very diverse music from mainstream and chamber jazz, ethno and world music, to groove rhythms and fusion. The programme of IDeeJazz, that was born of fresh ideas and bears positive energy and music created for an open mind, includes harmonious and gripping music from the best artists of various generations. In addition to the concerts in the main programme, there is also a traditional side programme or ID+ that is dedicated to children, the youth, and the common ground between music and other areas of life. Visit the festival’s official web page to find detailed information on the programme, musicians, locations, and more: www.ideejazz.ee

Nov. 10-13, St Martin’s Day Fair, Saku Suurhall, Tallinn
The St Martin’s Day Fair marks a national folk tradition and dates back to 1997. It is Estonia’s largest handicraft and folkloristic lifestyle event. What started out as an exhibition of handicraft has long since become a major event in folk culture and one of the most important undertakings of the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union. Not only is it possible to buy and sell handicrafts at the fair, but you can also talk to the craftsmen themselves and share your own experiences. Together, everyone at the fair revives old St Martin’s Day traditions, and put on workshops where you are sure to learn a thing or two and get some good advice. There are also workshops for children. Visitors can eat Estonian traditional food and listen to various folk music groups. St Martin’s Day Fair always takes place during the weekend closest to St Martin’s Day (Nov. 10) from Thursday to Sunday. The event culminates with a special Friday evening programme, Handicraft Night. The event programme is available at: www.folkart.ee

Nov. 11-27, Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2016, Tallinn
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival is a unique event combining a feature film festival with the sub-festivals of animated films, short films, and children/youth films. The festival aims to present Estonian audiences with a comprehensive selection of world cinema in all its diversity, providing a friendly atmosphere for interaction between the audience and filmmakers from all around the world. Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival is one of the biggest and distinctive film festivals in Northern Europe. The festival consists of more than 10 different categories, numerous events, and three full scale sub-festivals (Animated Dreams, Just Film, and Sleepwalkers). An important part of the festival is its film industry programme, which bring films and filmmakers to Tallinn from more than 70 countries, from America to Asia. The festival’s comprehensive programme is available at: 2016.poff.ee/eng/films and tickets can be purchased at: www.piletilevi.ee

LATVIA
Nov. 4, Latvian State Radio Big Band’s 50th Anniversary Concert, Hall of Congresses, Riga

Everyone is invited to attend the musical celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Latvian Radio Big Band. The first part of the concert will be a retrospective of the Latvian Radio Big Band’s best modern projects, including Latvian folk songs that have been rearranged by James Morrison, as well as original compositions by Big Band musicians from the “Suite of Latvian Jazz” programme. The band will also perform music from the latest concert programme of its patron, Maestro Raimonds Pauls, “Depression.” The music was originally composed for a 1990 feature film with the same title, and it was performed by the legendary ODIS band back then. One of its members, the composer Raimonds Macats, helped to rearrange the music for the big band, and he will appear at the concert as a guest soloist. The second part of the concert will feature international friends of the Latvian Radio Big Band, with whom the band has delighted audiences at sold out venues throughout Latvia.  They include the American singer China Moses, the American vocalist and guitarist Allan Harris, and the Swedish trumpeter Lasse Lindgren. The soloists and the band will perform opuses from the programmes “A Tribute to B.B. King,” “An Ode to Jazz Divas,” “A Tribute to Nat King Cole,” and “A Tribute to Duke Ellington and the Great Stars of Jazz.” The soloists Intars Busulis and Kristine Praulina will take part in the concert to delight their fans. More information on the concert is available at www.latvijaskoncerti.lv and tickets can be purchased at: www.bilesuparadize.lv

Nov. 4-6, Exhibition “Baltic Beauty 2016,” Kipsala International Exposition Centre, Riga
New cosmetic products and current beauty trends, professional counseling, hairdresser, beautician, makeup artist, nail and beauty expert competitions and shows — you can see it all at the biggest and most comprehensive beauty industry project, the 12th Baltic Beauty Industry Fair Baltic Beauty 2016 to be held at Kipsala International Exhibition Centre in Riga, Latvia, from Nov. 4-6 2016. To learn more about the exhibition and to buy tickets please go to: www.bt1.lv
Nov. 9, Baroque Ensemble “La Galania” (Spain) with soloist Raquel Andueza (Spain), Small Guild, Riga
As a part of the 16th annual International Bach Chamber Music Festival, everyone is invited to the concert entitled “Locura & Tormenti” by the founder of superb Spanish Baroque-style ensemble “La Galania” and its remarkable soloist, soprano Raquel Andueza. Spanish and Italian Baroque music from the 17th century will be played at the concert. “La Galania” is one of the most significant groups of Spanish music, whose performances are always based on meticulous historical research and are realised together with the best Spanish and foreign musicians, busy in this sort of repertoire. More information on the festival programme and tickets is available at: www.bilesuparadize.lv

Nov. 11, Exhibition “The Lacplesis Military Order,” National History Museum of Latvia, Riga
The Latvian National Museum of History displays the sole remaining complete set of the Military Order of Lacplesis, just on one day every year — Nov. 11. Back in 1970, the Museum was given items of tremendous value: Latvian Army General Janis Balodis’ (1882-1965) medals and awards, among them the Lacplesis Order’s Class I, II, and III, Balodis, in his career, having been bestowed all three. The Order of Lacplesis is the first and the most prestigious military award that the Republic of Latvia bestows. Four Latvian generals have received the honour of Class I (First Class) recognition: Commander in Chief of the Latvian Army, General Janis Balodis; the very first leader of the Latvian armed forces, Colonel Oskars Kalpaks (posthumously); Commander of the Riflemen, Colonel Fridrihs Briedis (posthumously); and Third Latgale Division Commander, General Krisjanis Berkis. The Order has also been awarded to seven foreigners.

Nov. 15, Elton John’s Concert, Arena Riga, Riga
This concert promises to be a trip down a musical memory lane, spanning 50 years in the career of the one and only Elton John. A special spotlight, however, will be on his latest album “Wonderful Crazy Night.” Appearing alongside John will be his original drummer Nigel Olsson and guitarist Davey Johnstone, the latter being among the musicians on the very first recordings in 1971 before joining the band on tour; also Matt Bissonette (bass guitar), John Mahon (percussion), and Kim Bullard (keyboards). No doubt Elton John is among the most successful solo acts in the business, with 250 million records sold; 58 singles made it to the US Billboard Magazine “Top 40” list, his “Candle in the Wind” (1997) the record-breaker with 33 million copies retailed. Today, Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart is topped by John’s newest single “Looking Up.” It is “only” John’s 71st song to have hit the Billboard charts. And speaking of success, let us not forget John’s brilliant stage and movie musicals “Billy Elliott,” “The Lion King,” and “Aida,” with the former dubbed the biggest money-making stage show ever. To buy tickets please visit: www.bilesuserviss.lv

LITHUANIA

Nov. 3, “Music from the North” Concert by Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra, Lithuanian National Philharmonic Concert Hall, Vilnius
Concert of the Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra is yet another example of a valuable collaboration between the Scandinavian collectives and the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society. More info, tickets and concert programme are available at: www.filharmonija.lt

Nov. 3-13, European Film Forum Scanorama, major Lithuanian cities
European Film Forum Scanorama is an annual festival that takes place in November in four largest cities of Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas, Siauliai, and Klaipeda), being one of the most distinctive cultural events of the autumn season in Lithuania and the second largest film festival in the country. Scanorama is well known for being a festival with high artistic standards, aiming to show films that foster both ethical and professional values. The process of film selection takes almost a year, and the emphasis is placed not only on professionalism and innovative forms, but also on ideas, creativeness and intuitive spirituality. The festival derives its inspiration from the cinema classic Ingmar Bergman and the Dogma’95 avant-garde cinema movement, with Lars von Trier at the fore. This is what determines that every year Scanorama boldly opens to viewers new territories of cinema, new names, and new directions and generations of filmmakers, at the same time looking back to the origins and traditions of cinema. More info on the forum is available at: www.scanorama.lt

Nov. 6, “Colours of Tango,” Museum of Applied Arts, Vilnius
Chilean pianist Tania Naranjo and Finnish accordionist Minna Weurlander offer an original combination of different cultures. Indeed, they are united by one passion — Tango Nuevo. The critics describe the musicians as “world class duo with passion, sadness, virtuosity, and impetuous joy.” The duo performs its own compositions influenced by the Tango Nuevo tradition. Their recent release, the album Entwined, has earned wide acclaim. More information on the concert and tickets are available at: www.filharmonija.lt

Nov. 10-13, Baltic Food and Beverage Exhibition “BAF 2016,” Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre LITEXPO, Vilnius
Baltic Food and Beverage Exhibition BAF is a yearly business event and a festival of food culture. Everything in the exhibition is dedicated to presentation of food products, beverages, coffee, tea, spices, culinary novelties and tricks, traditional and contemporary cuisine, healthy eating propagation, higher quality of consumption. Every year, foreign companies participate at the joint foreign exhibition stands, where they introduce their products and establish contacts with the Lithuanian and Baltic markets. Special spaces for interactive events will be designed and furnished in the hall: for cookery shows, competitions, educational events, championships, tasting events. It is also a unique and powerful marketing tool, which offers an excellent opportunity to the exhibitors to interact and communicate directly with the numerous target audiences, to reveal the advantages of their brands, popularising the name of the company, etc. Learn more about this exhibition at: www.litexpo.lt