Bringing Latvian song to France

  • 2006-01-18
  • By TBT staff
Riga - After the incredible success of "Amazing Latvia," the cultural festival that took place in four major French cities last year, the Baltic state is planning to make another artistic appearance in France.

Latvia will return to France this month to participate in Cannes' Midem 2006 International Music Indus-try Fair. The international festival runs from Jan. 22-26.

Representatives of Latvian music agencies are scheduled to work at the country's stand during the Midem trade show, said consultant Ilze Sprancmane. Their task will be to introduce Latvia's culture, music industry and professional artists among the international audience. The representatives also hope to promote Latvia as a potentially perspective region for investment in the music industry. The music booth was designed by acclaimed artist Artis Rutks.

Carrying almost as much punch as "Amazing Latvia," this time the Baltic state's slogan will be "Open Your Ears To Latvian Music!" Representatives will place an extra emphasis on promoting Latvia's academic music, although the stand will also include information about popular Latvian music.

Latvia's Music Informa-tion Center has prepared an array of information material, such as the "Music in Latvia 2005" yearbook, an edition of Sinfonia Lettica, material dedicated to the year of Latvian symphonic music Symphonia Ipsa and more.

Participation in Midem is organized by the Latvian Music Information Center and sponsored by the Culture Ministry and the State Culture Capital Fund.

The Classic Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place within the Midem 2006 forum in January. This year, the list of nominees include three artists from Latvia 's conductor Mariss Jansons, violinist Gidon Kremer and opera singer Elina Garanca.

Thousands of music professionals from across the world are expected to attend the annual Midem forum, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary.