RIGA - The most exciting important event for Latvians July 19 will be Imantdienas (Days of Imants). Imants Kalnins is a superstar in Latvia. Everyone knows about this prolific composer whose music ranges from rock hits to symphonic ballads and embodies strength and spirituality for Latvians.
Kalnins was born May 26, 1941 in Riga. He wrote symphonies, operas, choir music, rock songs, and film and theater soundtracks. His massive canon of music spreads to every part of the country, and most Latvians know at least one song, but most likely around twenty.
One of the reasons Kalnins is so loved by local people is because of his desire and power to believe in Latvia, and for his rebellious nature to share his views. In fact, during the Soviet occupation, the Soviet officials repetitively banned his music because they saw it as being too revolutionary.
In the 1960s, Kalnins was the leader of the Liepaja rock group, 2xBBM, who were forced to stop playing because of their hippy style and worldview contrasting with that of the Soviet...
However, Kalnins couldn't be stopped, and he continued writing and playing music, including the song Pilseta, kura piedzimst vejs (In the city where the wind is born), the anthem of Liepaja.
He has collaborated with a number of Latvian musicians, and his music was also rerecorded by such bands as Menuets, Perkons (Thunder), and Turaidas Roze, a group he initially created. His son, Kristians Kalnins, who is also a very popular musician, is also proud to sing his father's songs.
Kalnins' popularity is so vast, that on Imants' names day (a celebratory day comparable with one's birthday), people gather for a festival of his music, Imantdienas (The Days of Imants).
These festivals were also banned during the Soviet occupation, because they were too popular and had the air of revolution. But they have been held annually since 1995, since Latvia regained independence and the ability to sing loudly.
Kalnins has also played a political role in Latvia, apart from his music. He was an active member of the Popular Front, a political organization that played a huge role in regaining Latvia's independence, and is currently a member of Saeima, the Latvian Parliament, in the Fatherland and Freedom Party.
Latvians also know a lot of rumors about Kalnins personal life as a rambler and rouser. Someone, whose mother used to go out with Kalnins, recalls her mother describing the musician as a womanizer, and another person heard that he used to get drunk and sleep under a bridge in Liepaja. Yet, such reckless shenanigans are typical of artistic masters, and do not shadow his lasting musical legacy.
Most recently the songs of Kalnins were sung by the 8,000 member choir of the Song and Dance festival. His most recent album, Jaunakas Dziesmas (New Songs), is a perfect example of the man. A simple album, with a simple title and picture, but filled with music that needs no fancy packaging. His songs will forever be heard and sung by the people.
July 19 Start 7 p.m. Ticket prices: 5-20LVL.
Cesis Castle Park
Tickets:
www.bilesuparadize.lv
