Latvian music legend celebrates 75th birthday

RIGA - Every country has its musical legends. And Latvia is no exception. Through the decades Latvian music has been measured by one man. And his name is Raimonds Pauls. This year, when Pauls celebrates his 75th birthday, the audience will be invited to enjoy his musical heritage by attending one of his anniversary concerts.

Pauls is probably the most prominent figure in Latvian music. Often called the father of Latvian popular music, he has formed the musical environment in Latvia, merging jazz, chanson and folk music, together. And his prominence is never doubted – there is no other person who is respected more than Pauls in today’s Latvian music scene.

Born in 1936, Pauls was soon introduced to the world of music. The road was not always easy, but music played an important part anytime. And the facts of his professional activity prove it:
•    Pauls’ songs triumph in Microphone, the favorite song poll, 11 times;
•    He founded the duet of Viktors Lapcenoks and Nora Bumbiere, rumored to be the most successful duet in Latvian music history;
•    He works as a Minister of Culture from 1989 – 1993;
•    Pauls’ songs have been translated into Russian, English, Finnish, Italian and also Japanese. 

This is why the motto of his concerts is “burn down finding your voice,” derived from the song Speechless Song, as it highlights the never-abating artistic spirit of the Latvian Maestro, the title which is fairly given to Pauls. Indeed, the voice has been the key tool in the Maestro’s creations – the music’s notes told the story, while the lyrics became filled with fantastic melodies!
It’s always been about the talent! In Pauls’ hands songs turned into masterpieces, or what Latvians call  ‘real music.’ But ‘songs’ are not the only musical works in the Maestro’s artistic box. He has written music for ballet and theater.

Many generations have grown up with Pauls’ movie music, in such Latvian classics as “Devil’s Servants,” or “The Present for a Lonely Woman.” Being a composer, conductor, pianist and producer, Pauls has earned recognition within the state and also abroad. The main former Soviet Union concert halls were glad to host musical programs of the Maestro. Even more, his songs were included in the repertoire of Alla Pugachova, the star of the Russian stage. Today he collaborates with many Latvian musicians and also acts as a local talent agency – his support means an open door to the music! He has become an official face of the international new artist competition New Wave, held in Jurmala annually, a festival which gathers Russian music stars and powerful businessmen in one place. Pauls serves as a role model that everyone can agree on.

The Maestro’s tireless dedication to music has resulted in world fame and sold-out concerts. And the anniversary concerts for this composer’s 75th birthday are not an exception. For the first six concerts at Latvian National Theater, there are no tickets available anymore. But it is still possible to grab tickets for the next two! However, the theater is not the only place to see and hear Pauls’ artistry. The Jan. 16 event awaits at Arena Riga, but Jan. 22 offers an exclusive anniversary program in Liepaja. If that’s not enough, tickets can be bought for Arena Riga’s dress rehearsal! It means that there is enough of the Maestro if the desire to participate in the Song Festival-like music parade is really strong.

It is argued that the music of Pauls can hardly compete with today’s popular music. So why do you have to go to his concert? Despite the fact the Maestro’s music is a sort of nostalgic approach to history, it is still the most loved music amongst the people of Latvia. It symbolizes the cultural heritage which people are keen to keep – it’s what everybody remembers and it’s where everybody sings along. Raimonds Pauls is a living legend, and the public’s admiration is his biggest prize!

The ticket information can be found on www.bilesuparadize.lv