The New York Latvian Concert Choir in RīgaOur 2003 trip

2003 was a busy summer for Peters' choir. Following the traditional annual Memorial Day weekend concert of excerpts from Alfrēds Kalniņš's↗ 1920 opera, Baņuta—the first opera with a libretto in Latvian (text by Artūrs Krūmiņš), and selections from the upcoming Song Festival in Rīga, the choir set off for Latvia.

The choir performed June 26th in the Great Hall of the Rīga Latvian Society (RLB), directed by Andrejs Jansons. Soloists included Zigrīda Krīgere, Antra Bigača, Aivars Krancmanis, Miervaldis Jenčs, Kārlis Miesnieks, Sergejs Martinovs and Andris Lapiņš. Joining also was the the Latvian Academy of Sciences choir. Imants Skrastiņš provided narration, with music by the Leonīds Vīgners RLB orchestra.

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Andrejs Jansons conducts the orchestra during rehearsal

Andrejs Jansons conducts the orchestra during rehearsal

Andrejs Jansons conducts the orchestra during rehearsal

We take a break, lots of preparation, not a lot of time

We take a break, lots of preparation, not a lot of time

We take a break, lots of preparation, not a lot of time

There are few spaces as grand as the Rīgas Latviešu Biedriba (Rīga Latvian Society) hall

There are few spaces as grand as the Rīgas Latviešu Biedriba (Rīga Latvian Society) hall

There are few spaces as grand as the Rīgas Latviešu Biedriba (Rīga Latvian Society) hall

The original program from the 1982 performance of Kalniņš BAŅUTA at Carnegie Hall in New York City

The original program from the 1982 performance of Kalniņš BAŅUTA at Carnegie Hall in New York City

The original program from the 1982 performance of Kalniņš BAŅUTA at Carnegie Hall in New York City