Latvian National Choir & Orchestra Perform at Spiritual Music Festival Finale

The Latvian Grand Music Award for Concert of the Year has been presented to the performance of Tan Dun’s “Buddha Passion,” a monumental work that marked its Latvian premiere in September 2025. The award recognizes a production that brought together the Valsts Akadēmiskais koris “Latvija” (State Academic Choir “Latvia”), the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, and a stellar lineup of vocal soloists, including Viktorija Majore, Ieva Parša, Jolanta Strikaite, Mārtiņš Zvīgulis, Yiran Jia, and Hasibagen, alongside a group from the Rīgas Doma zēnu koris (Riga Dome Boys’ Choir).

The presentation of this award underscores a significant moment for Latvian musical culture, highlighting the successful staging of a complex and ambitious work. “Buddha Passion,” as performed at the Rīgas Kongresu nams (Riga Congress Hall) on September 5, 2025, was a centerpiece of the 28th International Sacred Music Festival. The festival itself ran from August 14th to September 5th, encompassing performances at St. Peter’s Church and the Congress Hall.

A Landmark Collaboration

The performance wasn’t simply a concert; it was a large-scale collaboration. The involvement of the Rīgas Doma zēnu koris, under the tutelage of Ance Ķirse, added a unique dimension to the production. The choir, steeped in a tradition dating back to 1940, has turn into a cornerstone of Latvian choral music, and their participation in “Buddha Passion” signaled a broadening of their repertoire. You can explore the choir’s history and upcoming events on their official website: https://www.rdzk.lv/. The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra provided the orchestral foundation, while the Valsts Akadēmiskais koris “Latvija,” led by Māris Sirmais, served as the core vocal ensemble.

Tan Dun, the Chinese-American composer and conductor, is known for his innovative and often unconventional approach to music. His work frequently blends Eastern and Western musical traditions, and “Buddha Passion” is a prime example of this synthesis. The piece, as noted in reports from the festival, aims to express the teachings of Buddha through a musical language that draws from both Eastern and Western influences. The Latvian premiere was particularly noteworthy as it represented the first time the work had been performed in the country.

The Significance of “Buddha Passion”

The selection of “Buddha Passion” as Concert of the Year speaks to a growing appetite for cross-cultural musical experiences. The work’s exploration of Buddhist themes through a contemporary musical lens resonated with both critics and audiences. The performance featured vocalists not only from Latvia but also international artists like Yiran Jia (baritone from China) and Hasibagen, a throat singer and performer on the Chinese two-stringed fiddle. This international cast further emphasized the piece’s global perspective.

The Latvian Radio 3 “Klasika” program “Benefice” recently highlighted “Buddha Passion” as one of the nominated concerts for the Lielās mūzikas balvas (Great Music Awards), noting it as a “world music concentrate in one musical experience.” A report on LSM.lv details the program’s assessment of the nominated concerts, including “Buddha Passion,” alongside other notable performances from the past year: https://www.lsm.lv/raksts/kultura/muzika/05.03.2026-lai-skrien-skudrinas-ar-ko-zuriju-parsteidza-lielajai-muzikas-balvai-nominetie-koncerti.a637068/. The program also considered other concerts, including “Dzīvības elpa” (Breath of Life) and “Nakts vēstules dejotājai” (Night Letters to the Dancer).

Rīgas Doma zēnu koris: A Year of Achievements

2025 was a particularly significant year for the Rīgas Doma zēnu koris, marked not only by their participation in “Buddha Passion” but also by several other notable events. On July 4th, 2025, the choir celebrated its 75th anniversary with the issuance and postmarking of a commemorative stamp – a first in Latvian choral history. Earlier in the year, on April 4th, they performed Handel’s “Messiah” at the University of Latvia’s Great Hall, conducted by Mārtiņš Klišāns. The choir also engaged in charitable activities during the Christmas season, performing for children with mobility impairments at “Koka Rīga” and in Doma Square with SHIPSEA’s “Dod 5” campaign on December 5th and 17th, respectively.

Expanding the Repertoire

The choir’s involvement in “Buddha Passion” represents a deliberate effort to expand its repertoire and engage with contemporary musical works. While traditionally known for its performances of sacred choral music, the choir has increasingly embraced collaborations with other artists and explored diverse musical genres. This willingness to experiment has helped to maintain its relevance and appeal to new audiences. The choir’s participation in the festival’s closing concert, alongside the Valsts Akadēmiskais koris “Latvija” and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, underscored its position as a leading force in Latvian choral music.

Looking Ahead

The success of “Buddha Passion” and the recognition it has received through the Lielās mūzikas balvas suggest a continued interest in large-scale, cross-cultural musical productions in Latvia. The 28th International Sacred Music Festival, which culminated in this performance, demonstrated the potential for attracting both local and international audiences to events that showcase a diverse range of musical styles. Further details about the festival and its future plans can be found on the koris.lv website: https://koris.lv/events/28-sgmf-nosleguma-koncerts-budas-pasija/. The ongoing commitment of ensembles like the Valsts Akadēmiskais koris “Latvija” and the Rīgas Doma zēnu koris to innovative programming will likely shape the future of Latvian musical culture.