The music of Latvian composers will be performed at the concert “For the Deported” by the “Children of Siberia” Foundation and the Latvian Radio Choir.
The concert is dedicated to the Latvian children who were deported to Siberia on June 14, 1941. It will be performed on June 13, 2026, at St. John’s Church in Riga, at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.
On June 13, at 6:00 p.m., a concert “For the Deported” will be held at St. John’s Church in Riga, dedicated to the memory of the Latvian children who were deported to Siberia on June 14, 1941. The concert will feature the Latvian Radio Choir under the direction of conductor Sigvards Kļava, organist Kristīne Adamaite and saxophonist Artis Sīmanis. The program will feature works by Latvian composers Ēriks Ešenvalds, Ādolfs Ābele, Pēteris Vasks, Jānis Lūsēns, Rihards Dubra, Andris Vītoliņš, Andris Dzenīš, Romualds Jermaks, Jānis Mediņš and Imantas Kalniņš.
Over the years, the concert “Aizvestajiem” has become an important memorial tradition, annually gathering a wide audience to remember one of the most tragic events in Latvian history with music. The works of Latvian composers echo both the tragedy and the faith in the freedom of the people.
Latvian Radio Choir Conductor Sigvards Kļava talks more about the concert program:
“For some summers, this time has been evoking extremely important and deep feelings in me. Especially right now. Latvia, Freedom, the feeling of home – they have become the greatest values and sanctities. This date has become a special day for me and many others, reminding me of tragedies that never should not be repeated. But there is no such security. And that is why this year’s dedicated concert will sing about faith and trust, conscience and peace. That is why the songs with the words of Andris Eglītis, Knuts Skujenieks and Visvalds Sanders. That is why the music created by composers for whom these values are most important – Pēteris Vasks, Andris Dzenītis, Ādolfs Ābele, Imants Kalniņš”
Composer Pēteris Vasks, whose compositions will be performed at the concert, talks about the concert:
“It is a wonderful tradition that the Latvian Radio Choir has been singing on this sad day for you, us and the choir singers for several years now. I believe that this is one of the most important concerts of the year, in which they give joy, comfort, hope and faith. As long as the people sing, they will live. Some of my songs will also be performed at the concert. I composed them with the texts of my favorite poet. Knuts Skujenieks, as we know, spent seven years in the Gulag because he was a man of honor who did not fare well with the regime.”
Every year, the “Children of Siberia” foundation organizes a conference and concert “For the Deported,” this year on June 13. Director and founder of the “Children of Siberia” foundation Dzintra Geka-Vaska emphasizes:
“The concert “For the Deported” is not only a moment of remembrance for those who suffered and died in exile, but also a living testament to the strength of their spirit. With music, we open the door to memories and conscience. This concert is like a moment of silence and gratitude for those who survived and those whose path was left in the snow. My duty and my passion is to remind them that they are not forgotten.”
On June 14, 1941, more than 15 thousand people were deported from Latvia, including thousands of children. These events have left deep traces in the destinies of many people and in the collective memory of Latvia. The concert “For the Deported” is a call to keep this memory alive and pass it on to future generations.
