• Português

The Latvian Wind Orchestra Movement and Its Role in the Song and Dance Festival Tradition: History, Development, International Context, and Baltic Cooperation

Go Back

This presentation provides a concise overview of the historical development of the Latvian wind orchestra movement, its significance in society, and its central role in the General Latvian Song and Dance Celebration – one of the oldest and largest musical traditions in Europe. The paper analyzes the movement’s development stages, repertoire practices, community involvement, and organizational models of the orchestras. Special attention is given to the Wind Orchestra Day within the Song and Dance Festival – a symbol of cultural and emotional unity.
The presentation also includes a comparative insight into the experiences of Lithuania and Estonia, offering an opportunity to assess shared challenges and different development models in the Baltic region. Finally, the paper explores the perspectives for international cooperation, including the involvement of young musicians, joint projects, repertoire exchange, and digital innovations.
The presentation will use video and audio materials to illustrate the performances of wind orchestras and showcase the Song and Dance Festival, providing the audience with both a theoretical and a sensory experience.

Janis Purins

I was born in 1960 in Latvia and graduated from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in 1984 (trumpet), later studying conducting under prof. Vasily Sinaisky. Since 1977, I have worked with wind bands, including as Artistic Director of the Riga Technical University Student Band and later, from 1991–2007, as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the professional Wind Orchestra RIGA. Since 1995, I have been an Associate Professor at the Latvian Academy of Music, leading the wind orchestra conducting class and previously heading the wind instrument department. My students include leading Latvian conductors, such as Andris Poga. In 1996, I co-founded the Latvian Youth Symphonic Band, which has received international awards. I have conducted ensembles and led masterclasses across Europe and the U.S., and participated in major conferences like WASBE and the Nordic Band Conference. I am a board member of WASBE from 2017 till 2024, and a founder of various wind band initiatives, including the University of Latvia Wind Band, International Trumpet Days, and several virtual wind band projects between Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.