18. November, 2026
On 18 November at 7.00 pm at the Bauska Cultural Centre, to mark the anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Latvia, composer Jānis Lūsēns’ concert programme “We Are Here” will be performed. On this festive evening, the composer will be joined on stage by singer Paula Saija and actor and singer Raimonds Celms.
Latvia’s birthday is a time when we look back with gratitude on the founding of our country, honour its freedom and recognise our connection to the land we call home. The title of the concert programme, ‘We Are Here’, will ring out this evening as a testament to our presence and love for Latvia – its language, nature, people and culture.
Vocal chamber music holds a special place in Jānis Lūsēns’s body of work. Performed by Paula Saija and Raimonds Celms, accompanied by the composer on the piano, the audience will be able to enjoy solo songs and duets, as well as excerpts from stage works such as “Sphinx”, “Early Dew” and others. The composer himself will be at the piano, whilst Jānis Lūsēns Jr. (bass) and Evija Mundeciema (flute) will enrich the concert’s sound.
In the programme’s songs, the words of classic Latvian poets will intertwine with Jānis Lūsēns’ melodies, revealing a love for Latvia, its landscapes and its people. Alongside patriotic and lyrical moods, the concert will also feature a touch of playfulness and coquetry – songs about the twists and turns of relationships between men and women. The musical narrative will be complemented by poetry read by Raimonds Celms. On the eve of the national holiday, we invite you to come together and let yourselves be carried away by the power of music and words, which remind us that Latvia lives on in our thoughts, our actions and our ability to listen to one another. We are here – in our own land.
Admission is free upon presentation of an invitation. Invitations can be received at the Bauska Cultural Centre box office – up to 5 invitations per person!