There is plenty of Christmas music beyond The Nutcracker and the frequently played festive Baroque pieces. This is proven by a returning guest to Müpa Budapest, Iveta Apkalna, who on this occasion arrives at the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall with a 60-strong choir made up of her fellow Latvians. The Latvian organist gained international recognition as a resident artist at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. Her playing is characterised by technical assurance and nuanced musical thinking. For its part, the State Choir LATVIJA is an outstanding ensemble that embodies the Baltic choral tradition with exceptional precision. Alongside works by Bach, Poulenc and Britten, the concert will also feature several more recent compositions – including music by the Latvians Pēteris Vasks, Rihards Dubra and Jēkabs Jančevskis, the Estonian Arvo Pärt, and the Frenchman Thierry Escaich. Throughout the evening, both the quiet, introspective moments and the choir’s sound in full splendour will emphasise the importance of peace and inner stillness.

Presented by: Müpa Budapest