PERFORMANCES
Read about upcoming and past concerts, events, and masterclasses. Would love to see you there!
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs - ALLELUYA
Sydney Philharmonia Choirs Chamber Singers premiere my work Unter deinen Schirmen (Beneath your protection) in concert!!
Spend an hour in the cool sandstone and kaleidoscopic stained glass of St Philip’s on York Street and immerse yourself in an a cappella program of inspired Christmas miniatures from across the ages. At the heart of the concert is a set of nine Advent motets by 19th-century German Josef Rheinberger. He was court composer to Ludwig II of Bavaria of Neuschwanstein Castle fame, and these motets have that same Romantic fairy-tale beauty, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. We’ve interspersed them with some rare jewels of the Christmas repertoire, from Palestrina and Victoria evoking Renaissance cathedrals to the music from English choral tradition of Edward Elgar and Herbert Howells and beyond. And young Australian Aija Draguns has composed something new for this musical celebration of the birth of Christ.
Bask in the serenity and purity of unaccompanied voices in this exquisite concert with Sydney Philharmonia’s Chamber Singers and feel the true peace of Christmas spirit.
PROGRAM
Aija DRAGUNS Unter deinen Schirmen (Beneath your protection)†
Giovanni Pierluigi da PALESTRINA O Magnum Mysterium
Josef RHEINBERGER Nine Advent Motets, Op.176
Edward ELGAR I Sing the Birth
Tomás Luis de VICTORIA Ne timeas, Maria
Elizabeth POSTON Jesus Christ the Apple Tree
Raffaella ALEOTTI Angelus ad pastores
Jacob HANDL Two motets:
Natus est nobis Deus de Deo
Canite tuba in Sion
Peter WARLOCK Bethlehem Down
Javier BUSTO Magnificat
Richard Rodney BENNETT Out of your sleep
Herbert HOWELLS A Spotless Rose
Peter WISHART Alleluya, A New Work is at Hand
† World premiere
Leichhardt Espresso Chorus - Carols on Norton
Aija Draguns leads Leichhardt Espresso Chorus and orchestra in Carols on Norton 2024!
It’s on again! Carols on Norton, the magical outdoor musical experience under the stars is back at Pioneers Memorial Park on Sunday 15 December at 7pm. Sit back with your family and friends as the sun goes down and sing along with the Leichhardt Espresso Chorus, the Candy Cane Kids Choir, the incredible Tinsel Orchestra and more! It’s all free and sponsored by the Inner West Council. Meet your community and say hi to your neighbours – and don’t forget the picnic basket!
Alta Collective - LET ME WHISPER IN YOUR EAR
Vocal ensemble Alta Collective perform “Finding You”" in concert by Aija Draguns
Secrets ricochet across beams, declarations explode across bare walls & gestures find life in negative space as Alta Collective takes over converted-warehouse Mycelium Studios. Wavering between pride & self-doubt, bold assertions & quiet meditations, 'Let me whisper in your ear' reveals the emotionally complex worlds we all inhabit, bringing the intimate & the hidden to the foreground.
Soren Moller's 'Kiss Me' and David Lang's 'Just' both linger sweetly on romantic intimacy through texts from Song of Songs, while Philipp Rumsch's 'Close' explores a devastating and forbidden love. Caroline Shaw's 'So Quietly' is a lesson in self-talk ('I don't wanna be quiet!') while Alice Chance's 'Untitled #9' shows that sometimes the raw voice is more powerful than words.
Including works by contemporary composers Paola Prestini, Ekrim Eli Phoenix, Dan Walker and Aija Draguns, choreography by Marjorie Butcher, guest percussion & strings, 'Let me whisper in your ear' will be a night of rare treasures
MOTHER - In Cosmic Utero
This special collaboration premieres four short new operas created by postgraduate students from NIDA and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music that explore aspects aspects of the mother and motherhood, from personal to political, from quirky to queer. From the bloodlines of womanhood to the birth of a Star Baby, from a snakeskin nightmare to the finale of a reality television competition to find the next pop superstar, these captivating music dramas range across musical idioms and showcase a new generation of musical storytellers.
This co-production is directed by Lindy Hume, one of Australia’s great directors with more than 50 major productions across Australasia and a long line of international work stretching from Berlin to London to Seattle.
Program:
In Cosmic Utero
Music by Aija Draguns
Libretto by Bianca WatkinsConducted by Aija Draguns
The Lullaby
Music by Hao Zhen
Libretto by Lily ThomsonConducted by Simon Lobelson
Menarche
Music by Jessica O’Donoghue
Libretto by Rebecca Duke and Karina YoungConducted by Stephen Mould
M.TH.R
Music by Oliver John Cameron
Libretto by Xavier Hazard, Megan Rundle and Oliver John Cameron.Conducted by Stephen Mould
Directed by Lindy Hume
Dramaturgy by Dr Sally Blackwood
Australian Men’s Choir Festival
Aija takes her choir The Sydney Latvian Male Choir (SLVK) to Adelaide to participate in this combined mens choir festival, where she will conduct SLVK, along with the combined choir. She will be joined by Latvian conductor Edgars Vitols, Melbourne Edgars Veidners, and Adelaides Matiss Reinhards.
This event will be taking place over the weekend, 11th -13th of October 2024 at the Adelaide Latvian Hall ‘Talava’. It’s primary focus is to unite, rejuvenate and foster all Men’s Choirs, Latvian and non-latvian around Australia. We aim to include Baltic and Australian choirs in this but the primary language to be sung in will be Latvian and members of the public who may be interested in getting involved in a men’s choir. The tradition of the Men’s Choir on the decline so together we must aim high to bring it back to its full glory, it is important not only for the above reason but also aiding mental health for those in need, not too dissimilar to a ‘Men’s Shed’. Our target will be for this to be recognized internationally and to stimulate men’s choir interest around the world.
RENDITIONS - Leichhardt Espresso Chorus
From ancient harmonies to modern innovations, conductor and composer Aija Draguns takes the Leichhardt Espresso Chorus into RENDITIONS, a concert exploring where music has been, and where it’s going next.
With over 70 voices, interwoven with works sung by countertenor Michael Burden, featuring Ted Grantham on Hunter Baillie Church Organ and accompanist Catherine McKay, RENDITIONS is a musical journey exploring the history of vocal music from the medieval to the Australian contemporary, including two world premieres.
Each composer adds their own musical colourings to choral works set to the same ancient text, performed side by side, revealing a diverse mosaic of pieces infused with their own unique perspective.
POWER UP- White Bay Festival
Leichhardt Espresso Chorus performs at the POWER UP festival in White Bay Power station, along with countertenor Michael Burden and accompanist Catherine Mckay, conducted by Aija Draguns
With Latvian Song
The SYDNEY LATVIAN MALE CHOIR under the direction of Aija Draguns and accompanist Viktorija Macens, perform an erray of Latvian choral music and folk songs. They will also be joined by Latvian vocal ensemble: SKANDA
2pm Sunday 15th September
Sydney Latvian House, Strathfield.
Tickets at the door!
Leichhardt Espresso Chorus: THE SOUND OF LIGHT
What does light sound like? Embark on an ethereal journey with Leichhardt Espresso Chorus, conducted by Aija Draguns, as we delve into the choral realm of sound and light. Experience over 70 voices, soprano soloist Molly Ryan, accompanist Chen Le and renowned string ensemble Acacia Quartet.
Hear works by captivating Australian, Baltic and Nordic composers as they uniquely explore the interplay of light and darkness on Earth, as well as the celestial and divine above. Featuring music by Alice Chance, Ella Macens, Aija Draguns, Hamish Reeves interwoven with Ola Gjeilo, Morten Lauridsen and John Rutter, we invite you to explore the vivid colours of music’s infinite palette, including evocative settings of “Lux Aeterna” (Eternal Light).
TICKETS:
https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1218018?
The Australian Voices - ELERGY
The Australian Voices sing my piece BROKEN PINES in the world premiere!
https://www.theaustralianvoices.com/events
Join The Australian Voices for ‘Elegy’, centered around themes of ANZAC Day.
This concert takes its name from Frederick Septimus Kelly’s extraordinary work, ‘Elegy in Memoriam Rupert Brooke’, which he wrote while in the trenches at Gallipoli, in memory of his friend who had died. Kelly survived the Gallipoli campaign only to be killed a year later in the Battle of the Somme.
In ‘Elegy’ we will explore the depths of emotion that reflecting through music can bring, from deep personal stories, to struggles which affect all of humanity.
Featuring brand new works by Aija Draguns, Darcy Archer, Michael Otago and John Rotar as well as works by F.S. Kelly, Olivia Swift, Gordon Hamilton, Ruth McCall and Margaret Tesch-Muller.
The Australian Voices - ELERGY
The Australian Voices sing my piece BROKEN PINES in the world premiere!
https://www.theaustralianvoices.com/events
Join The Australian Voices for ‘Elegy’, centered around themes of ANZAC Day.
This concert takes its name from Frederick Septimus Kelly’s extraordinary work, ‘Elegy in Memoriam Rupert Brooke’, which he wrote while in the trenches at Gallipoli, in memory of his friend who had died. Kelly survived the Gallipoli campaign only to be killed a year later in the Battle of the Somme.
In ‘Elegy’ we will explore the depths of emotion that reflecting through music can bring, from deep personal stories, to struggles which affect all of humanity.
Featuring brand new works by Aija Draguns, Darcy Archer, Michael Otago and John Rotar as well as works by F.S. Kelly, Olivia Swift, Gordon Hamilton, Ruth McCall and Margaret Tesch-Muller.
Youth Choir AUSMA
Melbourne youth choir AUSMA sings my work “Sarkandaiļs Roze Auga”!
Conducted by Karmen Drezins
AL.59.KD Opening Concert
In the opening concert of the 59th Australian Latvian Cultural Festival, I will conducting Melbourne choir "Daina" in the world premiere of my new choral piece: “RĪGA DIMD”
Selga Tuktens and I will also sing a new duet together, an arrangement of “GULA MEITĪNA”" (Sleeping girl)
A great concert of choral, folk, and instrumental music put on by musicians from around Australia and Latvia (including internationally renowned ethno-pop girl group: Tautumeitas)- would love to see you there!
The Australian Voices 30th Anniversary Concert
Renowned and exciting vocal ensemble THE AUSTRALIAN VOICES (Artistic Director John Rotar) sings my Latvian folksong inspired SATB piece: “SITU KOKU”
https://www.theaustralianvoices.com/events
The Australian Voices 30th Anniversary Concert
Renowned and exciting vocal ensemble THE AUSTRALIAN VOICES (Artistic Director John Rotar) sings my Latvian folksong inspired SATB piece: “SITU KOKU”
https://www.theaustralianvoices.com/events
100 Women. 100 Stories.
I will conduct a choir of 100 women from around Australia in the premiere of my two new works: “Finding You” and “From my mother to her”
“100 Women is a symphony of women’s voices from around the country. This epic performance will bring together 100 singers from across the city to sing in one voice.
During the 2020 lockdowns, The House That Dan Built spoke to 100 women from around Australia. They shared stories of resilience, connection to community, and reflections on their lives through one on one interviews.
Six award-winning Australian female composers knitted those stories into a one-hour moving and poignant choral experience that is today known as 100 Women 100 Stories.
Composed by Jessica O’Donoghue, Pru Montin, Olivia Bryant, Audrey Ormella, Leahannah Crimmins, and Aija Draguns.”
(Source: https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/100-women-100-stories)
"When Latvian men come together"
My male choir, the Sydney Latvian Male Choir (SLVK) will present our concert: "When Latvian men come together"! They've worked so hard, and I am so proud of their sound.
Artsong Festival: Premiere and Lecture
As part of my Masters research program, my new piece 'Love Languages' for baritone voice and piano will be premiered as part of the Sydney Conservatorium Artsong festival!
Sund by the wonderful baritone Leon Vitogiannis, accompanied on piano by Jamie-Lee Xe.
I'll also be giving a talk on my masters research: "Threads of a Latvian sound world in transplanted culture: Setting text of the native tongue versus non-native tongue".
The Australian Voices: Reflections & Dirt
Renowned and exciting vocal ensemble THE AUSTRALIAN VOICES (Artistic Director John Rotar) sings my Latvian folksong inspired SATB piece: “SITU KOKU”
https://www.theaustralianvoices.com/events
National Youth Choir of Australia
The National Youth Choir of Australia, conducted by Dr Elizabeth Scott sings my Latvian folksong inspired piece: “SITU KOKU”!
Latvian Song and Dance Festival 2023: Diaspora Latvians concert
As part of the 2023 Latvian Song and Dance Festival, Selga Tuktens and I represent Australian Latvians in the televised Latvian diaspora concert, singing a song I wrote: "Gula Meitīna//Sleeping girl".
https://www.dziesmusvetki.lv/lv/programma/svetku-nedela/pasaules-latviesu-saieta-nams-arvalstu-latviesu-kolektivu-koncerts-sadziedasanas-danci/
GALLANT TRAGEDY
I will be conducting Woollhara Philharmonic Orchestra in my first ever full orchestral program, over two concerts.
KODÁLY Dances of Galánta
MOZART Bassoon Concerto (Soloist Milo Abrahams)
SCHUBERT Symphony no.4
GALLANT TRAGEDY
I will be conducting Woollhara Philharmonic Orchestra in my first ever full orchestral program, over two concerts.
KODÁLY Dances of Galánta
MOZART Bassoon Concerto (Soloist Milo Abrahams)
SCHUBERT Symphony no.4