President Zatlers, “Singing brings people together. . .”

What choir tour comes with a command performance with the President?  We arrived at the Presidential Castle and presented our identification to make sure we were all on the approved security list.  (see above) Next, we walked through security scanners and had our music checked by security.  We were ushered into a beautiful state-room where eventually about two dozen people gathered complete with photographers and news media.  President Zatlers gave a short address about the power of music to bring together communities and its significance to the people of Latvia.  He warmly presented to us a photograph of himself visiting the UW choirs in Seattle last year. UW Professor Guntis Smidchens thanked the President for the invitation to sing and the partnership between the government of Latvia and the University of Washington.  He presented the President with a wooden carving of a salmon; representing travel, our connection with water, and the journey of coming home. When it was our turn to sing, the President heartily wished us “Good luck!”

We sang “Hard Times Come No More”, “Joshua”, two of Eric Barnum’s Responsories, and “Put Vejini” (in which everyone in the audience lovingly mouthed the words”.  A smile was brought to the President’s face when we sang “Happy Birthday” in English and in Latvian.  After the applause, President Zatlers told us that if the audience turned around and closed their eyes, they would have thought we were a Latvian choir!  He complimented us on our pronunciation and appropriate emotion in the song “Put Vejini”. Following the performance, we talked informally to the invited guests who were in someway associated with the University of Washington.  Many enjoyed the opportunity to speak directly with the President who was more than happy to chat and shake hands.

After leaving the castle, some people took advantage of the free time to go attend the opera Nabucco, explore the Old Town, and/or visit the Song Festival Grounds.  I feel very fortunate to be able to visit the festival grounds where every five years  16,000 singers gather for an audience of 14, 000 to celebrate their heritage through song!  It was very awe-inspiring to be in a place designed and set aside for the celebration of culture, a people, and the power of singing.

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