Magdalena Geka, Iveta Calite & Ilona Meija - Vilnis Smidbergs: Chamber Music

World premiere recording of chamber works by Latvian composer Vilnis Smidbergs (b 1944) performed by Opus Klassik nominees violinist Magdalena Geka, pianist Iveta Calite and flutist Ilona Meija.

Vilnis Smidbergs, a contemporary of Peteris Vasks, Romualds Kalsons, Maija Einfelde, Martins Brauns, Georgs Pelecis, a well celebrated in Latvia, yet little known internationally, was born in 1944, one of the darkest years in human history. That also echoes in his music, however, tragedy is not the dominating world view and message characteristic here. A striving for harmony, the presence of humanistic values, the accenting of the spiritual verticals evoked by Christianity, a view of traditions and history - these dimensions are woven throughout Smidbergs' art, he consequentially, seriously and truthfully resolves these themes.

Violinist Magdalena Geka is known in Latvia and internationally with her charisma, musical enthusiasm, energy, vividness and now also her enduring interest in viola performance. Award winner at many international competitions, member of many notable performing groups (the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, the Paris Orchestra, the chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica, Orchestre Hexagone, Ensemble Appassionato). As of 2022, Magdalena Geka is the primaria of the distinguished French string quartet Akilone, as of 2024, the concertmaster of the chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Riga.