World Choir Games 2014 - Programme

Greetings
Dace Melbārde
Latvia
Minister of Culture
Honoured World Choir Games’ guests, dear singers!
You have come to a wonderful place – a land where singing is one of the core values
of our identity, translating joy, sorrow and hope – the wings of our freedom.
It is no surprise that various surveys have shown that it is singing that most foreigners
associate with our country and that our Song Celebration has been listed
by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage. Even during our
toughest times, the Song Celebration allowed us to maintain our self-esteem
and our belief that the day would come when Latvia was free. Regaining our independence
24 years ago was unthinkable without the power of song. Latvian
choirs are admired all over the world and the World Choir Games being held in
Rīga vividly attests to that.
Rīga is a European Capital of Culture this year and now, for ten days, it will also be
the world choir capital. Anyone who has ever stood in the great massed choir at
our Song Celebration knows the thrilling feeling of togetherness when thousands
of voices sing in unison. Every choir can also provide this thrill by totally giving itself
to music and through heartfelt fellowship. May music and communal singing
inspire and unite you!
Yours sincerely,
Dace Melbārde
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