Liepāja Symphony Orchestra (LSO) is the oldest symphony orchestra in the Baltic States, that is still performing today, and the only professional orchestra in Latvia outside Rīga.
The LSO's origins date back to 1881, when the first Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra was founded. After the Second World War, the orchestra's activities were restored in 1947 under the umbrella of the Liepāja Music High School with its long-standing director and conductor Valdis Vikmanis. A new phase of the orchestra history opened up at the end of 1986, when the orchestra acquired the status of a professional orchestra as an independent unit. Mikhail Orekhov, who worked for the LSO from 1988 to 1991, became the orchestra's first artistic director and principal conductor.
An important period in the orchestra's history was from 1992 to 2009, when Imants Resnis was its artistic director and principal conductor. He significantly expanded the orchestra's range of activities. In addition to concerts in Liepāja, Rīga and other Latvian cities, the LSO has regularly toured abroad. During this time, important recordings have been made, including on Latvian Radio and Television. The International Festival of Piano Stars, initiated by Imants Resnis in 1993, has become an important tradition, hosting some 170 pianists from more than 30 countries. In 2016, the festival expanded its musical boundaries and became the Liepāja International Star Festival, attracting not only pianists but also outstanding singers and other instrumental virtuosos.
In 2010, the LSO acquired the status of a state orchestra. From 2010 to 2017, Atvars Lakstīgala was its principal conductor and artistic director. During this time, the orchestra has developed close collaborations and produced valuable recordings under the umbrella of record labels “Toccata Classics”, “Wergo”, “Odradek Records” and “Skani”. The orchestra has performed regularly in the Baltic States, and has toured to China, Japan and India, as well as Greece and Azerbaijan.
The LSO's status as a state orchestra is also confirmed by its participation in events of national importance - the opening concerts of the newest concert halls, award ceremonies. The annual Latvian Symphonic Music Gala Concert is also unimaginable without the LSO's participation.
On 6 and 7 November 2015, the LSO sound opened its new home - the concert hall "Great Amber" – bringing public several festive gala concerts.
Contact
Address: Radio Street 8, Liepāja, LV-3401
Phone: +371 63 489 272
E-mail: info@lso.lv
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