Latvia
2008 saw the first of our series of concerts in Latvia, with a very successful tour by the VU-ORKEST (Amsterdam Univ.) and concerts in Riga, Talsi, Bauska and Malpils.
Latvia is a beautiful, interesting and culturally very rich country that has a lot to offer for travelling orchestras and tourists alike. It is blessed with local festivals, wonderful churches, castles and concert halls both in Riga and further afield in small towns and villages, and has a keen following of local music lovers who will do all they can to welcome you in the best possible way.
Venues this year included St Peter’s Church in Riga, Bauska Culture Hall, Talsi Lutheran Church and Malpils Culture Hall, where the concert formed part of the famous KREMERATA BALTICA Festival.

A combination therefore of cultural sight-seeing, interesting and beautiful venues and passionate audiences make Latvia the perfect alternative location for tours, even for those on a tight budget. Please see our PHOTO GALLERY for documentary photos and below for comments from 2008:
MARTIJN VEUGER, TOUR MANAGER VU-ORKEST
During the tour there were no difficulties whatsoever. I really enjoyed the smooth ongoing during the week and around the concerts. Peteris was a great help, especially with the Bauska concert. I have not heard a single negative sound from our orchestra members nor Daan... I was also very pleased with the concert venues. Everywhere we arrived, we were welcomed with open arms, food (toast with caviar in Bauska) and drinks. Everyone was so warm and pleased to see us. All four concerts were well attended, which is also good for the spirit. Even our bus drivers enjoyed every concert, and the whole tour as well.
 
Local press:
“The concert pulled our heartstrings”
By Daina Ziemele July 2nd, 2008 www.bauskasdzive.lv
The Amsterdam VU- orchestra concert in Bauska Culture hall June 1st was event which probably has not been and will not be happening soon again in Bauska.
More than 80 young people visited Latvia to perform in four concerts in Riga and vicinity of it. Bauska Town Council and Bauska Town Hall with enthusiasm took an offer and invited orchestra to perform in Bauska. We would like to thank them for the opportunity.
The Culture hall was full and orchestra was able “to capture” the audience with first accords- from sounds of violins to drumbeats and cymbal crash.

Visitors’ comments :
-Truly fantastic!!! Thank you!!
-The concert was marvellous, thank you!!
-Marvelous concert; whoever was the organizer- THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!!!!

“The inhabitants of Bauska stands and applauds to musicians of Amsterdam Symphonic orchestra”
By Andra Matulenko “Bauskas Vestis” July 2nd, 2008

The concert of Amsterdam University symphonic orchestra in Bauska Culture Hall was held in July 1st. The event was important to Town, because it was one of the 400th Anniversary events. The entrance was free, and hall was filled with listeners.
The audience standing with cheer expressed the adoration to musicians for the brilliant performance. The appreciation to orchestra was expressed also by the Mayor of Bauska Town Arija Gaile.