Musical Instrument Fair Strikes the Perfect Chord in Rezekne
St. John's Church in Latgale is now home to an exciting exhibition showcasing a diverse collection of musical instruments, spanning from the 18th century to the present day. The exhibition, titled "Musical Instruments: Tradition and Innovation," was previously on display in Liepāja and has now been moved to its current location, the "Gors" building, known as the 'Latgale Embassy'.
The exhibition, curated by Liena Šmukste, features 50 instruments and is divided into six groups: wind instruments, string instruments, percussion instruments, and innovative instruments. One of the oldest instruments on display is an 18th-century timpani made in Rīga, which was kindly donated to the congregation of St. John's Church.
The innovative section of the exhibition, a highlight for many visitors, includes the baibafon and tubafon, instruments crafted by local artisans. A special mention goes to the synthesizer specially made for Juris Kulakovs, a pride of the museum and built by Jānis Kazāks.
Visitors are encouraged to interact with the exhibited instruments and specially installed sensors. Jēkabs Nīmanis, the exhibition's designer, has created an immersive experience by incorporating audiovisual stories, digital and interactive demonstrations, and even making inanimate objects appear alive. When a visitor brings their hand closer to certain objects, instruments play recordings, creating a unique and engaging atmosphere.
Nīmanis' contribution aims to create a feeling that museum objects can be interacted with, even though they cannot be touched. This interactive approach is designed to appeal to all ages and is adapted for people with visual impairments.
Aleksandrs Maijers, a local craftsman, is responsible for making whistles and snare drums in the exhibition. His work, along with that of other local artisans, demonstrates the rich tradition of instrument-making in Latvia.
For those interested in learning more about the innovative instruments and their interactive digital features, we encourage you to visit the Latvian National Museum of Literature and Music's official website or contact the museum directly for detailed descriptions and exhibition catalogues.
The "Musical Instruments: Tradition and Innovation" exhibition will be on display until June 15, providing ample time for residents of Latgale to experience this unique and engaging showcase of Latvia's musical heritage.
- The 'Musical Instruments: Tradition and Innovation' exhibition, currently at St. John's Church in Latgale, was curated by Liena Smukste and features a diverse collection of musical instruments.
- The exhibition includes a display of 50 instruments divided into six groups, such as wind instruments, string instruments, percussion instruments, and innovative instruments.
- A highlight of the innovative section is the exhibited baibafon and tubafon, crafted by local artisans, alongside a special mention to the synthesizer made for Juris Kulakovs, built by Jānis Kažāks.
- Visitors are invited to interact with the exhibited instruments through specially installed sensors, creating an immersive experience designed by Jēkabs Nīmanis, the exhibition's designer, that appeals to all ages and caters to people with visual impairments.
