Ventspils Organ Days. JazzBaroque. Wondrous Machine!

Experience "JazzBaroque"—where Baroque elegance meets jazz freedom. Four imaginative musicians—vocalist Jānis Strazdiņš, Baroque violinist Lāsma Meldere-Šestakova, double bassist Jānis Rubiks, and organist Aigars Reinis—bring ancient melodies and Baroque gems to life with improvisation, rhythm, and jazz-inspired harmonies.

Inspired by Henry Purcell’s “Wondrous Machine!”, this concert celebrates the organ as a rich, multi-layered instrument connecting eras and styles. A playful, creative, and surprising journey through music awaits, where centuries and genres meet in free and expressive interplay.

The program takes the audience on a journey from 13th-century troubadour songs to the Baroque era. Ancient melodies and Baroque gems acquire a fresh voice, blending with jazz harmonies, improvisation, and rhythm. It promises an evening where different periods, styles, and musical signatures meet in free, creative, and surprising interplay.

As organist and Great Music Award laureate Aigars Reinis explains: "The idea behind this program came from performing well-known Baroque music through a freer, more interpretive lens, now with a jazzy touch. Here, wonderful musicians meet who are ready to approach Baroque music from a fresh perspective. Each of us shares our ideas as individuals, receiving in return the joy of free interplay. Unforced, creative, and surprising!"

Baroque elegance and jazz spirit – from 13th-century troubadours to Henry Purcell. Ancient music in a new breath.