Showcasing some of the most innovative UK and Baltic artists, the Baltic Art Form Festival started in London yesterday and is due to run until 18 June. The festival celebrates the cultural collaboration enjoyed by the two regions, which is represented by a broad spectrum of arts. From dance to the visual arts, the week will be packed with exciting performances, talks and a creative laboratory showcasing over 20 artists.
These include names well known on the scene, such as London based pianist Rosy Chan, Lithuanian mezzo-soprano Justine Gringyte, Latvian pianist Reinis Zariņš and dancers from the leading British dance company, Rambert. This talented line-up is the least of what’s on offer and the most exciting emerging and unseen artists are also featured.
The festival started on Monday 15 June with an opening concert featuring a special performance from dance Circe by Kladia Wittman and Anna Beatriz Meireless. Michelle Moran also explored the concept of secrets through a theatre performance. The evening featured musical performances by Latvian Musician Raivis Misjuns, Latvian composer and musician Platon Buravicky and London based The Violet Hum collective.
On Tuesday 16 June, expect a cultural overdose and get involved yourself. Artists are welcome to collaborate on conceptual projects proposals for further performances for Baltic Art Form 2016.
“London has a reputation for being place of new opportunities,” said festival artistic director, dancer and a choreographer Kirill Burlov. “I am excited to be a part of this and to have the opportunity of bringing together new artists both residing in the UK and the Baltic states to network and create unique projects. Some of these collaborations are going to be epic!”
Ajay Domun, MD of Magna Carta Ltd says: “Kirill is an accomplished dancer and choreographer and a familiar figure within the contemporary dance circuit in London. We are very pleased to see that all his efforts and dedication to promote the various art form from the Baltics is paying dividends.”
Get your dancing shoes on for Thursday and enjoy an eclectic mix of classical and jazz music at Wednesday’s gala concert, as well as more dance and theatre performances. The gala concert takes place on Wednesday 17 June in Sepulchre’s Church.
On the final day, Thursday 18 June, there’s an evening of Baltic Cinema, curated by renowned London based filmmaker Charlotte Ginsborf, and featuring the unseen gems of Latvian cinema.
The Festival is reasonably priced, with tickets starting from just £5 – £10, so why not treat your friends and dive in for a fun-packed cultural extravaganza. The Baltic Art Form Festival is kindly supported by the Latvian Embassy in the UK and the closing gala concert is the closing cultural event of the Latvian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The festival is also supported by the Kensington Temple Church, the Horse Hospital, danceuk.org and Magna Carta Translations.
For further information and tickets check out the Festival website.