Organist Iveta Apkalna is one of the receivers of the Excellence Award in Culture. The goal of the award is to express the recognition of the country for an outstanding international achievements in culture, that have put an effort in popularizing the Latvian culture values, promoted a positive image of Latvia, raised its prestige in the world and the prestige of Latvian culture values in the local society.
Culture minister Dace Melbārde acknowledges that his year has been special for Latvian culture in an international context: “The presidency of Latvia in the Council of European Union did provide an opportunity to evaluate Latvian culture and our talents from an international prospective. It is a great satisfaction to experience this many ovations and such a recognizing words about our musician’s excellent achievements in the world, including Frankfurt, Brussels, New York, where I personally myself had an opportunity to participate in the events of culture program of Latvian presidential period.”
Iveta Apkalna is one of the most active and demanded solo organists and one of the rare organists, who considers as her goal to resound the organs outside the walls of the church – as a wonderful concert instrument without its sacral function. With the musicians persistent care, the Embassy of Latgale GORS has obtained its own organ, this way creating currently the only opportunity of performing music in union of an organ and orchestra on the stage of a concert hall. Iveta has founded also a new festival– “ORGANisms”. This was the first year the festival was held in Rezekne. Musician has twice received the prestige “ECHO Klassik” award. Her creative biography lists collaboration with the best world’s orchestras and conductors, including Māris Janson and Klaudio Abado. In her solo programs, Iveta Apkalna regularly implements the compositions of Latvian composers.
"This is a high recognition of my creative work. This came as an unexpected and pleasant surprise that makes me feel honored. I value the culture of my nation and its achievements. I have always felt proud to be a part of it. To receive an appreciation for my creations in the country that is abundant with talents and whose culture is the true moving power of all its happenings, is a true honor. We don’t work to receive awards, however, I won’t deny, it is an important acknowledgement for everything that is done, as well as a perfect dose of energy for the future creation process,” tells Iveta Apkalna.
Excellence Award was founded in 2014, after the proposal of the culture minister Dace Melbārde, initiative of The Council of Creative Unions of Latvia and support of National Culture Foundation, in order to evaluate and honor international achievements in culture.
Source: LSM.LV
