Raimonds Pauls Accuses Concert Organizers of Exploitation Ahead of “My Homeland” Festival
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A deeply concerned Raimonds Pauls has publicly accused organizers of the upcoming “raimonds Pauls Song Festival ‘My Homeland'” of financial impropriety, alleging they are exploiting the event for personal gain. The renowned Latvian composer voiced his strong objections in a December 27 interview with “TV24,” sparking widespread media attention and raising serious questions about the concert’s management.
A Festival Marred by Dispute
The “My Homeland” festival, scheduled for July 11 at the Mežaparka Grand Stage in Riga, was intended as a party of Pauls’ extensive musical legacy. However, the composer now fears the event is being leveraged as a profit-making scheme, particularly at the expense of rural collectives. “I didn’t agree to let them do it. They did it on their own!” Pauls stated emphatically. He alleges that organizers are “extorting money” from these groups, despite his initial intention for them to participate without cost.
Pauls questioned the qualifications of those now running the event, stating, “If they were some great conductors, but they are nothing… Unfortunately. But they are doing it.” He expressed dismay that “the money was in their hands, they ordered it…” and lamented, “well… Well, that’s how it is…”
Concerns Over Past Leadership
the composer’s concerns extend beyond the current organizers, hinting at a pattern of questionable financial practices within Latvia’s music scene.Pauls voiced apprehension that the issues surrounding the festival could expose past misdeeds. “God forbid, if the deeds of the former head of music life… are brought to light… Well, there are terrible things… How is that money of our culture, everything that we have, how has it gone… How is it everything has been done… well, it can’t be!” he exclaimed. The composer specifically alluded to Guntars ķirsis, a long-time board member of VSIA “Latvijas koncerti,” as perhaps being involved. Pauls concluded with a defiant statement: “That’s why I don’t want those surnames to be there at all… By what right?!”
Organizers Respond to Allegations
The concert organizers addressed the controversy on Thursday, December 28, offering a defense of their actions. They stated that a meeting with Pauls, and his artistic team – including director Dita Lūriņa, chief conductor Mārtiņš Klišāns, concert scenographer Mārtiņš Vilkārsis, and executive director Daina Markova – had taken place over a year ago to discuss the concert and its repertoire. The organizers
Why: Raimonds Pauls accused the organizers of the “My Homeland” festival of exploiting the event for financial gain.
Who: Raimonds Pauls (the composer), the festival organizers, and Guntars ķirsis (a former music official) are central figures.
What: Pauls alleges organizers are “extorting money” from rural collectives and questions their qualifications, fearing a profit-driven scheme.
How did it end?: As of December 28, the organizers responded with a defense, stating a meeting with Pauls and his team occurred a year prior to discuss the concert. The situation remains unresolved, with potential for further inquiry.
