Pēteris Vasks

The music of Pēteris Vasks, one of the world’s best-known Latvian composers, raises global questions about life and death, hatred and forgiveness, harmony and chaos. In his work, the composer seeks to convey this philosophical thought: “Music can reduce suffering and soothe grief.” The composer combines different compositional techniques of the 20th century, but mostly focuses on the musical expression of a harmonious world structure and the renewal of classical music. Vasks based his contemplative Da pacem, Domine for choir and string orchestra (2016) on the 9th century Gregorian antiphon Da pacem, Domine, in diebus nostris. Vasks’ work expresses a desire for peace. It is the composer’s prayer in the name of our crazy and chaotic world, a warning about the future, religious discord, wars and the dangers of terror. The composer himself states that “most people today lack faith, love and ideals. Spiritual values ​​are lost. I want my works to be nourishment for the soul”. Vasks’ Da pacem, Domine is performed by the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra and Jauna Muzika Choir, conducted by Adrija Čepaitė.