Participants came from Liepāja, Aizpute, Kuldīga, Madona, Rēzekne, Daugavpils and the Riga area. Alongside the Sigulda parish choir, the Sigulda Youth Wind Orchestra “Sudrabskaņa”, conducted by Elmārs Rudzītis, also took part. The repertoire included works by Polish, Italian, Latvian and French composers.

The days were filled with intensive rehearsals, shared prayer and meals, and daily words of inspiration. At the opening, Madara shared how her prayer, “Lord, let this be Your project,” had been answered in an unexpected way.

On Saturday, parish priest Elvis Rudovičs reflected on the importance of celebrating the liturgy together, referring to a recent homily by Pope Leo XIV:

“To sing and play music in the liturgy means to bring our hearts into harmony with the hearts of our sisters and brothers and with the Heart of God, actively participating in the Mystery we celebrate in the liturgy.”

(Pope Leo XIV)

Paweł Bębenek spoke about God’s beauty and presence in music and in each of us:

“God loves us so much that He allows us to come to know Him through all our senses. Absolute, inaccessible Beauty comes down to our level. The Infinite Absolute wants to be with us.”

(Paweł Bębenek)

Tenor Jānis Kurševs joined the workshops as cantor and co-leader, introducing participants to his “theology of music” through Gregorian chant. Under his guidance, the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” was prepared.

Madara Bočkareva also made a major contribution, leading the programme, helping participants learn their vocal parts and serving at the organ. Under the guidance of organist Ella Umbleja, the workshop choir learned the solemn Mass acclamations and sung prayers according to the new translation of the Roman Missal. Inguna and Juris Čiževskis took care of hospitality and practical arrangements, while Ginta Goldmane and her team prepared the meals.

As Paweł Bębenek remarked, “without relationships, there is no music”. The friendship and warmth shared by the participants brought these words to life, and even those meeting for the first time felt like members of one large, loving family.

The workshops prepared the community for the church’s 30th anniversary celebrations on 20 September. Archbishop Zbigņevs Stankevičs celebrated the solemn Holy Mass, instituted ten lectors and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 30 faithful from Sigulda and the surrounding area. After Mass, the parish celebrated in the church garden, honouring former parish priests, ministry leaders and benefactors.

The Archbishop praised the workshops, saying that “at last, the church is filled with the kind of music that belongs there”. He encouraged the parish to take the next step: for the entire congregation to sing alongside the choir.

The organising team extends heartfelt thanks to the Music Workshops Fund for publishing the choir songbook, to Sr Agnese OP for providing simultaneous interpretation, and to the Flora bakery for the delicious refreshments.

Kristīne Locika