Indoor Festival Concerts
Lithuanian Folk Music Concert “Songs of the Baltics”
20 June, 6:30 p.m. University of Latvia Great Hall
The concert will bring together 230 Lithuanian student folk musicians. The programme is dedicated to three themes: national identity, family, and love for one’s homeland. Traditional folk music will intertwine with contemporary sounds while preserving the spirit of living traditions.
Free admission tickets for the Lithuanian Folk Music Concert “Songs of the Baltics” can be obtained electronically HEREor at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices.
Sacred Music Concert
20 June, 8:00 p.m. Riga Cathedral
Each participating country has selected its own sacred music programme featuring works by national composers. Alongside sacred music performed by choirs from Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, audiences will also hear the magnificent organ of Riga Cathedral.
Free admission tickets for the Sacred Music Concert can be obtained electronically HERE or at Biļešu Paradīze ticket offices.
Opening Concert of the 20th Baltic States Student Song and Dance Festival
19 June, 5:00 p.m. University of Latvia Great Hall
The Opening Concert is conceived as a celebration of a journey that began 70 years ago and continues to open new horizons in the story of the Baltic States Student Song and Dance Festival. The concert will feature choirs from Latvia and the Symphony Orchestra of the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. During the opening evening, the festival’s chief conductors and artistic leaders will be honoured.
Free admission tickets are sold out.
Folk Dance Ensemble Concert “On the Same Path”
19 June, 8:00 p.m. Dailes Theatre
A colourful journey through the national cultures of the three Baltic States, revealing both their shared traditions and their unique characteristics. Several folk dance ensembles will represent each participating country.
Free admission tickets are sold out.
OUTDOOR EVENTS – NO TICKETS REQUIRED
Admission tickets are not required for the festival’s outdoor events.
On 19 June from 2:00 p.m., the traditional Herbal Market at Dome Square will be complemented by a special Gaudeamus folk music and dance programme featuring performers from all three Baltic States.
On 20 June from 11:00 a.m., Vērmanes Garden will become a vibrant meeting place celebrating youth, energy, professional excellence, and the wind orchestra traditions of the Baltic States through a dedicated concert programme.
On 21 June at 4:00 p.m., festival participants will march from Riga Old Town to Freedom Square, where the festival’s Grand Concert, “To Infinity…”, will begin at 5:00 p.m.
About the Festival
The Gaudeamus tradition began in 1956 in Tartu, and since then the festival has been held 19 times across the Baltic States. It is an important part of Baltic cultural and academic identity, promoting the preservation of traditions and encouraging young people’s involvement in folk culture. The festival plays a significant role in safeguarding the unique Song and Dance Festival tradition and strengthening unity among the Baltic States. The festival is hosted in turn by each Baltic country. The organisation of the event is coordinated by the Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia in cooperation with the University of Latvia and the Riga City Council.
The 20th Baltic States Student Song and Dance Festival in Riga will bring together student ensembles from higher education institutions across the Baltic States, including 64 choirs, 38 folk dance ensembles, 9 wind orchestras. The festival programme features seven concerts.
