For the judgment of the spectators, the new would be anthem of the district was presented. Composer Česlavs Batņa, text Gina Viegliņa-Valliete. It was performed by a joint choir under the conduct of Česlavs Batņa.
Picture: The final dance with Skaistkalne Brass Orchestra (Skaistkalnes pūtēju orķestris) and joint choir in the background
The imposed from the above territorial reform that has led to this artificial unification is still considered by many pointless, expensive and doing no good to the majority. Yet no big mistakes made so far by the local government plus the hereditary shyness and conformity of the Latvians allow this formation to exist on.Whatever you may think of the political aspect, the Song and Dance Festival is a big celebration and was received as such by the people gathered in this beautiful place by Lake Vecumnieki.
Impressive enough were the joint dances performed together by people from different communities, the band playing a sticky melody. The choirs sang their soul out, and carried away the audience. We are, after all, quite well off when it comes to the musical resources.
Picture: Young Stelpe dancers in action
Among others, we could watch the performance of Stelpe children from the folk dance club led by teacher Lāsma Skābuliņa. It was long since they were bashful beginners earning much applause at every performance even so because they were overcoming fear and determined to do their best. Owing a lot to Lāsma's persistence, they are now brisk and nimble dancers able to give much positive emotions to the spectators.No wonder they were chosen for participation in the country-wide Song and Dance Festival which is a big honor for everybody. On a high level culture forum of the district, the message was presented as a 'tragic news' meaning that the dancers from the small community of Stelpe had outperformed the groups from the bigger communities where there are high-schools and clubs available.
Only us - the stelpians take pride and rejoice.
Picture: My wife Sandra and son Dag watching the concert
The concert was quite well attended even though a little below the expectations. For an event of this scale, on a bright sunny day like this, I would have anticipated streams and streams of people heading towards the scene. Yet, on my way there, I saw next to nobody. And there was enough space in the parking too. My fear about not being able to find a place was just in vain.Picture: Skaistkalne Brass Orchestra (Skaistkalnes pūtēju orķestris) led by Jānis Kalniņš
