World Renowned Pianist Lauma Skride performs in Washington, DC

The Embassy of Latvia to the United States was honored to host an enchanting evening of classical music featuring the extraordinary talent of renowned Latvian pianist, Lauma Skride. The concert, which took place on October 20, captivated the audience with Skride's impeccable artistry and profound interpretations of classical masterpieces.

Ms. Skride's performance showcased a diverse repertoire, ranging from the romantic compositions of Franz Schubert and Franz Liszt to the contemporary works of Latvian composers Jānis Mediņš and Pēteris Vasks, as well as the avant-garde brilliance of Igor Stravinsky. The audience was treated to an exquisite musical journey, with Skride's virtuosity and deep emotional connection to the music leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Jānis Beķeris, expressed his delight at welcoming the audience to the Embassy and hosting such a world-class artist. "We are honored to have Lauma Skride perform tonight. Her exceptional talent and passion for music showcase Latvia's rich cultural heritage and create a memorable evening for everyone in attendance." He went on to say “Latvia is a candidate to the UN Security Council for elections in 2025. We are looking forward to promoting our values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights at this forum, but we are also delighted to use our candidacy as an opportunity to demonstrate our profound talent and cultural heritage.”

Lauma Skride, celebrated for her technical brilliance and profound musicality, has garnered international acclaim for her performances with leading orchestras and conductors around the world. Her ability to infuse each note with deep emotion and her unique interpretation of classical compositions have earned her a devoted global following.

The concert was attended by distinguished guests, including diplomats, cultural enthusiasts, and music aficionados, who were all deeply moved by Skride's spellbinding performance. The event highlighted the Embassy of Latvia's commitment to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening the bonds of friendship between Latvia and the United States, as well as promoting Latvia’s candidacy to the UN Security Council for the term 2026-2027 with elections taking place in 2025.

About Lauma Skride:

Lauma Skride is a world-renowned Latvian pianist known for her exceptional talent and emotive performances. With a career spanning international stages, Skride has earned praise for her interpretations of classical repertoire, showcasing a deep understanding of the music she plays.

Lauma Skride is co-founder of the “Skride Quartet”, formed in 2016 together with her sister Baiba Skride, Harriet Krijgh and Lise Berthaud. The quartet have performed in major venues and festivals worldwide. In 2019, the quartet toured Australia and released their debut recording with ORFEO (Mozart, Mahler and Brahms), and in 2020 embarked upon an extensive US tour.

Lauma Skride’s 2023/2024 season brings duo performances with Austrian double bass player Dominik Wagner at the Mosel Musikfestival, in Lucerne and Potsdam and a concert at the Wigmore Hall London with the Skride Quartet. Together with the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra and Sebastian Weigle, she will perform Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto, the work that has had a special influence on her career. As part of the Mozartwoche 2024, Lauma Skride will once again share the stage with Anne-Sophie Mutter and be heard in a trio with her and Maximilian Hornung.

Born in Riga, Latvia in 1982, Lauma Skride is the youngest of three daughters in a musical family. She began playing the piano at the age of five and was later a pupil of Anita Paze at the Emils Darzins School of Music in Riga. She then studied under Volker Banfield at the University of Music and Theatre in Hamburg. Lauma Skride has participated in numerous international competitions since the age of eleven, among them the Maria Canals Competition in Spain and the Cleveland International Piano Competition in the USA and has won several prizes.

She continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her virtuosity and passion for the piano.