Over the past two decades, accordionist Ksenija Sidorova, originally from Latvia, has become one of the premier performers of the instrument globally, and has not just elevated the instrument on a professional level, but also continues to reveal its expansive musical and sonic possibilities with her virtuoso performances.

Over multiple recordings, she has expanded the modern accordion repertoire, and her latest album – 2026’s Prophecy – features contemporary works by Estonian and Latvian composers. The album, recorded with the Estonian Festival Orchestra and conducted by Paavo Järvi, features works by Estonian composers Erkki-Sven Tüür and Tõnu Kõrvits, as well as Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks.

Erkki-Sven Tüür’s ‘Prophecy’ concerto, a single movement work, is inspired by the concept of a ‘seer’, or one that sees the future. Correspondingly, the work has a mystical, otherworldly atmosphere, and is imbued with a sense of trepidation (perhaps from the seer being aware of what the future holds). From its frenetic, often discordant, beginning, to the calmer, though ominous, middle section, Sidorova’s accordion provides a whirlwind of activity, a kind of narrator of the story of the seer. Along with the expressive and energetic performance by the orchestra, the work reaches a powerful conclusion full of tension and foreboding.

Tõnu Kõrvits’ four ‘Dances’ also allow Sidorova to display the broad sonic palette that the accordion has to offer. The works, commissioned for Sidorova, were composed in close collaboration between the composer and the accordionist, and this allowed Sidorova to also influence the sound of the work, giving the composer ideas about the different sounds and unique aspects of the accordion to incorporate the work. Though the title is ‘Dances’, the work is less festive but more atmospheric, developing moods and ambiance.

As a kind of a peaceful epilogue to the album, as a respite from the often stormy Estonian compositions, is Pēteris Vasks’ ‘The Fruit of Silence’. Though originally composed as a work for choir and piano, in this arrangement by George Morton, the orchestra takes the place of the choir and Sidorova’s accordion performs the piano part, a gentle, single note meditation. Though the work no longer has words (the text was based on writings by Mother Theresa), Sidorova captures the ruminative and deeply spiritual nature of the work, and as the work draws to a quiet conclusion, Sidorova and the orchestra leave the listener in a tranquil and harmonious state of serenity.

Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova and the Estonian Festival Orchestra conducted by Paavo Järvi have gathered memorable performances of modern Baltic works on Prophecy. Sidorova continues to push the boundaries of what the accordion is capable of, revealing new facets and aspects to the sound of the instrument, as well as displaying her skill with technically demanding works, as well as nuanced interpretations. Along with the Festival Orchestra, the recordings on the album display a wide range of emotions and sentiments, creating engrossing and moving performances.

For further information, please visit Ksenija Sidorova’s website and the Alpha Classics website.

Prophecy

Ksenija Sidorova

Estonian Festival Orchestra, conductor Paavo Järvi

Alpha Classics, ALPHA1198, 2026

Track listing

1. Prophecy – Erkki-Sven Tüür

Dances – Tõnu Kõrvits

• I. Darkness (cadenza). Under the Cajun Moon
• II. Passacaglia
• III. Siciliana
• IV. Sarabande

• The Fruit of Silence – Pēteris Vasks (Arranged by George Morton for accordion, vibraphone and string orchestra)

The three Baltic countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have long shared an intertwined history. As three small and culturally unique cultures on the shores of the Baltic Sea, their location between larger historical powers has meant that war has spread over their lands for centuries. However, their vibrant and deeply rooted cultures have survived the tribulations of their history, and have endured to become stronger than ever. Even though there are cultural and religious differences, Estonians, Latvians, and Lithuanians all share the common bond of song.

Recognizing this shared trait between them, originally three (now four) singers from the Baltic nations gathered to celebrate their shared affinity for folk songs and folk singing. The ensemble called themselves the Baltic Sisters, and united singers Marion Selgall from Estonia, Vineta Romāne and Liene Skrebinska from Latvia, and Laurita Peleniūtė from Lithuania. Originally the group focused on the Lithuanian singing style called Sutartinės, but have expanded their repertoire to include songs of all the Baltic peoples. The Baltic Sisters released their first album – Värav / Vārti / Vartai (the word for ‘gate’ in all three languages) – on the German music label CPL-Music in 2025.

On her website Peleniūtė describes sutartinės as “ancient Lithuanian multipart songs”. The songs on Värav / Vārti / Vartai are mostly sung unaccompanied, with multiple interwoven distinct vocal lines. This gives the songs a hypnotic, ritual atmosphere, such as the Lithuanian song ‘Sesė sodą sodino’, a song about planting a garden with apple trees, and the voices and their distinct melodies and texts, conjures an engrossing pastoral vision.

From the Latgallian repertoire, the group performs “Soka Saule rītiedama”, an orphan’s song from singer Domicella Līpeņa’s repertoire. The sparse vocal arrangement highlights the tragic nature of the song, and the repeated phrases, like ‘naraud gauži’ (do not cry bitterly) enhance the melancholy atmosphere of the performance.

Though many of the songs have a somber character, there are still moments of happiness and exuberance, such as on the Estonian “Sõrmemähkimise mäng”, a cheerful song about a young man meeting his bride after running to help her after she cut her fingers on some straw. This performance also shows the playful side of the ensemble.

Though most songs are sung with minimal accompaniment, for the Lithuanian “Turėjo Liepa”, the singers are joined by percussion and bass guitar, to give this ancient song about a linden tree with nine branches that loses its branches during a storm a more modern feel. The number nine is significant in the folklore of all three Baltic nations, deep with symbolism, and this song highlights the magical and mystical nature of this folk belief.

Mystical and atmospheric, somber and hypnotic, Värav / Vārti / Vartai envelops the listener with its rich and haunting melodies from all three Baltic states. Bringing together ancient songs from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltic Sisters display not just their singing skills, but also their ability to reveal the transcendent nature of the songs of the region. Though three distinct cultures, the album seamlessly melds the music and songs of each nation into a engaging and meditative whole.

For further information, please visit the Baltic Sisters Facebook page and the CPL Music website.

Värav / Vārti / Vartai

The Baltic Sisters

CPL-Music, CPL070, 2025

Track listing

1. Sesė sodų
2. Soka saule rītiedama
3. Sõrmemähkimise mäng
4. Cuckoo song
5. Ėjau rytelia čiūta
6. Aja kari siia!
7. Dai kas padunda
8. Svirtis svira
9. Saulala sadina
10. Nuslaida saulala
11. Sviro lingo
12. Tumsīnā, vakarā
13. Treputė martela
14. Turėjo liepa

The New York Latvian School (formerly the Bronx Latvian School) celebrated its 75^th anniversary on May 9, 2026.

As part of the anniversary celebration at the Latvian Church in Yonkers, New York, USA, the school prepared a documentary film on the school’s history. Titled Ņujorkas latviešu skola no paaudzes paaudzē (The New York Latvian School through the Generations), the film traces the history of the school from Latvian schools in Displaced Person camps after World War II, to the school’s formal founding on May 5, 1951, to the school as it is today.

The film, developed by Zane Kaljo and Belinda Video Productions can be viewed on the New York Latvian School website.

The full film, in Latvian, is two hours in length, but there is also an abbreviated version available for viewing, in Latvian with English subtitles.

The film includes in-depth interviews with many former teachers and students, and also goes into detail about singing and dancing traditions at the school and discusses the challenges facing diaspora Latvian schools today. Supplemented with many historical photographs, the film is dedicated to all the students, teachers and principals of the New York Latvian School.

Film and event sponsors and supporters

The New York Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Latvian Cultural Society TILTS

The American Latvian Association

Daugavas vanagi USA