LNSO at 100: musicians Bulajevs and Šablovska on life in the orchestra

The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) is reaching a major milestone in 2026 — its 100th anniversary. The occasion is regarded as one of the most significant events in the orchestra's history, underscoring its long-standing and stable presence in Latvia's cultural life.

Ahead of the anniversary, two of the orchestra's musicians, Daniils Bulajevs and Ieva Šablovska, shared their reflections on what it means to perform with an ensemble carrying such an extensive legacy. Both describe their place in the orchestra as a source of pride and honor.

One of the notable points both musicians raised is that playing in the LNSO does not feel like work in the conventional sense. Instead, they describe their time with the orchestra as engaging and fulfilling, lacking the burden typically associated with a job.

The two musicians also spoke about aspects of their lives beyond music, showing that their interests and daily routines extend past the concert hall and rehearsal schedule. This glimpse offers a broader picture of the people behind the professional musicians who bring symphonic music to Latvian audiences.

The LNSO's centenary is being marked as an important milestone not only for the orchestra itself but for Latvia's musical life more broadly, highlighting a century of continuous development of professional orchestral performance in the country.