Grandiose Concert Performance 'Skroderdienas Silmačos – Skroderdienas Smiltenē' Held in Smiltene
On June 20, the Jāņukalns outdoor stage in Smiltene hosted a large amateur arts concert with nearly 500 participants and more than 2,000 spectators.
On the evening of June 20, the Jāņukalns open-air stage in Smiltene was the venue for the concert performance "Skroderdienas Silmačos – Skroderdienas Smiltenē" by the Smiltene municipality amateur groups. The event featured almost 500 performers, including singers, dancers, folklorists, actors, and musicians. It was organized by the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre.
The stage was packed, with an estimated audience of over two thousand people. Many spectators had to sit on the grass or stand due to a lack of seats. Attendees expressed their delight on social media, praising the performers and the organization.
The performance intertwined motifs from Rūdolfs Blaumanis' play "Skroderdienas Silmačos" with modern elements. The script was written by Gita Skadiņa, who also co-directed with Reinis Rešetins. Choreography was by Egija Abaroviča, who also danced with Rešetins. The roles of Kārlēns and Rūdis were played by Smiltene secondary school students Kristers Purviņš and Valters Kvelde.
Many groups from across the Smiltene region participated: choirs, ensembles, dance groups, a folklore group, and the youth band "Pusnakts brigāde". In total, around 170 singers and 300 dancers performed. Musical accompaniment was provided by "Pusnakts brigāde".
After the show, a dance party followed with the Smiltene brass band and soloists Jānis Krūmiņš from "Apvedceļš" and Jānis Krūmiņš from "Ceļojums". Visitors were treated to free pancakes cooked on site.
Inese Priedīte, head of the Smiltene Municipality Culture Centre, thanked everyone involved at the end of the performance, noting that Jāņukalns had become the cultural heart of the municipality. She expressed that the event exceeded expectations and that she was particularly moved by the unity and Latvian spirit.
