The Latvian composer Peteris Vasks celebrated his 80th birthday on April 16, 2026. To mark the occasion, the Bavarian Radio Chorus and the Munich Radio Orchestra, conducted by Ivan Repusic, staged a gala concert at Munich's Herz-Jesu-Kirche, featuring three expressive sacred choral works by the composer, whose aim is to 'nourish the soul' through his music. This new CD from BR-KLASSIK - now the third CD of works by Vasks released by the Munich Radio Orchestra under the baton of Ivan Repusic - presents the live recording of this concert from April 17, 2026.

Peteris Vasks originally wrote his 'Pater noster' for a cappella choir; the version with string orchestra was composed in 2000. Like many of his works, Vasks' meditative and evocative setting of the 'Our Father' is characterised by a simple, transparent musical language that draws on the tradition of sacred music, while also incorporating folk music influences from the Baltic region. The prayer from the New Testament is set to music using long note values. - This occurs in much the same way in the Gregorian antiphon 'Da pacem, Domine' from 2016, in which Vasks - as in much of his musical output - expresses a desire for peace. The message of his prayer for peace for choir and string orchestra extends far beyond the Christian petition.

In the revised version of his 'Missa' for choir and string orchestra from 2005 - the main work on the new CD - the sound of the strings enriches the choral work with a form of 'instrumental singing' that directly conveys the message of Vasks' music. The traditional form of the Catholic Ordinary omits the Credo, the profession of faith. At the heart of the setting is a message of hope, offering a haven of tranquillity as a utopian alternative to the noisy, materialistic world. This music from a 'sad optimist', as the composer repeatedly described himself, continually offers new opportunities to adopt different perspectives and discover alternative ways of seeing and hearing.

? Three expressive sacred compositions by the Latvian composer Peteris Vasks, arranged for chorus and string orchestra:

Pater noster

Da pacem, Domine

Missa

? The acclaimed Bavarian Radio Chorus and the Munich Radio Orchestra perform under Ivan Repusic

? Live recording of a concert on April 17, 2026 from the Herz-Jesu-Kirche in Munich