In Spring 2001, the the 4th International Boys Choir Festival "Rīgas Doms 2001" took place in Latvia. The Festival was a part of Riga 800th Anniversary Celebration Programme. The organisers and hosts of the Festival were internationally renowned Latvian boys’ choirs – Riga Doms Boys Choir and J.Medins Music School Boys Choir. The patron of the Festival is Dr. Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga, President of Republic of Latvia. General Sponsor of the Festival - Latvijas Mobilais Telefons, Ltd.
I am sincerelly proud that an event dedicated to professional children's art of highest order - 4th International Boys' Choir Festival "Rīgas Doms" will be held in our capital city Riga, as a part of its 800th Anniversary celebrations.

Since the old days Latvia has been famous for its choir singing traditions and the young generation of singers dedicates itself to maintaining of ancient traditions and promoting them across the world. It gives me a great delight that thanks to this remarkable event the bright and clear voices of singing boys' from Latvia and many countries will resound in every part of our state, giving a wonderful opportunity to learn about other cultures as well as open Latvia for the world.

I would like to wish organisers, sponsors, and participants courage, strength and infinite joy! Let it sound!

Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga

President of Republic of Latvia

 
 
 
Since Middle Ages boys' choirs have had a very special mission to speak to audiences in angel's voices. Throgh the ages boys' choir singing has charmed hearts of listeners with clarity and spirituality.

In 2001 the 4th International Boys Choir Festival brought the best boys' choirs from around the world to 14 towns and cities of Latvia, in order to present world-class children's art to wide audiences in Latvia, building bridges of cultural diplomacy between the East and the West.
 
 Our mission


The mission of the International Boys Choir Festival “Rīgas Doms” is:

  • to amaze, inspire and educate the audiences throughout Latvia and elsewhere by providing access to performers and educators representing boys’ choir singing tradition of highest order;
  • to ensure the continuity of boys’ choir singing tradition in Latvia and to promote its prominence on international cultural scene.
 Our aims

The following aims have been set for the 4th International Boys' Choir Festival "Rīgas Doms 2001":
  • To ensure public awareness of the boys' choir singing tradition in Latvia as an essential part of national choir singing movement;
  • To promote understanding and appreciation of audiences about the relevance of impressive spiritual presence of professional children choir singing tradition;
  • To assist in creation and maintenance of cultural environment of highest standard in socially and culturally underdeveloped regions of Latvia by providing access to world-class performers and educators;
  • To forge new cultural links on international scale and promote awareness of Latvian cultural heritage with particular focus on choir singing tradition;
  • To assist in making Latvia's cultural life an integral part of global creative community.
 

The Festival tradition will be continued by the 4th Internation Boys Choir Festival "Rīgas Doms" to take place in 2004 in Riga and throughout Latvia.