Rīgas Ritmi is one of the leading improvisation, jazz and global music festivals in the Baltics, widely known in Europe and the world. Every year, the festival stages in Riga brings together both world-renowned and awarded artists, as well as young and unheard musical talents. Rīgas Ritmi is taking place for the 25th time this year, traditionally offering a great selection for music connoisseurs.
In two and a half decades, the festival has become an integral part of Latvian cultural life, entering Riga’s name in global and jazz music culture tourism guides. Over 250 thousand visitors have already enjoyed the performances of approximately 750 world musicians in more than 1,000 concerts. Thanks to the festival, such musical greats as Billy Cobham, Randy Brecker, Bobby McFerrin, Pat Metheny, Diane Reeves, Take 6, Lizz Wright, Richard Bona, BBC Big Band, Avishai Cohen, Patti Austin, Scott Hamilton, Freddy Cole, The Yellowjackets, Victor Wooten, Jojo Mayer, Medeski, Martin & Wood, Robert Glasper, Diane Schuur, Ayom, José James and many others have visited Riga.
Evaluating the artistic program, organizational quality and significance in the international circuit, the European Festival Association has repeatadly awarded the Rīgas Ritmi Festival with the prestigious EFFE Label.
MASTERCLASSES
One of the main goals of the festival is to educate both the audience and young musicians. That is why the festival also offers jam sessions and masterclasses, where world-famous musicians share their knowledge with young talents, inspiring and changing the lives of young musicians. Every year, young people, music educators and journalists from all over the world participate in the master classes.
SHOWCASE
The Rīgas Ritmi Festival showcase is a project that aims to present Latvia’s best jazz, improvisational and global music performers to foreign producers, journalists and festival organizers. This project promotes the export of the Latvian music industry abroad.
“Rīgas Ritmi is a superb festival in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!” – José James
“Rīgas Ritmi is welcoming, elegant and warm festival in the image of the city and its people.” – Charles Passi
“You can feel that Rīgas Ritmi Festival team really cares about music and about artists!” – Yilian Cañizares