Cultural Connection

What Cultural Connection is

The Cultural Connection project brings musicians and artists from Latvia to municipal schools and the APAE (association for people with disabilities) in Nova Odessa and the region. Children learn about Latvia — its climate, history, traditional costumes and musical instruments — through interactive, moving performances.

In 2022, the trio Ligo Muzikants (Tenis Dimants, Egija Laura Preise and Liene Smilgaine) reached around 650 children. During the performances, the children interacted with the Latvian visitors, learned words in Latvian and got a close look at the traditional costumes. Many were moved, hugged the musicians and asked for autographs.

The project also visited Vārpa (Tupã), where teachers reported a significant rise in children's interest in Latvia, who kept practicing the dances they had learned.

Music Workshops

In September 2022, Egija Laura Preise led music and Latvian games workshops for 14 children in Nova Odessa. One of the highlights was learning the song "Maza Maza Abelīte" and the recorder. Three weeks later, the children performed at an event held at City Hall.

Egija also traveled to Vārpa, performing for 80 students and taking part in gatherings, Rotary events, ATLECA events, and radio and TV interviews.