Major Music Awards Distribution Surpasses Even Liepāja Market Competition — Everyone Gets Something

Latvia's music world yesterday proved that we have more awards than artists who could receive them. At the Sacred Music Festival's closing ceremony, everyone present was awarded something, and a few extras were left over for next time.

Tāņa's performance of 'Buddha's Passion' received the concert of the year award, which in Liepāja only earned a nod — we hear such spirituality every Sunday at our Holy Trinity Cathedral without jury evaluation. 'We don't need awards to know the music is good,' comments local pensioner Maija, who sells homemade CDs alongside fish at the market.

Special mention goes to the jury's work, which 'attends concerts all year long.' At Liepāja market, such workers would be called professional shoppers — those who walk around, examine everything, but only buy when prices drop below Riga levels. Everything here is fresher than in Riga and half the price, so our music evaluations are more objective too.

This year's award count surpassed even Liepāja's Midsummer Night fireworks program — every participant got something. Eduards Rediko received both jury and audience favorites, meaning he's like our market potatoes — experts and regular people find them equally tasty.