BAHTALI GILI

On June 15 at 6:00 PM, we invite you to a vibrant summer concert featuring the musical ensemble “AME ROMA” and violinist ALEXEY KOLESNIKOV, which will take place in the largest cultural center of the city of Daugavpils and in one of the biggest and most visited concert halls in Latvia – the Palace of Culture.

“BAHTALI GILI”, translated from Romani, means “happy song.” Without a doubt, all the songs performed by these musicians radiate happiness. Everyone is moved by “AME ROMA’s” performances as they always deliver unique charisma, passion, and a profound love for music, filling audiences with genuine joy, beauty, and vitality.

“AME ROMA” is a renowned music ensemble made up of members from two legendary Latvian Romani families: KOPYLENKO and RUDEVICH. The ensemble has a history spanning over 90 years, with the fourth generation of musicians continuing the legacy. They preserve their unique style and the spirit of a true Romani tabor, delighting audiences with authentic Romani songs, dances, and romances.

The group is led by RAISA KOPYLENKO, a representative of a prominent musical dynasty. Her grandfather, ANDREY KOPYLENKO, founded the ensemble in 1934. Her father, ARTUR KOPYLENKO, continued the family tradition and became a celebrated musician both in Latvia and abroad.

The lead vocalist, ROXANA RUDEVICH, is an expert and consultant on Romani integration issues at the European Parliament. Her father, NORMUNDS RUDEVICH, is a former member of the Latvian Parliament (The Saeima) and now serves as the President of the International Romani Union.

Since 2015, the Rudevich family has been organizing the International Romani Culture Festival in Latvia, bringing together the finest Romani musicians from around the world.

“AME ROMA” participates in various events organized by the Ministry of Culture, local governments, and other cultural organizations, including Riga City Festival, the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, and others.

Alexey KOLESNIKOV is a renowned violin virtuoso from Riga, a multi-genre musician, an international competition laureate, an exceptional improviser, and a participant in numerous TV shows and international festivals.

Alexey was born in Riga and, as a child, won first place three years in a row in the “Talents for Latvia” competition. At 16, he moved to Moscow and graduated from the Moscow Conservatory. He spent nearly 20 years abroad, working on prominent musical projects in both classical music and show business.

Nine years ago, Alexey returned to Latvia, where he continues his creative journey and actively performs.

Alexey shares a long-standing friendship and creative partnership with “AME ROMA” and has performed with them at numerous festivals both in Latvia and internationally.

The concert program will feature popular authentic Romani songs and romances performed in Romani, Latvian, and Russian.

Duration of the concert: ~1 hour 30 minutes.

Performers:

AME ROMA (Latvia)

Raisa Kopylenko (vocals)

Roxana Rudevich (vocals)

Rino Rudevich (vocals and guitar)

Alexey Kolesnikov (violin)

Gipsy dance showgroup ROMANO KHELIBEN (Estonia)

Aneta Kempa

Zalina Dabla