Summer Song Festival Renamed: Raimonds Pauls Exits Title, Choral Music Continues

The decision came after Pauls himself – who recently turned 90 – expressed exasperation at the use of his name without his consent. At the same time, the organizers of the event emphasized that the content, plan and concept of the event remain unchanged: a choral music concert that will bring together more than 13,000 choir singers, as well as professional musicians and soloists. The concert is intended as a tribute to the choral music of Raimonds Pauls, and will feature only songs composed by the 'Maestro'. The event will take place on July 11, 2026 at the Mežaparks Song Festival site, and preparations for it are already in progress with choirs learning and rehearsing the repertoire. The Latvian Radio Big Band and other musicians will also participate in the concert along with locally-known conductors. At the end of the concert, a night of singing and "joy of togetherness" is planned, singing songs from the Raimonds Pauls song collection, very much in the manner of the Song Festival itself. Although the concert was presented as a tribute to Maestro Raimonds Pauls and his work, the use of his name could have been interpreted not only that it had his official backing but even that he might be performing in person – which is not the case. In a recent interview on the TV24 channel, Pauls himself expressed a good deal of displeasure at the use of his name by the organizers, suggesting the concert is an opportunity for many other people to earn money off the back of his work. "By what right? I didn't agree to them organizing it! They're on their own!" said Pauls, adding his disgust at the notion that some participants might actually be charged to perform.