With three completely sold-out festival days, standing ovations, and world-class virtuosity, Pink Noise Riga has concluded its spring session. In its third year, the capital’s music festival once again proved it is no longer just an ambitious newcomer—it has become an integral part of Riga’s and the Baltic region’s musical life.
From the energy of emerging talents to the sparkle of jazz icons, the festival brought Riga a special “gloss” and emotional charge that left local and international audiences moved.
London’s saxophone sensation in Riga
London saxophone sensation Nubya Garcia delivered a performance at Palladium Riga on April 11 that confirmed her place among today’s jazz elite. The nearly two-hour set was spontaneous, vibrant, and uplifting—taking the audience to a true emotional peak. Performing music from albums Odyssey and Source, Garcia showcased exceptional interplay with her quartet—Sam Jones, Lyle Barton, and Max Luthert.
Lush Life quintet: emotional reunion and a premiere
The festival’s culmination—and its most emotional moment—was the premiere of Intars Busulis’ “Lush Life” quintet programme. Two standout personalities reunited on stage: Intars Busulis and saxophonist Gints Pabērzs, creating a sensual and powerful dialogue between voice and tenor saxophone.
Together with Toms Poišs, Rūdolfs Dankfelds, and Matīss Žilinskis, the musicians masterfully “restored” jazz classics—from Coltrane and Porter to Paul—into a fresh, intimate experience.
A particularly moving moment came with Paul Simon’s “Still Crazy After All These Years”, featuring a Gints Pabērzs solo as a tribute to the legendary Michael Brecker. In the concert finale, during Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah I Love Her So”, the musicians were joined by Dāvis Jurka (director of the Latvian Radio Big Band) and festival founder Aigars Nords.
New energy and standout debuts
At M/House of Jazz, the festival revealed another side: a showcase of young talent in the Three Voices Session. The late-night Jam Session became a unique platform where powerful Latvian musicians met members of Nubya Garcia’s quartet—creating yet another unforgettable Riga night.
Looking ahead: Wynton Marsalis this autumn
Organizers remind audiences that Pink Noise Riga returns in autumn from November 27–29. The biggest event is expected on the First Sunday of Advent, when jazz living legend Wynton Marsalis arrives in Riga together with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. The festival team stresses: don’t delay—most tickets are already sold out.
“The success of the spring session shows that Riga is ready for a high-quality, emotional, and bold jazz adventure. See you in November!” says festival founder Aigars Nords.
Media contacts
Valda Petrova (Festival Director)
valda.petrova@necom.lv
Dāvis Jurka (Artistic Director)
Aigars Nords (Founder)
About Pink Noise Riga
Pink Noise Riga was created by Aigars Nords and Dāvis Jurka with the idea of placing Riga on the European music tourism map by presenting brilliant, internationally recognized artists in jazz (including electric-jazz, soul-jazz, fusion, and mainstream), improvised music, and other non-academic genres.
In 2026, the festival replaces its summer format with two sessions—spring (April 10–12) and autumn (November 27–29)—and is co-financed by the State Culture Capital Foundation and the Riga City Municipality.
