On Friday, November 12, 2010 the Latvian National Choir made its U.S. debut with an hour-length recital as part of Lincoln Center's inaugural White Light Festival. Led by Estonian conductor, Tõnu Kaljuste, the evening presented wildly varying takes on the festival's themes of spirituality and reflection. Join us this Thursday at 7 pm to hear the performance aired in its entirety.

This program, entitled Late Night Elegy: Baltic Dreams, opened with Swiss composer Frank Martin's Mass, a piece which progresses with startling stylistic leaps from movement to movement, before settling into Arvo Pärt's serene Dopo la Vittoria (After the Victory).

Raua Needmine (Curse Upon Iron), by Estonian composer Veljo Tormis, included shouts and ominous whispers from the choir and soloists while their conductor circled, stomped and pounded time on a large drum. The evening concluded with a tender Latvian lullaby where the choir took positions spread through the Penthouse and then slowly exited, with Mr. Kaljuste, eyes agleam, watching from the wings.

You can hear this performance Thursday at 7 pm and again Saturday at 10 am.