Daugavpils Jewish Community Ensembles „Mazl Tov” and „Aviva” Mark 20th Anniversary
A concert at the Unity House in Daugavpils on 11 October marked 20 years of the Jewish community's vocal ensemble „Mazl Tov” and dance group „Aviva”. The programme combined music, songs and dance.
A creative evening dedicated to two groups of the local Jewish community, the vocal ensemble „Mazl Tov” and the dance group „Aviva”, took place on Sunday, 11 October, at the Unity House (Vienības nams) in Daugavpils, Latvia. It marked the 20th anniversary of the groups. The festive programme alternated music, songs and dances, with members of both groups performing on stage. The audience supported the performers with applause.
How the groups came about
Riva Urjutova, head of the Daugavpils Jewish community, said that twenty years ago a musical ensemble and creative groups were set up on the initiative of the community's then chairman. She noted, however, that a choir and a dance group had already been active earlier. The groups have performed in several Latvian towns, including Preiļi, Dagda, Krāslava and Riga. A photo stand recalls these trips.
Members
People of various ages take part. Dance group members range from 17 to 70 years and older, while the choir consists mostly of older people. Urjutova admitted that engaging young people is not easy, but there are young members, and experienced dancers and vocalists help them settle in. She praised dance group leader Dmitrijs Morderers, who encourages the women dancers with the words „Girls, you have no age!”.
Organisers and supporters
The group leaders and other programme creators took part in preparing the performances. Director and screenwriter Elīna Vasiļjeva helped develop the scripts and stage productions, while the head of „Mazl Tov”, Giršs Kagans, and Dmitrijs Morderers were also actively involved.
The organisers thanked the leaders for their professionalism and stressed the importance of support from the „Only Family” foundation and the Restitution Fund. Thanks to this, members can continue creative work, preserve cultural traditions and introduce them to a wider public. Gratitude was also extended to audiences who have attended performances for many years.
The groups continue to work and are preparing new programmes for concerts and performances.
