A Celebration of Electronic Music in Ventspils
On October 23, 2024, the MIKC Ventspils Music School, in collaboration with Artes Liberales and Erica Synths, successfully hosted Synthija 2024, a dynamic event celebrating electronic music and its instruments. This two-part event offered young musicians and enthusiasts a chance to explore the world of synthesizers, gain hands-on experience, and draw inspiration from professionals in the field.
The day began with a lecture by Ģirts Ozoliņš, founder and CEO of Erica Synths, who shared insights into the fundamentals of subtractive synthesis and the innovative technologies behind the company’s instruments. Held in the Green Room of the Ventspils Music Library, the lecture was followed by a practical masterclass where participants worked with Erica Synths’ Bullfrog synthesizer. Attendees were guided through creating sounds, improvising, and crafting music in a collaborative environment.
The masterclass provided participants with practical knowledge of synthesizer functionality and applications while fostering their creativity in electronic music production. For many attendees, it was a first-hand experience of working with professional-grade electronic instruments, making the session both educational and inspiring.
The evening concluded with a vibrant concert and jam session featuring students and faculty from the Ventspils Music School. Using electronic instruments and effects, the performers showcased their skills and creativity, demonstrating the possibilities of modern music technology in live performance. The jam session encouraged collaboration and improvisation, leaving the audience captivated by the fusion of talent and technology.
Synthija 2024 showed the powerful intersection of education and creativity in electronic music, offering attendees a hands-on exploration of synthesizers and sound design. Organized in collaboration with Artes Liberales, the event highlighted Ventspils Music School’s dedication to nurturing innovation and artistry among its students, inspiring the next generation of electronic music creators.
