World-premiere recording of chamber works by Latvian composer Vilnis Šmīdbergs (b. 1944) performed by Opus Klassik nominees violinist Magdalēna Geka, pianist Iveta Cālīte and flautist Ilona Meija.

Vilnis Smidbergs, a contemporary of Pēteris Vasks, Romualds Kalsons, Maija Einfelde, Mārtiņš Brauns, Georgs Pelēcis, a well celebrated in Latvia, yet little known internationally, was born in 1944, one of the darkest years in human history. That also echoes in his music, however, tragedy is not the dominating world view and message characteristic here. A striving for harmony, the presence of humanistic values, the accenting of the spiritual verticals evoked by Christianity, a view of traditions and history - these dimensions are woven throughout Šmīdbergs' art, he consequentially, seriously and truthfully resolves these themes.

Violinist Magdalēna Geka is known in Latvia and internationally with her charisma, musical enthusiasm, energy, vividness and now also her enduring interest in viola performance. Award winner at many international competitions, member of many notable performing groups (the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, the Paris Orchestra, the chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica, Orchestre Hexagone, Ensemble Appassionato). As of 2022, Magdalena Geka is the primaria of the distinguished French string quartet Akilone, as of 2024, the concertmaster of the chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga.