He runs the Contemporary Music Centre and produces the International Music Festival 'Rigas Ritmi' as well as the Jazz Artists Contest 'Riga Jazz Stage'. and he is the Artistic Director of Latvian Radio Big Band. In 2008, he was nominated for the 'Great Music Award'. For this special EFG London Jazz Festival the Maris Briežkalns Quintet will be joined by hotly touted young singer, Kristīne Prauliņa. Prauliņa is a young singer from Riga who started singing in Riga Gospel Choir aged 12. Praulina is the Grand Prix winner at 'Riga Jazz Stage' contest in the „Jazz Vocals” category.
With support from the Embassy of the Republic of Latvia.
“Maris Briezkalns and his group proved that Latvian jazz is more than just alive and well – it is the embodiment of a creative energy that characterizes the human spirit. Latvia is taking the lead in asserting its place in the cultural landscape and its musicians are significant players on the world stage. Uplifting triumph!”— Jeff Levenson, Half Note Records Executive Vice President.