MAGICAL SOUNDS OF THE KOKLE - LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT
Music workshop

MAGICAL SOUNDS OF THE KOKLE - LEARN HOW TO PLAY IT

  • Approx. 3 hours
  • Riga, Latvia
  • May - September
  • Start time: 11 am

Program

Are you curious about exploring local folk music and instruments all around the world? Then this workshop is for you! A local folk musician will introduce you to the kokle, a traditional Latvian string instrument. Latvians have a saying that the kokle is given to us by God, but the bagpipes – by the Devil. It will take only a few seconds to understand why we say that. We can assure you that the kokle has one of the purest, most magical, and calming sounds among all the instruments you have ever heard. You will have an opportunity to lure out some ancient melodies from the kokle by yourself.

You will meet the musician at the entrance of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia and then choose the best place for the workshop according to the weather – either in the pine forest, or under a roof of one of the buildings. In the beginning the folk musician  will provide you with a short background of the kokle history and different types of the instrument. Then the magical sounds of the kokle will cast a spell on you while she plays a few songs. But later – it will be your turn to play! The folk musician will teach you the basics of the kokle and up to three simple, but beautiful Latvian folk songs. Do not worry, you do not need to have any previous experience in playing music, although the ability to read sheet notes would be useful (but is not required).

Meeting point

You will meet the folk musician at the entrance of the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia, and she will take care of the tickets. You can get there from the city center by bus No1 (direction of Berģuciems). The timetable is available here: https://saraksti.rigassatiksme.lv/index.html#bus/1/a-b/map/en. You should get out at the bus stop “Brīvdabas muzejs”. The entrance of the museum is located 5 minutes from the bus stop.

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Private tour price
  • For 1 person – €100 (the maximum participant number is one)
Included
  • The kokle playing workshop in English
  • Entrance ticket for the Ethnographic Open-Air Museum of Latvia.
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What travelers say about us

Giovanni Paolo Palamara
Giovanni Paolo Palamara
2023-01-07
Very interesting trip. Definitely worth it!
Eddie Mantle
Eddie Mantle
2022-12-05
Very professional. Valdis, guided a group of 8 around Mangasala, Riga, giving us a fascinating insight into the military history there. Looking forward to the next tour.
Zijian Hua
Zijian Hua
2022-11-02
Valdis is an experienced guide, a local from Riga. He has a wealth of knowledge and is always able to tell you interesting history along the way. The route plan of the hiking is also reasonable. In autumn, the fallen leaves near Sigulda are also very beautiful. If you are planning to do an outdoor hike in Latvia too, then don't hesitate to join a walking group organized by Valdis.
bllhmn
bllhmn
2022-10-31
I took the tour in Lilaste. The train ride was very relaxing. The lakes and coast were amazing. It is great exercise and a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
John B
John B
2022-10-30
Great hike at Lilaste. Friendly tour guide. Definitely looking forward to the next hike. Highly recommended for those who want a short break from the daily routine.
Rachel Pamplin
Rachel Pamplin
2022-10-18
I enjoyed I enjoyed my tour of Cesis: Medieval Heritage and Natural Treasures! I loved being able to do a little of many things. Exploring the old city, touring a medieval castle, and a walk through a national park. The scenery was amazing and my guide was knowledgeable and helpful! As a single female, I felt safe the entire time and and would recommend to others!
Colleen Bramanis
Colleen Bramanis
2022-10-11
We have enjoyed 2 days with Valdis who has shown us around Riga Old Town and a tour out to Sigulda. A very friendly tour guide who tailored the days to our needs with no fuss. Valdis is easy to get along , has a good sense of humour and is extremely knowledgeable. Fortunately for us Valdis is also very fluent in English. I can highly recommend him as a tour guide.
Barry Toward
Barry Toward
2022-09-18
We have just spent 9 days travelling through the Baltic countries with Valdis as our guide. Although the itinerary and accommodation had been pre-arranged Valdis supported our trip brilliantly, bringing to life the individual countries with city walking tours, nature trails and visits to other sites. He is great fun, extremely knowledgable and became an integral part of our small group. His contribution to our holiday played a key part in making it a great and enjoyable experience (and he recommends good places to eat!)

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Baltic Nature Travel
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