Rothko Chapel

In honor of Mark Rothko’s Latvian heritage, Latvian jazz ensemble the Māris Briežkalns Quintet commissioned ten Latvian composers to each create an original jazz composition, arranged and performed by the Quintet. Each composition is created to illustrate the moods and atmosphere evoked by an iconic Rothko painting selected by the composer. This program is underwritten by Peter Ragauss. Performers include Māris Briežkalns – drums, band leader; Viktors Ritovs – piano, keys; Raimonds Macats – harmonica, cello, keys; Kristaps Lubovs – saxophone; and Andris Grunte - double bass Māris Briežkalns Quintet (MBQ) is one of the leading acoustic mainstream bands on the Latvian jazz scene, stretching special accents on pop, jazz, and Latin jazz. MBQ has performed on several international stages, including MIDEM, Pori Jazz, London Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz, Jazz at Castle in Prague, Venice Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Club in New York, and Tokyo Jazz Fest. MBQ’s project Latvian Evergreens has two volumes, showcasing L