Children holding paintings with LCM student, celebrating Latvian music and culture.
Children holding paintings with LCM student, celebrating Latvian music and culture.

Student brings together music and communities for a good cause

Student brings together music and communities for a good cause

Bringing together global communities through art and music, a UWL student has reached out to help children in Latvia while bringing together talent from LCM and beyond.   

Classical pianist, Eduards Grieznis, is currently studying for a PhD in Transformed Folk Music at UWL’s London College of Music, where he has continued his efforts to raise money to support children and families – while also ensuring arts are celebrated and centred in communities across the world. 

Eduards founded C.O.D.E – Come Over, Donate Enjoy! – in his home country of Latvia in 2007 and now hosts an annual fund-raising event to share creativity and talent, the latest of which was supported by LCM to bring students and professors together and raise funds for a children’s oncology centre. 

Supported by volunteers, LCM, and UWL’s Graduate School, the work continued to celebrate Latvian music and culture for another year, whilst representing UWL’s talent far and wide.  

The fundraiser included an opening event at the London Latvian House, celebrations of classical and jazz music, creative workshops, and online auctions of drawings by children and artists both in London and Latvia.  

Eduards said:

I have always wanted to do my bit to help others as well as to support skill sharing and talent. This event was another way to celebrate Latvian music and show how art and music have the power to make change.  

It felt wonderful to come together again and make music after being isolated and restricted by Covid for so long, and I am so pleased to have LCM’s backing and support to share all the talent and passion we have in so many areas. 

I would like to thank all the collaborators and participants as it was their input that made all the difference."   

The 14th annual event was also supported by The World Federation of Free Latvians and London Latvian House – with all funds raised going to support a children’s hospital oncology centre in Latvia. 

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