RIGA – As the summer’s warmth gives way to a chilly seasonal change that transforms Latvia’s landscape to a dazzling kaleidoscope of color, so too it heralds one of the country’s most-loved music festivals.

The Autumn Chamber Music Festival runs from Sept. 23 to October 8 across Latvia’s cities and regions. This year’s theme “Tête-à-tête” was chosen to highlight the theme chosen to highlight the intimacy of chamber music.

This year also marks the second time world-renowned Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks has agreed to act as patron of the festival, with his signature mix of folk, minimalist and somber influences. Festival events will be held in Riga, Ventspils, Liepāja, Jelgava, Preiļi and Kuldīga.

The Festival opening concert on September 23 marks the world premiere of Vasks’ piano composition “Seasons,” to be performed in its entirety by pianist Vestards Šimkus.

Among highlight will be the grand opening of a new concert hall in the revamped Spīkėri warehouses located in Rīga’s Maskava district, which is now home to a burgeoning alternative cultural scene.

That concert will feature captivating mezzo soprano Ieva Parša performing Luciano Berio’s “Folk Songs,” as well as the Sinfonietta Riga Chamber Ensemble.

The “Golden Jazz Tunes” concert in Riga on Oct. 3 also promises to be a treat, with talented vocalists and musicians performing their own interpretations of popular jazz classics by George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and others. The program will include performances of a number of traditional and original lullabies by Latvian composers.

The festival finale features the Philharmonia Quartett Berlin performing Brahms, Mozart and Vasks on October 8 in the Great Guild Hall.

For more information and a full program listing visit www.kamermuzika.lv.