Iveta Apkalna: The Organ at Night

“Organ at Night” is an intimate portrait of renowned organist Iveta Apkalna, adored by audiences and revered by composers. Each performance draws lines of admirers, yet behind the stage lights, Iveta leads a solitary life. The documentary captures quiet moments beyond the applause: solitary late-night rehearsals, isolation in dressing rooms, and silent meals. Though widely acclaimed, her journey is marked by solitude; as she reflects in her diary, "The most beautiful music is silence." Travelling through cities like Hamburg, Paris, and Dortmund, the film explores the unique challenges of being a female musician, questioning whether women of great talent, like their male counterparts, often stand alone. Featuring insights from collaborators like Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paavo Järvi, and Hilary Hahn, the film offers a “fly-on-the-wall” view of Iveta’s journey, revealing the quiet resilience and passion that fuel her artistry. 

The film also delves into Iveta's personal life, capturing moments with her family, like watching a football match at Borussia stadium. Scenes with her children show the bittersweet reality of balancing a celebrated career with motherhood, as her husband provides crucial stability and support at home. In a deeply symbolic act, Iveta returns to her roots, performing on a century-old organ in a historic Riga church, bridging her past and present while honouring her heritage. Her connection to Latvia remains profound; though based in Berlin, she returns home several times a year, proudly representing her homeland on the world stage. For Iveta, representing Latvia on the world stage is deeply meaningful—a chance to share the spirit of a small nation with a global audience.