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On 22 November 2002, during the NATO Summit in Prague, the chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica and its artistic director Gidon Kremer performed at a concert in the Smetana Hall of Prague's Municipal House. The concert was in honour of Latvia's Independence Day and Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia being invited to join NATO. Prior to the concert, Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga addressed the audience. The orchestra performed works by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, Latvian composer Peteris Vasks, Georgs Pelecis and others. Kremerata Baltica is a chamber orchestra with a world-wide reputation, founded in 1997 by virtuoso violinist Gidon Kremer. The orchestra is comprised of young musicians from the three Baltic States - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. In 2001 the orchestra was the recipient of the prestigious Grammy Award. The concert was attended by Czech and US officials, foreign diplomats and journalists. The concert was followed by a reception in honour of Latvian independence day, to which 600 guests were invited. The concert was organised by the Latvian Embassy in Prague and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, with the financial support of the companies Latvenergo, LMT, ADZ Trading and ČSA.
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