27. october
Latvijas Pasts Issues a Stamp to Mark the Centenary of Latvian Radio
From 331 subscribers to more than 100,000 daily listeners — this is how Latvian Radio’s audience has evolved over the past hundred years. The first radio broadcast in Latvia — G. Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly from the National Opera — took place on 1 November 1925. At that time, only a few hundred listeners tuned in, not yet fully aware of the broader significance of this historic moment and of radio as such.
Now, a hundred years later, a stamp and a specially designed envelope will be issued in honour of Latvian Radio — one of the nation’s symbols and a significant presence in Latvia’s history. The stamp’s artwork was created by Kristians Štobis, the winner of the stamp design competition, while the overall composition was designed by graphic artist Beāte Bērziņa. The envelope design incorporates a QR code, which, when scanned, directs listeners to Cho Cho San’s aria from the 1958 production of Madama Butterfly.
“It is important for every member of society to be heard, and over its hundred-year history, Latvian Radio has fostered a strong voice as a public broadcasting medium. Latvijas Pasts was there at the birth of radio, so it is a true pleasure to take part in its centenary celebrations, while the stamp we issue symbolically represents the importance of radio’s voice in Latvian society and our information space,”comments Andris Puriņš, Member of the Board of Latvijas Pasts VAS.
“The centenary of Latvian Radio is a significant testament to the importance of this public medium in society and culture. Over the course of a century, radio’s voice has been present at significant events both in Latvia and around the world, connecting Riga with the regions, everyday life with global events, and the local with the international. Latvijas Pasts has pursued a similar mission. This symbolic connection and the stamp issued for the centenary of Latvian Radio serve not only as both a unique testament to the times and an expression of respect for the history of radio but also as a beautiful beginning to the celebrations,”notes Baiba Zūzena, Chairperson of the Board of Latvian Public Media.
The stamp, to be printed in 10,000 copies, will have a nominal value of €2.30 and will be valid for postage of items weighing up to 20 grams within Latvia. The special design envelopes will be issued in 500 copies.
“When working on a design, I believe one of the most important things is to take history into account and connect it to today’s context. I found it fascinating that Latvian Radio’s very first broadcast was Madama Butterfly from the Opera. This resonated with me, as the butterfly is often seen in art history as a symbol of the immortal soul. If we draw a parallel, Latvian Radio, despite various challenges and trials, continues to exist. The black and white butterfly silhouettes, in turn, symbolize radio waves. I wanted the stamp design to be simple yet impactful, with the butterfly as the central symbol that unites the concept,”explains stamp designer Kristians Štobis.
The first-day cancellation of the stamp is scheduled for 30 October from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. at the Alfa Customer Centre, while its presentation — hosted by the voice of Latvian Radio 2, songwriter and poet Mārtiņš Kanters — will begin at 5:00 p.m. in the central square of the shopping and entertainment centre. The event will be attended by Andris Puriņš, Member of the Board of Latvijas Pasts, and Baiba Zūzena, CEO of Latvian Public Media. Various activities for families and children are planned as part of the even.
These philatelic items will be available at post offices in major cities as well as through the Latvijas Pasts e-store https://veikals.pasts.lv/.
Philatelic products issued by Latvijas Pasts are highly appreciated among customers, collectors and experts alike. International philatelic associations evaluate stamps issued by Latvijas Pasts against strict standards, considering them on par with those from the major countries. These stamps are regularly included in global philatelic catalogues and collections of renowned philatelists.
Latvijas Pasts Issues a Stamp to Mark the Centenary of Latvian Radio
