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A Celebration of Botany Professor N. Malta's Legacy

Poetry, theatre and research - On May 29 at 15:00, the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia will host a commemorative afternoon dedicated to its first director, Professor of Botany Nikolai Malta, in celebration of his 135th anniversary. The event will take place in the Garden's Barn. The programme includes the opening of an exhibition, a reading by literary scholar Professor Māra Grudule titled “The Poetic Life of Nikolai Malta,” a performance by the UL Student Theatre, "How Fast Time Rushes By" and musical interludes.

Professor Nikolai Malta (1890-1944) was one of the first botany teachers at the University of Latvia, beginning his work in 1919 when the University was founded. His admirably intensive work as a scientist, lecturer, and administrator significantly contributed to the development of natural sciences, especially botany, in Latvia. He was also instrumental in encouraging the University of Latvia (UL) management to establish the Botanical Garden and served as its director throughout the First Free State period. Concurrently, he maintained a keen interest in various fields of the humanities. Though we cannot meet him in person, his personality can be approached through the imaginative language of his poetry, which we wish to highlight on this anniversary.

The commemorative afternoon for Professor Nikolai Malta will take place: May 29 at 15:00 at the Botanical Garden of the University of Latvia, located in the Barn.

Programme highlights:

  • Opening of the exhibition;
  • A reading, "The Poetic Life of Nikolai Malta," by literary scholar Professor Māra Grudule;
  • The performance "How Fast Time Rushes By" by the Student Theatre of the University of Latvia, based on N. Malta's poetry;
  • Musical interludes featuring Ieva Jurga (solo), Ilvis Faulbaum (piano), and the Weißkirchen Male Choir from Austria under the direction of Harald Riesler.

This event, dedicated to Professor Nikolai Malta, is a collaboration between the University of Latvia Botanical Garden, Professor Māra Grudule, the University Museum, the Culture Centre, and the Student Theatre. 

The event is free to attend; only a standard entrance ticket to the University of Latvia Botanical Garden is required.

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