The Latvian Radio Choir (Latvijas Radio Koris) is one of Europe’s leading professional chamber choirs, renowned for its artistic versatility, technical excellence, and commitment to both tradition and innovation. Founded in 1940 by conductor Teodors Kalniņš, the choir has played a pivotal role in Latvia’s cultural life and the international choral scene.
Leadership and Artistic Direction
Founding and Early Years: Teodors Kalniņš led the choir from its inception in 1940 until 1962.
Subsequent Directors: Edgars Račevskis (1963–1986) and Juris Kļaviņš (1987–1992) continued to develop the choir’s profile.
Modern Era: Since 1992, the choir has been guided by two conductors: Sigvards Kļava (Music Director and Principal Conductor) and Kaspars Putniņš (Conductor and, from 2024, Artistic Director).
Ensemble Size: The choir typically consists of 24 professional singers, with flexible configurations for different repertoire demands.
Repertoire and Artistic Approach
Wide Repertoire: The Latvian Radio Choir performs music spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary works, with a special emphasis on modern and avant-garde compositions.
Innovation: The ensemble is celebrated as a “sonic laboratory,” exploring advanced vocal techniques such as quarter-tone and overtone singing, and frequently collaborating with contemporary composers.
Promotion of Latvian Music: A core mission is the championing of Latvian composers. The choir regularly commissions new works and has helped bring international recognition to composers like Ēriks Ešenvalds, Kristaps Pētersons, and Mārtiņš Viļums.
International Recognition and Collaborations
Awards: The choir’s recording of Arvo Pärt’s Adam’s Lament (ECM, 2012) won the Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance in 2013.
Other Honors: Multiple wins at the Grand Latvian Music Prize and the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers.
Collaborations: The choir has worked with renowned conductors such as Riccardo Muti, Heinz Holliger, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Tõnu Kaljuste, and performed at major festivals and venues worldwide, including the Salzburg Festival, Lucerne Festival, Amsterdam Concertgebouw, and Lincoln Center in New York.
Recordings and Projects
Discography: The Latvian Radio Choir maintains an active recording schedule, releasing albums with labels such as Hyperion, BIS, Ondine, Naïve, and ECM.
Notable Albums:
Paradisus vocis (2018, Andrejs Selickis)
Sacred Love (2014)
Mythes étoilés (2014)
Bruckner: Latin Motets (2020)
Cultural Impact
The Latvian Radio Choir is not only a musical ensemble but also a cultural ambassador, embodying the Latvian choral tradition while pushing the boundaries of vocal art. Its unique sound, shaped by generations of conductors and singers, has become a hallmark of Latvian musical identity.
“This chorus’s expertise in music pushes voices to extremes, from ethereal high tones to uncannily sustained bass drones. One of the world’s greatest choirs. A great musical power.”
