Choir's history

Mixed choir "Sõla"

Since its founding in 1998, the choir has actively and regularly participated in various competitions and concerts both in Latvia and abroad. Several recordings have also been made, the most recent of which can be found on the Spotify platform. The choir has collaborated with representatives from many different fields, thereby creating and maintaining a diverse repertoire.

View the timeline

How the choir name came to be?

Krista Raupa, who sang in the choir from its founding in 1998 until 2005, shares her story:

The choir had just been founded. It was a beautiful, early autumn day. I was driving to the Latvian Academy of Culture in the morning, crossing the Salu Bridge. A warm autumn sun had risen through a slight mist over the Daugava. This scene strongly reminded me of Gunārs Janovskis’ double novel “SŌLA. Mist Rises Over Trent.”

I knew that the choir’s name would be decided that day, and the word “Sōla” stuck in my mind. Because it encompasses so much yet is short and concise. It’s resonant and musical. “Sōla” is like a musical note, like a soloist, like a solo, like “O Sole Mio”… Moreover, it doesn’t really mean anything, but it’s easy to say in any language.

That’s why I suggested it—I simply liked the sound of the word, and every time the choir is introduced, the name seems beautiful to me and perfectly suited for the choir “Sōla.”

LKA

The Latvian Academy of Culture was founded on December 29, 1990. In 1991, 63 students began studies in the bachelor’s program. The master’s program began in 1996, and in 1999, the first students were admitted to the doctoral program. The Latvian Academy of Culture prepares academically and professionally educated specialists for Latvia’s culture, science, and education sectors.

The Latvian Academy of Culture is accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia, and has the right to issue state-recognized diplomas in academic bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs until 2013.

Graduates of the Latvian Academy of Culture work in diplomatic institutions both in Latvia and abroad, develop joint cultural projects between Latvia and other European countries, handle international cooperation issues in Latvian and international companies, and are competitive and sought-after lecturers in the humanities.

Graduates of acting and directing courses have become popular in Latvia and internationally recognized as the new generation of artists, playing leading roles in Latvian theaters and participating in international film projects. Graduates of TV operator courses take part in significant film and TV projects in Latvia and are selected as jury members at international film festivals.

The Academy regularly hosts foreign lecturers who give theoretical lectures and lead practical sessions for acting and choreography courses.

www.lka.edu.lv/en

Conductors

Artūrs Ancāns

1998.-2001.

Valdis Butāns

1998.-2005.

Česlavs Batņa

2001.-2004.

Ilmārs Millers

2005.-2007.

Kaspars Ādamsons

2004. until now

Kaspars Vēvers

2007.-2012.

Rūdolfs Bacāns

2007.-2014.

Jānis Pēlmanis

2014.-2017.

Jēkabs Jančevskis

2012.-2017.

Laura Štoma

2017.-2022.

Artūrs Oskars Mitrevics

2017. until now

Jurģis Rāts

2022. until now