In cooperation with Latvian choirs and artists from all over the U.S., we have prepared a Christmas gift for everyone to enjoy. Visit the U.S. map below to listen to uplifting songs and talented performances from artists in several different states.
This year, for many it is not possible to meet in person with loved ones at Christmastime, but we hope that this map of holiday melodies will bring you a sense of community and Christmas joy!
Program
(in alphabetical order, by state)
Northern California Latvian Choir (CA)
Northern California Latvian Choir, directed by Kārlis Veilands, offers “What Child is This?”, words by V.K. Diksa, translated by I. Gaide.
Aleksandrs Fitzgerald (IL)
Chicago Kr. Barona Latvian school 7.B class student Aleksandrs Fitzgerald at the piano.
Chicago Stariņa School (IL)
Gingerbread dances at the Chicago Stariņa School, we invite you to dance along!
Renārs Šteinbahs and Samanta Šteinbaha (IN)
Renārs Šteinbahs and Samanta Šteinbaha from Indianapolis spread joy with their piano duet – Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride”, arrangement by Michael Edwards.
Aija Rēķe (MA)
Violinist Aija Rēķe from Bostonas offers her arrangement of the Christmas song, “Silent Night”, as well as A. Corelli’s work, “Sonata Op. 5, No. 1, Part 1″.
Andra Voldiņa Dix and Laila Dix (MA)
Enjoy the beautiful violin piece, Raimonds Pauls’ “Dziesma nenosalst”, played by Laila Dix with her mother, Andra Voldiņa Dix, from Boston.
Boston Latvian Choir (MA)
The Boston Latvian Choir spent December recording this album in unusual circumstances – everyone individually, all at home! All together 32 singers and 6 instrumentalists recorded 12 songs using technology, that enabled 500 separate recordings to be assembled into one album! Lots of work, but a joyful result – the Boston Latvian Choir has released its first result!
Boston Latvian School (MA)
Boston Latvian School students participate in a clever and interesting Christmas play by Andra Bowdith – “Christmas News”.
Washington, DC Church School Virtual Choir (MD, VA)
Andrejs Jansons and Selga Jansone (MI)
Selga Jansone sings a beautiful song composed by her grandfather Andrejs Jansons, “Nakti bira zelta rasa”. Andrejs Jansons at the kokle. Words by Teodors Zeiferts.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Latvian Church Choir (MN)
Minneapolis-St. Paul Latvian Church Choir performs the song “There Blooms a Rose in Bethlehem.” Directed by Guna Kalmīte Skujiņa. Words by Edgara Virziņa, composed by H.J. Gauntlett, arranged by A.H. Mann.
Elisa Steele (MO)
We invite you to listen to the Christmas song “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”, sung by Elisa Steele (St. Louis)- 16th century song, K. L. Kēlbranta translation.
Anete Adams, Agnese Linarte, and Ilona Kudiņa (NH, MA)
Enjoy a holiday performance from sisters Anete Adams and Agnese Linarte (Fitzwilliam, NH and Bostona, MA) – the song “Silent Night” (Franz Gruber), organ accompaniment by Ilona Kudiņa (Bostona, MA) .
New Jersey Latvian School (NJ)
New Jersey Latvian School students send holiday cheer with a song and Christmas concert!
Panteļu Family (NJ)
Also from New Jersey – “O Little Town of Bethlethem”, performed by the Panteļu family.
Arta Jēkabsone (NY)
“Silent Night” gains new meaning in Arta Jēkabsone’s interpretation. This recording is from The Jazz Gallery Lockdown Session concert on December 19, 2020.
One of Arta’s favorite methods is to arrange new variations of Latvian folk songs, which she has been doing since childhood. Here is just one example, “The Silver Rain Fell”. This recording is from The Jazz Gallery Lockdown Session concert on December 19, 2020.
Arta Jēkabsone & Una Tone (NY)
Arta and Una invite listeners to experience their new compositions about one of the coldest, yet most heartwarming seasons – Winter! You will hear two songs, “Close to You” and “Winter”.
Jonkeru Latvian School (NY)
In this performance you will see little elves climb into the sky and bring us the stars. We will meet angels, who will bestow all of you with a wish of goodwill. At the end of the video, the Jonkeru Latvian School joins in song with “Silent Night.”
New York Latvian Choir (NY)
New York Latvian Choir offers a Christmas concert for your enjoyment!
Oregon Latvian School (OR)
We invite you to enjoy Oregon Latvian School’s Christmas performance, “O Christmas Tree” (18th century German song). Filming by Monta Šķēle, video editing Michael Dexter. School led by Ieva Dexter.
Brusubārdu Family (WI)
The talented Brusubārdu family from Milwaukee offers a fantastic Christmas song collection. Enjoy “Silent Night” (Franz Gruber); Arcangelo Corelli “8. Concerto Birth of Christ Celebration”; “O Holy Night” (Adolphe Adam); and “Panis Angelicus” (Cesar Franck). Sung by Indra Brusubārdis. Violin: Arianna Brusubārdis, Daniella Brusubārdis, Ernests Brusubārdis IV, and Kristiāns Brusubārdis. Cello played by Viktors Brusubārdis, on the piano – Ernests Brusubārdis III.
“Angel Heart Society” Family (Latvia)
We invite you to watch a Christmas greeting from children supported by ALA’s partner “Angel Heart Society” in Latvia!