Children’s and Youth Vocal Ensemble “Kolibri”
Children’s and Youth Vocal Ensemble “Kolibri” considers 17 November 2011 its founding date, when the ensemble gave its first performance at a concert dedicated to Latvia’s Independence Day at Mazā Ģilde. The ensemble officially adopted the name “Kolibri” in 2012.
Kolibri is an active concert ensemble comprising three age groups. Throughout its history, its young singers have performed alongside many of Latvia’s best-known soloists and composers.
The ensemble is led by Inita Malnača, with vocal coach Anna Matveja and accompanist Māris Treijs. The ensemble regularly performs in concerts, competitions, and musical productions.
Since 2011, the ensemble has participated in the Latvian National Opera and Ballet production The Sound of Music. Since the 2015/2016 season, “Kolibri” has also been a regular participant in the Latvian National Opera’s production of The Nutcracker.
In 2025, the ensemble’s Youth Group won 1st place in the national finals of the BALSIS vocal ensemble competition, while its youngest group (now the middle group) achieved an outstanding 4th place.
Three “Kolibri” groups participated in the XIII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival, performing in the folk music concert Dižā skaņrakstā. The ensemble also took part in the musical productions of Latvia’s finest children’s vocal ensembles during both the XXVII Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival (Es vēlos sev ko pastāstīt) and the XXVI Latvian Song and XVI Dance Festival (Vilkam tāda dvēselīt’).
The ensemble has released four children’s music albums. The first three feature songs by Jānis Lūsēns: Kur ko likt? (2013), written especially for “Kolibri” using poetry by Ojārs Vācietis; Manas mājas zvēru dārzs (2014), featuring Ralfs Eilands; and Lai ir! (2015), featuring Andris Ērglis.
In 2016, the ensemble released its fourth album, Zem zilās debesu bļodas, featuring children’s songs by Raimonds Pauls, Imants Kalniņš, and Jānis Lūsēns. All of the ensemble’s albums have been nominated for the prestigious Zelta Mikrofons (Golden Microphone) Award in the category of Best Children’s Music Album.