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Collectives
Music

Children’s and Youth Vocal Ensemble “Podziņas”

Year founded:
1993
Participant's average age:
7-14
Participants:
20
Head's name:
Skaidrīte Daugule
Phone:
+371 26470788
Email:
s.daugule@inbox.lv

Children’s and Youth Vocal Ensemble “Podziņas” has been part of the Mazā Ģilde Cultural Centre since 1993. Throughout its history, the ensemble has been led by teachers Skaidrīte and Anita. Today, the ensemble is organised into three age groups:

  • Little “Podziņas” (ages 4–7)
  • Middle “Podziņas” (ages 8–13)
  • Senior “Podziņas” (ages 14–16)

The ensemble focuses on developing both vocal performance and stage acting skills. Over the years, “Podziņas” has become an active participant in Latvia’s musical life, creating concert programmes for young audiences in collaboration with renowned Latvian composers and musicians, including Valts Zilveris, Jānis Lūsēns, Ainars Virga, Atvars Sirmais, and Guntars Račs.

Young singers have gained valuable stage experience by performing alongside well-known professional artists such as Andris Daņiļenko, Normunds Rutulis, Andris Krauze, and Guntis Veits. The ensemble has also taken part in numerous musical productions, including Christmas concerts at the Latvian National Theatre, the stage adaptation of Kaķīša dzirnavas with Rihards Plēpis, and the musical performance of Imants Ziedonis’ The Story of the Button, created together with Zane Jančevska.

“Podziņas” has collaborated with many distinguished Latvian musicians and performers and has achieved excellent results in national competitions and festivals, including Bildes, Nāc sadziedāt, Gaujas atbalss, Balss pavēlnieks, Balsis, and the Latvian Television children’s programme Es-te-kas-te.

The ensemble has proudly represented Latvia internationally, performing in Lithuania, Estonia, Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, and Russia.

In 2003, “Podziņas” celebrated its 10th anniversary with a concert at the Latvian National Opera. To mark the occasion, the ensemble released its first CD featuring songs by Jānis Lūsēns, which was nominated for the Latvian Music Recording Awards. In 2013, the ensemble celebrated its 20th anniversary with the gala concert Podziņām – 20 and released the album Ai, pasaulīte zaļā!, featuring songs by composer Atvars Sirmais.