Vocal Ensemble “Putnu dārzs”

Vocal Ensemble “Putnu dārzs” continues the artistic legacy of the acclaimed women’s vocal ensemble “Putni”, founded in 1993 by eight singers. In 2008, the original ensemble evolved into two independent groups: the professional freelance women’s ensemble “Putni” and the mixed vocal ensemble “Putnu dārzs”.

Putnu dārzs is dedicated to preserving and developing the tradition of a cappella singing through performances in Latvia and abroad. The ensemble regularly collaborates with other artistic groups, professional musicians, and composers, creating innovative, conceptual, and interdisciplinary concert programmes. Every performance is the result of close artistic collaboration among all ensemble members.

Among the ensemble’s recent highlights are participation in the Orlando di Lasso Tavern Tour together with the Dutch early music ensemble Zefiro Torna (2016), performances of Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concerts (2018), the concert production Sounds of Nature (2020), the Latvian Voices A Cappella Festival (2021), and the contemporary vocal music concert Sound Portraits at Hanzas Perons (2023). The ensemble is also a regular participant in Riga’s concerts, competitions, and choral events, consistently receiving top awards.

Putnu dārzs has collaborated with numerous distinguished artists, including the Dutch early music ensemble Zefiro Torna, tenor Juris Vizbulis, pianists Agnese Egliņa and Atis Andersons, double bassist Jānis Rubiks, and the internationally recognised vocal groups Latvian Voices and Framest.

From the ensemble’s founding until February 2019, it was led by Antra Dreģe. Today, the ensemble is directed by Jānis Švarcbahs and consists of five professional musicians: Marta Ozoliņa (soprano), Rūta Švarcbaha (alto), Kārlis Mūrnieks (tenor), Marians Rancāns (baritone), and Holgers Štāls (bass).

All members received their musical education at the Riga Cathedral Choir School and have further developed their vocal skills through masterclasses led by internationally renowned vocal groups such as The Real Group and Latvian Voices. In its current line-up, Putnu dārzs has already established itself as one of Latvia’s leading vocal ensembles, delivering a cappella performances of the highest artistic quality.