Latvian Voices releases Laura Jēkabsone's a cappella music album 'ROTĀ'

Starting from today listeners can enjoy the latest album from vocal group Latvian Voices, ROTĀ, which brings together ten of composer and group leader Laura Jēkabsone's most remarkable folk music arrangements and original works for six voices a cappella from recent years.

ROTĀ is Latvian Voices' eleventh album, but the first in which all songs are composed or arranged exclusively by Laura Jēkabsone. They are rooted in the folk song tradition and Baltic musical sensibility, and alongside Latvian songs, there are also Estonian and Lithuanian songs. The album's title was chosen in honor of its title song, which reached listeners last year:

Latvian Voices is my composition laboratory, where I always feel inspired, supported, understood, and, most importantly, creatively challenged. By writing music for the changing lineup of the group, I have developed my musical style and practical skills in composing for my favorite instrument - the human voice. Each Latvian Voices member has their own color and message, and I am delighted to share this journey through my compositions," says composer and Latvian Voices soprano Laura Jēkabsone.

For five years now, Latvian Voices has been a mixed ensemble, whereas previously the group consisted only of soprano and alto voices. Since bass Jānis Strazdiņš joined the group, the repertoire has changed, of course, but much of the "golden fund" has also gained a new and more powerful sound. The new album reflects the creative evolution of the group. 

The album is released in November, a month when we feel a special sense of Latvian identity and belonging. Folk songs resonate deeply with Latvians, and for more than 15 years they have also served as our calling card abroad. I hope that in the future, the songs from ROTĀ will find their way to choirs and other vocal ensembles, as well as inspire contemporary and folk dance choreographers,” Laura Jēkabsone adds.

The new Latvian Voices album "ROTĀ" is available on music streaming platforms and can also be purchased from the latvianvoices.lv online shop.

About Latvian Voices:

The vocal group Latvian Voices is one of the few professional a cappella groups in the Baltics. Its members are Laura Jēkabsone, Beāte Krūmiņa, Zane Stafecka-Tene, Paula Pērkone, Una Stade, and Jānis Strazdiņš. Latvian Voices' main values are to embody Latvia's cultural and historical heritage, Latvian folk songs, and contemporary a cappella sounds; to create original a cappella music; to share their musical experience in masterclasses; and to promote Latvia's name around the world.