Eva Putniņa: Returning to her hometown Kuldīga to continue the legendary conductor's work
After the death of long-time conductor Maruta Rozīte, the mixed choir Ventava of Kuldīga Cultural Centre faced a crisis, but former resident Eva Putniņa returned from Rīga to take the helm. The choir not only survived the difficult period but has grown in numbers and sound.
The mixed choir Ventava of Kuldīga Cultural Centre recently celebrated its 55th anniversary, but three years ago its future was uncertain after the death of founder and long-time conductor Maruta Rozīte. With a shortage of conductors in the region, former Kuldīga resident Eva Putniņa returned to her hometown.
Eva Putniņa declared as a child that she would become a singer. She studied in the choir class of Ernests Vīgners Music School under Maruta Rozīte, then continued choral conducting studies at Liepāja Music Secondary School and the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. After the academy, she sang in the choirs Ave Sol and the State Academic Choir Latvija, and taught for ten years at the Rīga Dome Choir School.
After 30 years in Rīga, Putniņa returned to Kuldīga, buying land outside the city. She admits the pull towards her hometown is indescribable—it was an inner feeling. Before her death, Rozīte called and offered Putniņa to take over Ventava. After a heartfelt conversation, Putniņa agreed and has now been leading the collective for two years.
According to Putniņa, Ventava members stand out for their mutual acceptance and creative environment. She emphasizes that singing is an intimate process requiring inner freedom. The choir's sonority and openness are foundations laid by Rozīte. Putniņa believes it is important to enjoy the present and not worry about the future, as singing is a state of soul.
The conductor has three daughters—Paula, Anastasija, and Lilija. Paula has completed a master's in choral conducting, Anastasija is studying creative writing, and Lilija attends music school. Her husband works in Trikāta, and the family follows a model where weekends are spent together in Kuldīga. Putniņa admits that after a year in Kuldīga, she felt the need for more city life, so she goes to Rīga on Mondays to meet her daughters and handle errands.
She stresses the importance of silence—the ability to listen to oneself. Referring to psychologist Jung, Putniņa encourages not suppressing desires and following one's inner voice. The tranquility of Kuldīga, she says, is a grateful place for such inner listening.
