Ethnographic Ensemble of Salnava Marks 70 Years
The Salnava ethnographic ensemble, founded in 1956, celebrated its 70th anniversary during the Ludza municipality's traditional folklore festival "Gorūza." Throughout its history the group has preserved the traditional singing and liturgical traditions of northern Latgale.
On July 12, the Salnava ethnographic ensemble celebrated its 70th anniversary at the Salnava cultural center, during the Ludza municipality's traditional folklore festival "Gorūza." The event brought together current and former members of ethnographic ensembles and folklore groups from the Ludza region, as well as guests from neighboring municipalities.
Origins of the ensemble
The ensemble was founded in 1956 by Marija Kokina, then director of the Salnava school, who gathered singing women from Salnava and surrounding villages. The first concerts took place at the school, since Salnava did not yet have its own cultural center. Leadership later passed to Zinaida Kromāne, who recruited new members from the Ruskulova area and invited accordionist Elvīra Bleive to accompany the singers.
Generational change
After Zinaida Kromāne's health declined and she passed away around 1999–2000, Elvīra Bleive took over as leader for many years, a period marked by active concerts, festivals and performances at traditional seasonal celebrations. For the past four years, Aija Zeiļuka, who has sung in the ensemble for over twenty years, has served as its leader.
Several members have been part of the ensemble for decades and remain closely tied to the villages of the Salnava area. The oldest member, Zoja Daukste, is now 92 and has sung with the group since the time of Zinaida Kromāne.
Cultural heritage
The ensemble preserves local folk singing traditions, including drone-style and multi-part singing, as well as the tradition of psalm singing for the deceased, which has become valuable research material for ethnomusicologists. The ensemble is listed in the database of the Latvian Culture Canon and regularly takes part in the International Folklore Festival "Baltica," as well as the nationwide Latvian Song and Dance Celebration.
