Laiksne / Latvia

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The folk ensemble Laiksne was founded in 1993 in Riga. Their repertoire includes dynamic ritual songs, Latvian lyrical melodies and traditional dance music.

The group’s vocal formula is deeply rooted in tradition, although Laiksne are also open to influences of contemporary music. Their songs and melodies originate from all over Latvia, with the majority from the Latgale region in the east, where folk traditions are particularly well preserved.

The group’s name also comes from eastern Latvia, where ‘laiksne’ means ‘waterlily’. The musicians perform folk and postfolk vocal and instrumental compositions. Their instrumental pieces are evocative in showcasing several traditional Latvian instruments, such as the kokle zither, bagpipes, violin, accordion, mandolin and percussion instruments, as well as some contemporary instruments including guitar and bass guitar. Band members are young musicians passionate about traditional culture, striving to carve a niche for their passion on the contemporary music scene.

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Laiksne participate in many festivals in Latvia, Czech Republic, Poland, Belarus, Slovenia, Russia, Sweden, Estonia and Lithuania. They have recorded three albums: “Kyukova dzaguye” in 2001, “Jāņu nakti zelta rasa” in 2002 and “Es jauna búdama” in 2003. They have also participated in the recording of several folk music compilations, such as “Sviests” from 2005 and “Sviests 2” released two years later.

Members:
Baiba Indrēvica - kokles (Latvian national psaltery), accordion, violin, vocals
Līga Jeleviča - fiddle, recorder, vocals
Lauma Garkalne - violin, vocals
Vineta Romāne - Jew’s harp, hand percussion, vocals
Aija Biezaite - Jew’s harp, vocals
Kaspars Indrēvics - percussion instruments, drums
Gatis Gaujenieks - bass guitar, ģīga (trough fiddle)

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The concert took place in 2015.