Mixed Choir "Ventspils"

Mixed Choir “Ventspils,” led by conductor Aigars Meri, is a distinguished Latvian choir celebrated for its creativity and expressive performances. Since 2014, the choir has presented diverse programs and collaborated with prominent Latvian artists, earning a reputation for inspiring audiences.

Aigars Meri is a well-recognized choir and orchestra conductor possessing wide expertise in the field; currently the principal choir master with the Latvian National Opera, the artistic director-conductor of the mixed choir Ventspils and chamber orchestras in Ventspils and Jelgava, Latvia.

The choir has achieved outstanding results in international competitions:

• 2015: 1st place in the “Folk Music” category at the 14th International Choir Festival “Tallinn.”

• 2016: 1st place at the XX Stasys Šimkus Choir Competition, with special prizes for best performance and program.

• 2017: Champion in “Folklore a cappella” at the European Choir Games in Riga.

• 2018: 3rd place in the semi-finals of the XXVI Latvian Song Festival.

• 2019: Top prizes in “Folk Music” and “Sacred Music” at the XXX International Choir Competition in Verona.

• 2022: 2nd place at the 5th Baltic Sea Choir Competition.

• 2023: 3rd place at the XXVII Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival.

• 2024: 3rd place at the "Ave Verum" Choir Competition in Austria, with a special award for the mandatory piece.

• 2024, Aigars Meri was honored as “Choir Conductor of the Year” at Latvia’s inaugural "Choral Music Award," recognizing his outstanding contributions to Latvian choral music.