Latvian choir to share culture through music

Welcome in spring with sounds of music as the Dundee Township Public Library hosts the Chicago Latvian Men's Choir Tuesday, May 5.

The Chicago Latvian Men's Choir (Cíkagás Víru Koris) will perform at 7 p.m. in the library's meeting room. The 20-plus international male singing group is under the direction of Mara Varpa of East Dundee.

It will present a selection of Latvian music, including traditional folk songs, from a country that is renowned worldwide for its choral singing traditions.

Located in Northern Europe on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Latvia is bordered by Estonia, Russia, Belarus and Lithuania.

Its cultural heritage and self-identity have been defined and documented extensively for many centuries by its folk music.

Varpa, who holds a master's degree in music education from Northwestern University, teaches music at Westfield Community School in Algonquin and Liberty Elementary School in Carpentersville.

In 2008, the Chicago Latvian Men's Choir traveled to Riga, the country's capitol, to perform on stage with 35,000 other musicians, dancers and choruses at the International Latvian Music and Folk Festival.

Scenes from the 2008 festival may be viewed at latviansonline.com/gallery/soundslides.

Visitors will also enjoy "A Glimpse of Lativia," original photos and narratives of Latvian life that will be displayed through the month of May in the library's Ruth M. Wendt Art Gallery.

A reception will be held following the performance.

Both the performance and reception are free. Reservations are suggested and may be made by calling (847) 428-3661, ext. 308, online at dundeelibrary.info or stop by the library to reserve a spot, 555 Barrington Ave., East Dundee.