University of Latvia Women Choir “Balta” Triumphs in Spain

The choir received the Grand Prix – Alicante Province Excellence Award (EUR 10,000) and a Gold Diploma for the highest combined score in both the Habanera and Polyphony categories. “Balta” also took 1st place in the Habanera category, earning the Ricardo Lafuente Prize (EUR 12,000), and 1st place in the Polyphony category, receiving the Juan Aparicio Prize (EUR 10,000).

Conductor Māra Marnauza was honored with the Jose Hodar Talavera Award for Best Conductor, a trophy, and the privilege of conducting the competition’s combined winners’ choir in the performance of the compulsory habanera “Torrevieja es así” by Mario Ignacio Bustillo.

Latvia’s Choral Heritage and Cultural Exchange

The competition, held from July 20 to 26, 2025, is unique in the world for its dedication to the habanera genre, a musical tradition cultivated in Torrevieja since 1955. Each participating choir performs from memory in two categories — Habanera and Polyphony — presenting works that showcase their national choral culture. Representing Latvia, “Balta” performed pieces by Pēteris Vasks and Andris Sējāns, offering audiences a glimpse into the emotional depth and expressive richness of Latvian choral music.

Beyond the competition, a seminar for choirs, conductors, and jury members provided a space for cultural exchange. Professor Marnauza introduced participants to Latvia’s celebrated Song Festival tradition, performing Ēriks Ešenvalds’ “O Salutaris Hostia” with the choir and soloists Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča and Līva Ozola — earning a standing ovation and strengthening international ties through shared musical experience.

Praise and Reflections

The jury and audience alike praised “Balta” for its vocal precision, emotional phrasing, and expressive stage presence. Spanish photographer and journalist Tomás Ortiz described their performance as “an aesthetic experience of togetherness… a ritualistic dance that transformed sound into emotion.”

Conductor Māra Marnauza reflected on the victory:

“Competitions help choirs grow artistically and personally. Our goal was not to win but to sing at our best. The dedication of the singers, even while surrounded by the beauty of Spain, was extraordinary. This success is a historic milestone for our choir and for Latvian choral art.”

She also emphasized the contribution of vocal coaches Ilona Bagele and Inga Šļubovska-Kancēviča, as well as choreographer Lilija Lipora, whose creative guidance shaped the choir’s expressive stage movement and refined performance.

Voices of the Choir

Choir members shared heartfelt impressions from the event:

• “It was an honor to represent Latvian choral music and meet choirs from all over the world,” said Arta.
• “The warmth of the Spanish people and the power of music reminded us that you can achieve anything with work and soul,” added Līva.
• “The unending applause moved me deeply - it’s moments like these that make music universal,” shared Laura.

 

Through this remarkable achievement, “Balta” continues to exemplify the mission of Universities for Culture - fostering artistic excellence, cross-cultural dialogue, and the international visibility of university-based cultural institutions.

The participation of the University of Latvia Women’s Choir “Balta” was supported by the State Culture Capital Foundation, the University of Latvia, the Culture and Education Support Association, and the Torrevieja City Council.

To learn more about the 71st International Habanera and Polyphony Choir Competition, press here. 

To learn more about choir “Balta”, press here.