“Choir War” Heats Up: Preiļi Purple Choir Wins Audience Award as Rēzekne Orange Choir Faces Elimination

The second episode of Latvia’s popular television reveal “Koru kari” (“Choir War”) saw intense competition among participating choirs, with the Preiļi purple choir securing the audience sympathy award sponsored by “Primero.” However, the Rēzekne orange choir, led by Diona Liepiņa, was ultimately eliminated from the competition following judges’ deliberations and audience voting.

Expert Judging Panel

This week’s analysis featured insights from jury experts Edgars Vītols and Jānis Ozols, alongside public opinion representative Baiba Sipeniece-Gavare. A significant shift in the voting structure was implemented, with 50% of the final score now determined by SMS and telephone votes from choir supporters.

Aura Choir’s Accomplishments and Leadership

Judge Edgars Vītols is also known for his involvement with the mixed choir “Aura” of the University of Latvia, Faculty of Physics and Mathematics. Founded in 2004, the choir initially began as a group for teachers in Riga’s center district, established by Dzintra Krastiņa and her student, Edgars Vītols. Learn more about the choir “Aura”.

Vītols, born on October 21, 1985, holds a master’s degree in music and a bachelor’s degree in music pedagogy and choir conducting from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. He has received numerous accolades for his conducting, including awards at international choir competitions in Germany, Austria, Malta, and the Czech Republic. University of Latvia’s choir “Aura” has performed in Europe and Canada, including a performance at the XVI Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Toronto in 2024.

“Aura” Choir Competition Successes

The “Aura” choir has a strong track record of success in international competitions:

• 2013, Valletta (Malta): Category Winner and Gold Medal in Folklore; Gold Medal in Mixed Choirs; Gold Medal in Sacred Choir Music.
• 2011, Graz (Austria): Gold Medal in Mixed Choir with obligatory composition; Gold Medal in Folklore; Special Prize for expressive performance.
• 2010, Zwickau (Germany): 1st place and Gold Diploma in Mixed Choir with obligatory composition; 2nd place and Gold Diploma in Sacred Music; Best Conductor Prize to Edgars Vītols.
• 2008, Vienna (Austria): 1st place and Gold Diploma in Mixed Choir without obligatory composition; Gold Diploma in Sacred Music; Best Conductor Prize to Edgars Vītols.

Looking Ahead

As “Koru kari” progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with choirs vying for audience support and the discerning approval of the judging panel. The elimination of the Rēzekne orange choir underscores the high stakes and the demanding nature of the competition.