Founded in 1940 by 'father of Latvian choral conductors' Teodors Kalnins, the Choir's repertoire embraces Renaissance polyphony as well as works by 20th century composers. Normally performing with 23 singers, the Choir can expand to 100 singers for larger projects. Featured on some cuts is the powerful Riga Cathedral Organ, where this recording was made. 12 sacred pieces: Arvo Part's angelic 'Magnificat,' Randall Thompson's 'Alleluia,' wonderful tenor solos on Gabriel Faure's 'Tantum Ergo' and Cesar Franck's 'Panis Angelicus,' Brahms' lovely 'Agnus Dei, Dona Nobis Pacem-Mass in C Major,' Dvorak's 'Benedictus-Mass in D major,' Mendelssohn-Bartholdy's, Schubert's and Bach's compositions of 'Ave Maria,' Handel's 'O, cor Jesu'É This is some of the most beautiful music ever written, performed by one of Latvia's finest mixed choirs.