Latvian Voices of Corby
Agris Krumins
In this comprehensive and wide-ranging interview, Agris talking about growing up in Corby, his Latvian identity, his interest and enthusiasm for Latvian arts and culture as well as his passion for film.
Jekaterina Ivanova
Jekaterina talks about coming to the UK to study English and her decision to stay here afterwards. She talks about her memories of Latvia including her experience of being at school in Latvia and her love of Latvian arts and culture.
Zane Jansone and Marcis Jansons
Zane and Marcis talk about their love of and involvement in traditional Latvian dance and the role of arts and culture in Latvian society, as well as some of the turbulent political history in recent times.
Inta Batsman and Inara Abolins
Inta and Inara talk about their early life in England having come from Latvia following the Russian invasion after the Second World War. They reminisce about the formation of the Straumeni Mixed Voice choir in the 1980s and the important place choral music has in Latvian culture and arts.
Valdis and Aija Auers
Valdis came to Corby in 1951 and was one of the original members of the local Latvian choir which used to meet at Catthorpe Hall in Lutterworth.
Valdis and his wife talk about the Latvian community in Corby - estimated at around 1000 - as well as the strong Latvian choral traditional that the community brought across with them from Latvia.
The original Latvian choir in Corby goes back to the end of the Second World War in 1944 and still meets today. Valdis also gives a rendition of a traditional Latvian song.
Ilze Grickus
Ilze tells the story of her parents coming to Corby, her father's connection with Latvian choirs in England, her experience of growing up in Corby and how she's maintained her connection to her Latvian heritage over her life.
Miks Vizbulis
Miks talks about the Latvian community in the UK and how it helps to keep Latvian culture alive and living in the next generation.
Latvia - information sheet
To kick start the Latvian phase of our Changing Corby project, we have produced an information sheet to give some first insights into Latvians and their culture.
