Amateur Art Groups

If you’re a creative young person and want to develop your talents while pursuing a quality higher education, the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) is the place for you – an active and enthusiastic student.
You are welcome at the LBTU Student Club, where you’ll meet new friends and like-minded people in one of its artistic collectives.

By joining LBTU’s student creative groups, you’ll have the opportunity to make the most of your free time, gain unforgettable experiences and valuable organizational skills, and build lasting friendships.

The LBTU Student Club, in cooperation with the leaders and members of artistic collectives, shapes the cultural environment of the university. After intensive and creative rehearsals, you’ll find true fulfillment by representing LBTU in traditional events, gatherings, and concerts in Jelgava, across Latvia, and even at the Latvian Song and Dance Festival in Riga and the Baltic student song and dance festival "Gaudeamus."

The collective efforts of students culminate in long-standing traditions that have endured for decades and are cherished by every student of LBTU.

Folk Dance Ensemble "Kalve"

Founded in 1947, this ensemble is rightly considered the face of the university’s folk dance traditions.

History: "Kalve" is one of the oldest folk dance ensembles in Latvia, with its origins dating back to when the university was still based in Riga. It was established in 1947 by stage artist Vera Singajevska. Later, the group was led by choreographer Harijs Sūna, who implemented many new ideas, followed by Maija Salzirne. Since 1989, the ensemble has been guided and inspired by choreographer Gunta Skuja.

"Kalve" is a truly student-based ensemble, uniting students from all regions of Latvia. Being a part of "Kalve" means not only participating in countless colorful performances but also enjoying vibrant events and cherished traditions developed over many years, as well as building friendships with other dance groups.

Each year, the ensemble takes part in international festivals, having performed in countries such as Hungary, Italy, Bulgaria, Turkey, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Portugal, Cyprus, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan, and other exotic locations.

Middle Generation Dance Group "Kalve"

A group for former "Kalve" dancers, LBTU staff, and other lovers of Latvian folk dance who want to dance in an energetic, creative, and welcoming environment.

History: this group actively participates in numerous concerts and events each season, including - LBTU Student Days concert at Jelgava Palace, TDA "Kalve" sports event "Kalves Skuja", Concert "Polka at the Palace", "Apple Bag" festival in Dobele, Winter Dance Gathering in Kuldīga, "Mārupe Cucumber" in Mārupe, Christmas Ball at Jelgava Palace and many more.

They also travel abroad, with past trips to Bulgaria (2014), Malaysia (2011), South Korea (2010), Germany (2010), and Georgia (2019), as well as regular visits to friends in Lithuania and Estonia.

The LBTU folk dance ensemble "Kalve" serves as the foundation and inspiration for the Middle Generation group — reflected in dance style, technique, and deep love for the art of dance. Being part of this group means continuing the story of "Kalve" through shared performances and joyful togetherness.

Women’s Choir "Liepa"

A choir where the nightingales of LBTU sing!

History: founded in 1950 in Riga under the direction of conductor Pauls Kvelde, the LBTU Women’s Choir “Liepa” has participated in every "Gaudeamus" Baltic student song and dance festival since its inception.

Over the years, the choir has been led by conductors such as E. Dreiblats, R. Zelmene, L. Turčina, V. Rieksta, and Gunta Paškovska. A particularly significant period in the choir’s history was under Jeļena Vavilova (Oļezņeva), who, along with Inese Smirnova and pianist Silvija Audre, raised the choir's artistic standards in the 1980s.

In 1986, "Liepa" received the honorary title of a “People’s Collective.”

In autumn 1993, "Liepa" merged with male voices from the university to form the mixed choir “Naktstaureņi” (Night Butterflies), under conductors Pauls Putniņš, Andris Pujāts, Aigars Meri, and Ings Leilands until 1999.

In 1999, the choir returned to its roots as a women’s choir, and in 2006, under the leadership of Ieva Zakenfelde, "Liepa" re-established its historical name at the 1st Latvian Women's Choir Competition held at the University of Latvia.

“Liepa” won 2nd place in the Zemgale region semi-final of the XXIV Latvian Song and XIV Dance Festival (A group), and a 2nd-degree diploma at the VIII International Festival of Sacred Music “Silver Bells” in Daugavpils in 2008.

In concerts, the women’s choir “Liepa” delights audiences with youth, charm, and determination.

Men’s Choir "Ozols"

Only strong men sing in “Ozoli”!

History: founded in 1940, the choir has existed for over 70 years and is one of just 24 male choirs that survived from the Soviet era (when nearly 100 existed across Latvia). Over the years, nearly a thousand students and faculty members of LBTU have sung in this choir – a source of pride for the university.

“Ozols” performs at LBTU student events and, as the only male choir in Jelgava and the Zemgale region, regularly participates in various cultural events throughout Latvia.

LBTU Student Theatre

History: the LBTU Student Theatre is one of the two oldest student theatres in Latvia, established in 1946. It began in Riga at the then-Latvian Academy of Agriculture (now LBTU) as a student theatrical group called the "Drama Collective," founded and directed by Pēteris Lūcis.

Over time, the collective has worked with many theatre professionals, including Kārlis Pamše, Miervaldis Ozoliņš, Vera Singajevska, Vilis Ķimelis, Jānis Lūsēns (senior), Lūcija Ņefedova, Guntis Krūmiņš, and others.

In 1968, the group moved to permanent premises in Valdeka Castle in Jelgava and became known as the “Academy Drama Studio” under director Ruta Kaļass, who trained students in oratory, movement, and stage directing. A course for drama leaders was even introduced in the Faculty of Social Professions.

In 1984, under the direction of Astra Kacena, the group became the Student Theatre of the Latvian Academy of Agriculture, performing at various cultural events and even during traditional summer horse-and-cart tours with scenes from plays by Rūdolfs Blaumanis.

Since 1991, a wooden amphitheater has been built at the LBTU Student Theatre in the Student Dance Hall at 22 Rīgas Street in Jelgava.

In 1994, the collective...

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