RIGA PROJECT CHOIR LEADERSHIP
Christopher Walsh Sinka
Artistic Director Christopher Walsh Sinka earned a master's degree in choral conducting from the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, as well as a bachelor's degree in music education from Miami University (OH). He continued his conducting studies in private lessons with Māris Sirmais at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. Christopher has been a member of the Latvian Radio Choir since February 2022. Christopher was also a member of the State Choir LATVIJA for two seasons from 2018 to 2020. As a conductor, he has worked with the Youth Choir "Kamēr...", the Emīls Dārziņš Mixed Choir, and the Mixed Choir "Dziesmuvara". |
Jānis Petrovskis
Assistant Conductor Jānis Petrovskis earned a degree in choral conducting from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy. He has worked as Artistic Director of the Mixed Choir "Juventus", in addition to roles with the Ādaži Mixed Choir "Jumis", the Limbaži Mixed Choir "Akcents" and the Mixed Choir "Vidus". Jānis also previously served as the Chief Conductor for the Valka and Valmiera choral district. In addition to his work as a conductor, Jānis has worked extensively as a choral singer. From 1997 to 2006 he was a member of the Latvian Radio Choir, and he has been a member of the State Choir LATVIJA since 2016. |
Agnese Pauniņa
Vocal Pedagogue Agnese Pauniņa earned a bachelor's degree in choral conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy, where she studied under Jānis Lindenbergs and Sigvards Kļava. She continued her studies with Sigvards Kļava to earn a master's degree in choral conducting. Agnese is a member of the Latvian Radio Choir, and she is artistic director of "Mozaīka", the mixed choir of the Ķekava cultural center. |
Kārlis Rūtentāls
Vocal Pedagogue Kārlis Rūtentāls earned a bachelor's degree in vocal performance from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy, where he studied under professor Sergejs Martinovs. He also completed studies in composition with professor Selga Mence. Kārlis has been a member of the Latvian Radio Choir since 2004, and he also serves as the choir's librarian. Kārlis has worked as a conductor with the mixed choir "Rīga" and the mixed choir "Anima," and he previously served as vocal pedagogue for the Swedbank Choir. Since 2008, Kārlis has performed as a soloist at the Latvian Operetta Theater. |
Līga Paegle
Accompanist Līga Paegle earned a bachelor's degree in piano performance from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy, where she studied under Ventis Zilberts. She later earned a master's degree in chamber music under professor Gunta Rasa. Līga has worked as a staff accompanist at the Riga Cathedral Choir School since 2016. In 2019 she joined the staff of the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Music Academy, and she was promoted to the role of Lecturer in 2021. Līga was a member of the Latvian Radio Choir for six seasons, where she also frequently served as accompanist. |
Maija Gredzena
Producer Maija Gredzena studied cultural sociology and management at the Latvian Academy of Culture. She previously served as a producer for the Youth Choir "Balsis", Jasmīnas koris and the comedy rock group "Pirmais kurss." From 2015 to February 2022, Maija worked as a producer for the State Choir LATVIJA. She currently serves as a project coordinator for the Riga Support Center for Ukrainian Refugees. |
Kate Jurka
Graphic Designer Kate Jurka earned a bachelor's degree in design from Coventry University in the United Kingdom. She is responsible for the visual identity of the Riga Project Choir, having designed the choir's logo and visual materials for several of the choir's performances. Kate previously worked as an interior designer for Printful. Since July 2022, she has worked in the London office of Perkins&Will as an interior designer. |
Ilga Sokolova
Public Relations Manager Ilga Sokolova is a communications expert with 10 years of experience managing public relations projects. She earned a master's degree in management sciences at the University of Latvia. Ilga was an active participant in the founding of the Riga Project Choir and has since assisted in management and communications efforts. |