During the 1960s and 1970s, as the Chorus gained reputation and acclaim, the leader as well as its Chorus itself became increasingly involved in activities on behalf of Latvia. The Chorus did not, however, live to see the renewed independence of Latvia in 1990 after almost fifty years of Soviet occupation. The Soviet Union disintegrated a decade after Arnold Kalnajs' death.
Undated texts of songs performed by the Chorus |
Letter to Arnold Kalnajs from a Congressman, 1974 |
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All images in this feature are of items from the collection housed at the Immigration History Research Center, Oversize scrapbook 1 (unless otherwise indicated):
Latvian Chorus Shield of Songs (Koris Dziesmu Vairogs), Records, IHRC1335, 5 linear ft., 1945-1981
Records and papers (1945-1980) of the Latvian Chorus Shield of Songs (Koris Dziesmu Vairogs) include correspondence; minutes; history; programs; and memorabilia. The group was formed in the displaced persons camp at Groshabersdorf, Germany, in 1945. Most of the members resettled in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The group continued there until it was disbanded in 1981. Acquired in 1982.