Liepāja, Latvia – The Liepāja Music, Art and Design Education Centre (LMMDV) has announced a special jazz event featuring Latvian vocalist and composer Laura Polence, set to grab place on April 28, 2026, at the “Lielais dzintars” concert hall’s chamber venue. The performance, part of the traditional “Jazz Session” series, will begin at 7:00 PM and marks another installment in the city’s ongoing efforts to promote jazz music and improvisation.
According to LMMDV’s official announcement, the event will highlight Polence’s diverse musical background, which spans Latvian folk music, academic studies, jazz improvisation, Brazilian popular music, and singer-songwriter styles. Her function with vocal ensembles and instrumental groups has earned international recognition, including accolades from global choral competitions and Latvian music awards.
The “Jazz Session” series, established in Liepāja in 2017, aims to strengthen the local jazz scene by providing audiences access to established and emerging jazz artists from Latvia and across Europe. Each session emphasizes live improvisation and cross-genre collaboration, creating a platform for musical innovation in the region.
Laura Polence, who has resided in Amsterdam since 2007, brings a multifaceted artistic profile to the stage. Her career includes performances with the Latvian Voices vocal group, the August 38th improvisation choir, the Kaja Draksler Octet, and the Ben van Gelder Large Group. These affiliations reflect her engagement with both Baltic and European jazz and contemporary music networks.
In 2012, Polence and Latvian Voices secured first place and a gold medal at the World Choir Games in Cincinnati, United States, in the jazz category. This achievement was followed by national recognition in Latvia, where she received the “Golden Microphone” award in 2020 for her children’s album “Tutas Dziesmas” and again in 2021 for “Nu-ku-smalki-šiki-drū”.
Her solo discography began with the 2019 release “Side By Side”, followed by her second studio album “Ancient Plastic Butterfly” in 2025. The latter project earned her a nomination for the Gamma Award as Jazz or Funk Musician of the Year 2025 and was featured in the Europe Jazz Media Chart, which highlights notable new jazz releases across the continent each month.
The upcoming performance in Liepāja will allow local audiences to experience Polence’s interpretive approach to jazz and improvisation, rooted in years of cross-cultural musical exploration. LMMDV encourages residents and visitors to attend the event as part of its broader mission to support music education and cultural engagement in Western Latvia.
As of now, no further details regarding ticket availability, pricing, or livestream options have been released by LMMDV. Updates are expected to be shared through the centre’s official communication channels closer to the event date.
For those interested in staying informed about future cultural programs in Liepāja, LMMDV maintains an active presence online, where announcements about concerts, workshops, and educational initiatives are regularly posted.
Have you attended a Jazz Session in Liepāja before? Share your experience in the comments below and let others know what makes these events special. If you found this information useful, consider sharing it with friends who appreciate live music and cultural events.