Traditional Latvian kokle ensemble “Kārta”

The zither ensemble “Kārta” was founded on 1 October 1981 at the “Imanta” Cultural Centre. The ensemble’s name is inspired by Latvian mythology, where Kārta, together with Laima and Dēkla, determines a person’s fate and brings good fortune. The ensemble’s founder and long‑time leader was teacher Māra Vanaga. Today, the ensemble consists of professional musicians — graduates of Māra Vanaga’s zither class at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. The ensemble has participated in Song Festivals, festivals, and competitions in Latvia and abroad, earning awards. “Kārta” performs music from various eras and styles — from Baroque to contemporary Latvian compositions — actively participates in collaborative projects, premieres new works, and promotes the sound of the traditional Latvian zither in concerts and recordings.