Auļi
The bagpipe and drum group Auļi was founded in 2003 with the aim to popularise and develop bagpipe music in Latvia. Although there is evidence of bagpipe playing in Latvia dating back to the 16th century, little material has been preserved in folklore archives. Therefore, the group focuses on creating original music that is strongly influenced by folk music.
Auļi have extensive experience collaborating with singers from different cultures – including Batzorig Vaanchig, Abiana, Albin Paulus, Kai Somby and Kilema – as well as with bands, orchestras, choirs and dance groups. Through live performances, recordings and impressive music videos, Auļi have developed their own unique, recognisable sound.
Over the past 20 years, Auļi have released 12 studio albums and performed more than 1000 concerts. The main composers in the group are Kaspars Bārbals, Mārtiņš Miļevskis and Edgars Kārklis. The group’s ability to adapt to different musical contexts has made it a popular choice for summer music festivals as well as quieter enjoyment of music in concert halls.
Auļi’s live performances captivate audiences of all ages across the world. The group has fans in Spain, Brazil, the United States, Australia, Russia and China. They have performed at such prestigious festivals as the Rainforest World Music Festival, the Rudolstadt Festival, the Montelago Celtic Festival, Etnosur and others. Auļi also create music for dance performances, films and commercials and give concert-lectures on traditional Latvian music. The group has received the Latvian Music Recording Industry Award in the folk/world music category several times.
Kaspars Bārbals – bagpipes
Leanne Barbo – bagpipes, Jew’s harp
Gatis Indrēvics – bagpipes, shawm
Normunds Vaivads – bagpipes
Edgars Kārklis – bagpipes, wooden flute
Kaspars Indrēvics – large tree-trunk drum
Mārtiņš Miļevskis – drums, percussion
Edgars Krūmiņš – drums, percussion
Edgars Kučiks – drums, percussion
Gatis Valters – electric upright bass
Einārs Cintiņš – sound engineer
Photo: Māris Ločmelis