Lorija Cinkusa Reflects on Decades With The Chicagoans and Life in Latvia
Chicago-born singer Lorija Cinkusa, formerly known as Lorija Vuda, has spent three decades calling Latvia her home, balancing a career in music education with her enduring ties to the legendary American-Latvian ensemble The Chicagoans (Čikāgā piecīši), according to reports from Privātā Dzīve and la.lv. Cinkusa joined the cheerful, humor-filled group in 1986, finding lifelong kindred spirits who shared her musical ideas, sense of humor, worldview, and foundational love for Latvia. Now residing split between Riga and Ventspils—where she works with private students and serves as a vocal teacher and conductor for the Ventspils men’s choir—she maintains a cross-continent connection with her family in the United States while continuing a decades-long musical legacy.
Joining The Chicagoans and Preserving a Musical Identity
The rehearsal process with The Chicagoans was always filled with laughter, Cinkusa told Privātā Dzīve, highlighting the deep personal and artistic bonds within the group that is celebrating its 65th anniversary. Even as she maintains a busy schedule teaching music and leading a small but capable men’s choir in Ventspils—which she has directed for 13 years—her identity remains closely tied to the ensemble. According to la.lv, Cinkusa first arrived in Latvia for a longer stay in the 1990s through a student exchange program to study choral conducting at the Latvian Academy of Music before eventually settling permanently and marrying conductor Ivars Cinkus.
Did you know?
Cinkusa’s iconic floral dress, first worn in public in 1989, became so famous that it later featured in the 2019 stage production Čikāgā piecīši. Leģendu atgriešanās and is currently preserved by producer Laila Ilze Purmaliete, according to interviews given to Privātā Dzīve.
Embracing Authenticity Over Fashion Trends
Often praised as the beauty and the floral emblem of The Chicagoans, Cinkusa rejects the idea that she possesses any extraordinary standard of glamour, attributing her thick, healthy hair to genetics inherited from her parents rather than high-maintenance routines. She told Privātā Dzīve that true youthfulness stems from staying true to oneself, favoring floral dresses that suit her personal taste and romantic songs over constantly shifting fashion trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Lorija Cinkusa lived in Latvia?
According to reports from la.lv, Cinkusa has lived in Latvia for roughly three decades, having first arrived in the 1990s as a student exchange participant before settling permanently.
What is Lorija Cinkusa’s role with The Chicagoans?
Cinkusa has been a vocalist and soliste for the legendary ensemble since joining the group in 1986, participating in anniversary events and theatrical revivals like the 2019 stage production.
Where does Lorija Cinkusa currently work?
She divides her time between Riga and Ventspils, where she teaches private students, works as a vocal teacher at a children’s music school, and conducts the Ventspils men’s choir.
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