Trio Šmite Rancāne Cinkuss is a group of professionally trained musicians and friends who found common ground and enjoyment in cultivating and performing traditional Latvian music in many countries in Europe and Australia.

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Ivars Cinkuss - vocals, percussion

Professional conductor and singer. As a conductor has collaborated with all the major Latvian professional choirs and orchestras. Recent performances include J.S. Bach’s Messe in h moll, W.A. Mozart’s Messe in c moll, Arvo Pärt’s Passio and Johannes Brahms’ cantata Rinaldo. As a singer has performed mostly Baroque period large scale works including J.S. Bach’s Johannes and Matthäus Passionen.

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Asnate Rancāne – vocals, violin, kokle

Traditional music singer and performer. Actively involved in folk music since early childhood. Currently Asnate is the leader of folklore studio and folk ensemble Tautumeitas. Participates in variety of musical projects experimenting with arranging and mixing traditional music with other music styles involving extensive improvisation.

 

Zane Šmite - vocals, percussion

One of the few professionally trained Latvian vocal teachers of traditional singing. Consultant for projects related to traditional singing. Has collaborated with many Latvian musicians in recordings of academic and traditional music both as arranger and studio musician. Continually researches traditional singing vocal manner and develops her own skills by visiting the few still remaining elderly singers in the Latvian country side.