A Conductor’s Folk Costume

Northern Vidzeme folk costume. Likely made in a refugee camp in Germany.

The folk costume belonged to the singer and conductor Jānis Austrums (1912–2011). Before fleeing Latvia at the end of World War II, Jānis lived with his family in Lielvārde, where he worked as a school principal. His lifelong passion was music, especially singing and conducting. In the Esslingen refugee camp, Jānis was invited to join the “Tēvija” men’s double quartet, which had been founded in Latvia. The singers wore both folk costumes and suits when performing. When the Austrums family emigrated to America in 1949, Jānis continued to sing and conduct the “Līga” Latvian choir in Boston. The “Tēvija” men’s double quartet also continued its activities in America. Jānis Austrums’ folk costume was worn at many “Tēvija” concerts as well as at song festivals in both Europe and North America.

Donated by the Voldiņš family, from the collection of the Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre (LP2016.111).

The “Tēvija” men’s double quartet in the 1940s, in the Esslingen refugee camp; Germany. Jānis Austrums is in the second row, on the right. Donated by Zinta Kūlīte. From the collection of the Latvians Abroad Museum and Research Centre.