The early years: “Dzeguzīte”
Gunars began his stage career as a child in the vocal group “Dzeguzīte.” It was directed by Daila Martinsone and mentored by the legendary pianist and composer Raimonds Pauls, who would later play an instrumental role in Gunars’ career. The group was famous throughout Latvia, and no one could imagine what a phenomenal success it would be in Russia. It would be fair to say that Kalnins spent most of his childhood touring Russia, rehearsing, being on the road, and working professionally as an entertainer.
The Rīga Dome Boys’ Choir
When Gunars reached the age when he had to go to school, Maestro Pauls suggested a musical education at the Emīls Dārziņš School of Music. Auditions for the piano programme had ended, and so the only option was the boys’ choir, at which Gunars found another iconic musician as his mentor – Jānis Erenštreits. The Riga Dome Boys’ Choir was known throughout the world, and Gunars was fortunate enough to tour all of Europe and the United States as a member. Of great importance was the work ethic, discipline and musical knowledge which he gained during this period.
A solo career
Gunars Kalnins is a classically trained musician, but he has always known deep in his heart that he doesn’t belong in the world of classical music. As an adult, indeed, he prefers to listen to such music, not take part in performances thereof. Kalnins has said that his greatest inspiration was Whitney Houston’s iconic rendition of the song “I Will Always Love You” The late vocalist’s impeccable voice and tone made Gunars realize his future path. He was 11 years old.
Around that same time, Gunars began to work as a composer, because he thought that that would be an easier way to express himself. One of his earliest works as a songwriter was a hymn for a children’s and youth musical festival. 11 of the 12 songs on Kalnins’ debut album, “It Was and Will Be” (1999), were composed by him, and three of the four first singles became major hits on the radio. The album represented a pioneering approach toward Latvian music by fusing pop with influences of gospel, soul and R&B. This inspired future generations of vocalists. The second album, “Gunars Kalnins” (2001), was the last one to be released by “Microphone Records.” Creative differences, a change in management and personal struggles were the main reasons why Gunars put his role as a recording artist aside. This, however, did not meant that he stopped working (see “Discography” below).
In 1999, Gunars Kalnins made his stage theatrical debut in the musical “Legend of the Green Lady.” He worked on a number of other musicals, as well, as a composer, arranger and conductor (see “Theatre Work”). Kalnins has also taken part in endless projects as a vocalist (“Music for Documentaries, Animation Shorts, TV”).
The last major radio hit for Gunars was in 2013, when he was asked to record the theme song for a beloved Latvian television show, “Fire.”
Radio & TV
In the late 1990s, Gunars Kalnins hosted a television show which focused on teen pop. His co-host was Guna Paula, with whom Gunars had performed in “Dzeguzīte.” Around 2002, Gunars went full circle by returning to this first “place of employment” – Radio Latvia, where he hosted a radio show. This was a completely new but worthwhile experience for him.
gg choir
They said it couldn’t be done, but in 2004 Gunars Kalnins followed his dream and created the “gg choir” gospel choir. Gunars had no idea how to direct a choir, but he did know that he wanted to serve music and God. He did. Gunars’ musical skills and influences helped him to get better at his job each and every day. He feared that because of his youth, no one would take him seriously, but that proved to be nonsense. “gg choir” pushed boundaries and broke through glass ceilings by working very hard, and the choir quickly became an elite musical unit which has worked with countless A-list musicians in Latvia.
“gg choir” also allowed Gunars to try a new thing – serve as the executive producer for a Christmas tour to visit orphanages, hospitals and retirement homes. Kalnins produced this event for five years before moving to Spain in 2009. During the last two years of the tour, Gunars satisfied his initial vision of ensuring that there was an activity on each day of December so that fewer people would feel alone during the holidays. Of course, Gunars didn’t accomplish all of this by himself. He had a fantastic team with many of his showbusiness friends helping out.
“gg choir” has kept on going even since its founder’s move to Barcelona.
Gunars Kalnins’ executive producer skills proved useful when he teamed up with the organisation “Avantis” to produce various events, including the very first Latvian jazz compilation, “Jazz-Up.”
Come Alongside
Since the early 2000s, Gunars Kalnins has been proud to take part in a charitable project, “Come Alongside.” A real milestone for him and the project came in 2007, when the organisers of “Come Alongside” decided to record a CD of a celebration concert. Kalnins was asked to serve as the producer and arranger for the whole album – something which was not foreign to him. Still, it was a very special project with unique participants, and the CD proved to be a sensation. Chemistry in the studio and on stage could not be denied. Gunars and the others found their own language, and they have collaborated on and off ever since. Gunars was musical director for “Come Alongside” in 2007, 2011, 2016, 2018 and 2019 – more often than any other Latvian musician.
Kalniņš has lived in Barcelona and Berlin, and he has seldom visited his homeland. “Come Alongside,” however, is an exception. Gunars always says yes when asked, because he feels greatly honoured about the fact that the kids want to make music with him again and again.
Choirs in Barcelona and Berlin
On January 8, 2013, despite his vow that he would never conduct another choir, Gunars Kalnins agreed to become one of the founders of a choir that is called “Black i Blanc.” Over the subsequent 10 years, the choir has performed in numerous concerts. A particular highlight was a tribute to the beloved Catalan composer Lluis Llach, with the choir singing his famous song “Porrera.” After the performance, the composer shouted “Bravo!” In fact, that particular performance was the first time that “Black i Blanc” performed in public, and that was just the beginning. At this writing, “Black i Blanc” is preparing for its 10th anniversary concert, which will be held on October 7, 2013, at the Centre Moral i Cultural de Poble Nou, Barcelona.
On February 10, 2014, Gunars Kalnins and three other people established the “W.A.Y.S.” (With All Your Senses) gospel, pop and soul music choir. The choir has had a number of sold-out concerts in Berlin. One notable collaborator was German soul singer Stefan Gwildis, who invited “WAYS” to join him for five songs at a concert in Berlin. “WAYS” is presently preparing for its summer concert, which will be in June. Another concert will be staged in November, and “WAYS,” too, is preparing for its 10th anniversary. Date and location to be announced.
On January 21, 2021, Gunars Kalnins became musical director for the “Cor Masculi de Barcelona.” The choir has performed at notable events such as “Razzmatazz” and “Jamboree” with the programme “Gracias Por La Musica.” The choir is currently working on a new show, “Tornarem,” which will debut at the “Jamboree” on November 3 and 4, 2023.