At 89, Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls shows no signs of slowing down, recently collaborating with singer Ance Krauze on a new song titled “Māte meitai” (Mother to Daughter). The release comes amidst personal changes for Krauze, who recently confirmed her separation from businessman Valdis Siliņš after over two decades together. Pauls, a long-time admirer of Krauze’s talent, composed the song with lyrics by Guntars Račs, resulting in a warmly-received track that highlights the enduring power of latvian musical artistry.
Legendary composer Maestro Raimonds Pauls is keeping busy and has some exciting news to share.
Raimonds Pauls has always openly admired one singer in particular, considering her a truly talented artist. Ance Krauze hails from Alsunga, and as she jokes, possesses not only a powerful voice but also spirit and pride. When Ance was younger, Pauls’ support was an invaluable gift, as many recognized her potential thanks to his influence.
Over 20 years ago, Ance’s life changed with the arrival of businessman Valdis Siliņš. And much followed, including a shift in her career focus. Ance prioritized her home life and family over her professional pursuits. The couple married in 2012, already parents to two daughters, and soon welcomed a third.
Ance’s eldest daughter recently graduated from college with honors and is a talented violinist. Her middle daughter, Kate, is also musically inclined, though she expresses herself through “other art forms.” The youngest, Bille, has even appeared in the film “Circenīša Ziemassvētki” (The Snow Maiden’s Christmas).
Recently, news surfaced that Ance and Valdis Siliņš have separated, and are no longer together. The singer initially declined to comment on the change, but later confirmed the split, admitting the news was “unexpected.” Now, the talented vocalist has returned to the stage with renewed energy, eager to delight her fans. This news comes as many artists are navigating personal changes alongside their careers.
At 89 years young, composer Raimonds Pauls continues to create and release new music, with his latest work being the song “Māte meitai” (Mother to Daughter). He composed the piece specifically for Ance Krauze’s voice, with lyrics penned by poet and musician Guntars Račs. The song premiered at a recent series of Račs’s anniversary concerts, where it received a warm response from audiences.
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The recording also features the Maestro himself on piano, along with several musicians from the MC orchestra: Roberts Rasa on keyboards, Uldis Beitiņš on guitar, and Anrijs Grīnbergs on drums.
The song was created using only acoustic instruments—there are no “artificial” elements—giving the recording a special vibrancy and warmth. Gints Stankevičs handled the recording and mixing, while Raimonds Pauls’ piano solo was recorded at Latvian Radio 1 studio in collaboration with producer Gustavs Erenpreiss.
Comments on the published song are filled with praise: “I haven’t heard anything so beautiful in a long time!”, “Like a phoenix from the ashes! Ance, you are unique!”, “I haven’t seen anything so touching in a long time… thank you!”, “Maestro is the most talented person in Latvia!”, “Ance, why didn’t you sing for us for so many years, you are wonderful!”
The music video for the song features footage of Ance’s performance from Guntars Račs’s anniversary concert series at “Ulbrokas pērlē.” “360TV” and operator Gints Fārenhosts worked on the video, while “Dween Production” created the lyric video. The song is available on all major music streaming and download services worldwide, released by “Izdevniecība MicRec.”
Ance Krauze performs Raimonds Pauls’ “Māte meitai,” watch the video:
