The Latvian National Symphony Orchestra proclaims itself "one of the cornerstones of national culture with a history of almost a hundred years." The 56-member group has recorded works, mostly by Baltic composers, for labels both within and outside the region. The group's first principal conductor was Arvīds Pārups. A major conductor from its early years was Leonīds Vīgners, who held the position from 1949 to 1963 and again from 1966 to 1974. In 1995, the orchestra inaugurated its modern recording career with an album of music by composer Jāzeps Vītols. In 2021, it issued an album of music by Pēteris Vasks. Since 2013, the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra has been led by Andris Poga; its first female principal guest conductor, Kristiina Poska, assumed that post in 2021.