The government-affiliated State Choir Latvija ("Latvian State Choir") has a long history stretching back to the World War II era. Under conductor Māris Sirmais, the choir expanded its horizons beyond its homeland in terms of music and where it performs. The State Choir Latvija was founded in 1942, with Janis Ozolins as its first director. With 60 members, the group is the largest professional choir in the Baltic states. In 1996, the choir made its recording debut, backing France's Orchestre National de Lille on a recording of Prokofiev's cantata Alexander Nevsky. The State Choir Latvija has also collaborated with jazz pianist Joe Zawinul and electronic band Sigur Rós. In 1998, the group founded the International Sacred Music Festival, which attracts performers and audiences from many countries. The choir released the album Credo in 2023.