Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Vija Moore is a percussionist and singer from Latvia whose musical world connects classical percussion, Latvian folk traditions and the underground sounds of her upbringing. She creates music where rhythm, voice and imagination intertwine.
genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
In this episode of Uncovering Music IDs, we step into Vija’s soundscape – where the traditional celmu bunga drum and the West African balafon meet contemporary exploration. Through conversation and reflection, she shares how classical training, folk heritage and curiosity merge into a living, evolving musical language.
The episode features Vija’s performance of her balafon composition 'Op. 28 in D minor', offering a glimpse into the melodic, rhythmic and poetic depth of her artistic voice. Vija also reads a Latvian poem by Kirils Ēcis, blending the dimensions of dreams and reality.
A singing percussionist and composer, Vija is known for her work with Nielslens Lielsliens, Tell Your Birds, and Zemiene, where she continues to blend ancient instruments with modern creativity.
More about Vija’s work:
Instagram: instagram.com/aivij
YouTube: @aivij
Nielslens Lielsliens – Unexpected Heroes nielslenslielsliens.bandcamp.com/album/negaid-ti-varo-i
Tell Your Birds – pause in nature, then carry on with hope tellyourbirds.bandcamp.com/album/pause-in-nature-then-carry-on-with-hope
Zemiene – The Harmony of Stories open.spotify.com/album/0NfVW4CTySMLevuP5wjVCT?si=_f3YIuohTYi3OAO22PUTg
Uncovering Music IDs is brought to you by Genelec – in collaboration with @SibeliusAcademy's Global Music programme – and hosted by @MehrnooshZolfaghari, a composer and musician passionate about cross-cultural storytelling. The podcast brings you exclusive interviews, unique performances, and behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of remarkable artists from around the world. Stay tuned! In our next episode, we’ll meet another musician redefining the global soundscape.
To learn more, visit: genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
01:09 – Childhood Memories: First Connection to Music
02:29 – Discovering Percussion and Marimba: A New Musical Path
05:27 – The Balafon Journey: From Curiosity to Benin Field Trip
08:00 – Between Worlds: Navigating Expectations and Staying True to Yourself
17:45 – Live Performance: Op. 28 in D minor – Original Balafon Composition by Vija Moore
31:04 – Poetry Reading: “Te nu ir tā vasariņa” – A Poem by Kirils Ēcis
Vija Moore is a percussionist and singer from Latvia whose musical world connects classical percussion, Latvian folk traditions and the underground sounds of her upbringing. She creates music where rhythm, voice and imagination intertwine.
genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
In this episode of Uncovering Music IDs, we step into Vija’s soundscape – where the traditional celmu bunga drum and the West African balafon meet contemporary exploration. Through conversation and reflection, she shares how classical training, folk heritage and curiosity merge into a living, evolving musical language.
The episode features Vija’s performance of her balafon composition 'Op. 28 in D minor', offering a glimpse into the melodic, rhythmic and poetic depth of her artistic voice. Vija also reads a Latvian poem by Kirils Ēcis, blending the dimensions of dreams and reality.
A singing percussionist and composer, Vija is known for her work with Nielslens Lielsliens, Tell Your Birds, and Zemiene, where she continues to blend ancient instruments with modern creativity.
More about Vija’s work:
Instagram: instagram.com/aivij
YouTube: @aivij
Nielslens Lielsliens – Unexpected Heroes nielslenslielsliens.bandcamp.com/album/negaid-ti-varo-i
Tell Your Birds – pause in nature, then carry on with hope tellyourbirds.bandcamp.com/album/pause-in-nature-then-carry-on-with-hope
Zemiene – The Harmony of Stories open.spotify.com/album/0NfVW4CTySMLevuP5wjVCT?si=_f3YIuohTYi3OAO22PUTg
Uncovering Music IDs is brought to you by Genelec – in collaboration with @SibeliusAcademy's Global Music programme – and hosted by @MehrnooshZolfaghari, a composer and musician passionate about cross-cultural storytelling. The podcast brings you exclusive interviews, unique performances, and behind-the-scenes insights into the lives of remarkable artists from around the world. Stay tuned! In our next episode, we’ll meet another musician redefining the global soundscape.
To learn more, visit: genelec.com/uncovering-music-ids
01:09 – Childhood Memories: First Connection to Music
02:29 – Discovering Percussion and Marimba: A New Musical Path
05:27 – The Balafon Journey: From Curiosity to Benin Field Trip
08:00 – Between Worlds: Navigating Expectations and Staying True to Yourself
17:45 – Live Performance: Op. 28 in D minor – Original Balafon Composition by Vija Moore
31:04 – Poetry Reading: “Te nu ir tā vasariņa” – A Poem by Kirils Ēcis
