An exhibit showcasing the work of Latvian diplomats in exile has been opened in Rīga by Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete.

The exhibit is titled “Latvijas valstiskuma sardzē: Latvijas diplomātiskā un konsulārā dienesta darbinieki okupācijas gados trimdā no 1940. gada 17. jūnija līdz 1991. gada 21. augustam” (“Guarding Latvian Statehood: Latvia’s Diplomatic and Consular Staff in Exile During the Occupation, From 17 June 1941 to 21 August 1991”).

In arranging the exhibit, the Foreign Ministry made use of private archives as well as its own and those held by the Latvian State Historical Archive, according to a press release from the ministry.

The exhibit is on display from Jan. 28 in the Foreign Ministry.

“The period since the renewal of independence,” the press release noted, “has shown that the work of diplomatic and consular staff in exile was essential in determining the nation’s course and its current international legal status.”

French director Sylvain Chomet’s “The Triplets of Belleville,” one of three Academy Award nominees for best animated film, has a Latvian connection, Latvian state television reports.

The Latvian company Rija Films was one of four animation studios that worked on the movie, doing what is known as “tweening” between distinct images.

Formed in 1995, Rija Films has been involved in a number of well-known local projects, including the 1990 animation and CD-ROM “Velniņi” (Little Devils) and the 2001 animation “Vai Rīga jau gatava?” (The National Hero), according to the Web site of the National Film Centre. The studio is run by Vilnis Kalnaellis.

Rija Films was chosen for the work because of budgetary reasons, “Triplets” Art Director Evgeni Tomov said in an interview with AnimWatch, an online journal.

“The Triplets of Belleville” was released last year by Sony Pictures Classics. The 80-minute film is competing for the Oscar against “Brother Bear” and the Disney blockbuster “Finding Nemo”

The Oscar nominations were announced Jan. 27 in Los Angeles by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Winners of the Academy Awards will be revealed during a live televized ceremony Feb. 29.

A Finnish recording of two works by Latvian composer Pēteris Vasks has been honored as the compact disc of the year by the Cannes Classical Awards in France, according to the awards Web site.

The recording includes “Symphony No. 2,” performed by the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by John Storgards, and the violin concerto “Tālā gaisma” (Distant Light), performed by the Ostrobothnian Chamber Orchestra conducted by Juha Kangas with Storgards playing a violin solo.

The CD was released in January 2003 by Ondine Inc. of Helsinki, Finland.

The Vasks CD also was named the winner in the 20th century orchestral category. A recording of Estonian composer Arvo Part’s “Passio” by the British choral group Tonus Peregrinus won in the 19th and 20th century choral works category.

Latvian-born violinist Gidon Kremer and his Kremerata Baltica were nominated in the 20th century chamber and solo instrumental category for their Nonesuch recording of George Enescu’s “Octet Op. 7” and “Quintet Op. 29,” but did not win.

The award was announced Jan. 26 during the MIDEM 2004 international music market conference. The awards jury is composed of judges from eight countries.