Ilgvars Matrozis
1938–1987
Conductor, educator
Born 17 March 1938 in the Aizpute District. Studied at Liepāja Secondary School No 3, as well as at the Liepāja Music School. After graduating from the Liepāja workers’ evening school, enrolled in the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of the Latvian State University (1957), where started singing in the university choir conducted by the Kokars brothers. From 1961, continued his studies at the Latvian State Conservatory’s Department of Choir Conducting, graduating from Gido Kokars’ class (1966).
When still a student, worked as choirmaster and conductor with choirs directed by Gido Kokars – the Daile (Beauty) mixed choir (1961-1970) and the Auseklis (Morning Star) male choir (1960-1967), taking it over as principal conductor (1967-1987). Gained vast experience by singing in the first edition of the Ave Sol choir, as well as founding and conducting the Dobele District Teachers’ choir Sidrabe (1973-1987) and other amateur choirs in Vecauce and Jaunpils.
Was conductor of the Latvian SSR State Academic Choir (now the Latvija State Academic Choir) (1970-1975), then the main choirmaster of the Opera and Ballet Theatre (1975-1987). As the choristers of that period reminisce: “... he sorted out the opera choir, whose standards had fallen somewhat. Not only in artistic terms but also in membership, what is more, did that in a single year, because Ilgvars was able to involve young people, including students from the conservatory’s vocal department. He polished up the choir to such an extent that it could confidently perform solo concerts before audiences.” (Grauzdiņa, Ilma, Izredzētie (The Chosen Few), 2008, p189). And they did perform, putting on two opera-choir concerts with interesting and magnificent programmes at the Great Hall of the State University of Latvia.
In addition, also lectured at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (1970-1986).
A chief conductor at the XIXth All-Latvian Song and Dance Festival, as well as of several male-choir gatherings and district song festivals.
As one of Matroze’s colleagues has said: “The massed choir has followed his hand gestures. Even if only once in his lifetime. His song has risen up because the Song Festival belonged to him”. (Grauzdiņa, Ilma, Izredzētie (The Chosen Few), 2008, p190)
Latvian SSR Order of Honour for artistic endeavours (1977) and Latvian SSR People’s Artist (1987).
