Romāns Vanags
1960
Conductor, educator
Born 19 August 1960 in Rīga. Graduated from the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music School (1978) and Jāzeps Vītols Latvian State Conservatory’s choir- and orchestra-conducting department, receiving a diploma in the conducting of choirs and symphony orchestras, as well as in musical pedagogy (1983). Obtained a master’s degree in music at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (2003). Supplemented his knowledge at choir-conducting courses in the US and at Germany’s Bach Academy (1992-1993).
When still a student, began working with the Suntaži mixed choir (1978-1987), also worked as choirmaster of the Teodors Kalniņš Radio Choir (1983-1985). Was artistic director and principal conductor of the Vanema choir for many years (1984-2004), principal conductor of Ķekava’s female choir Daugaviete (1984-1995). Since 1990, has directed Minjona the female choir of the University of Latvia. Lead by this talented musician, the choir has won prizes in domestic and international competitions and performed in many different countries.
Since 1987 – principal conductor and artistic director of the boys’ choir of Rīga’s Jāzeps Mediņš music school No 1, also worked with the school’s symphony orchestra (1990-1993).This choir is one of the leading boys’ choirs in the Baltic States, having won several prizes at international choir competitions – 1st prize at the Music World in Fivizzano competition in Italy (2001), 1st place at the International Choral Kathaumixw in Powell River, Canada (2000), 2nd place in the Guido d’Arezzo international competition in Italy (1997), 1st place in boys’ choir category and 3rd place in the Grand Prix in Nantes, France (1993). The choir has participated in the 8th Latvian Boys’ Choir gathering in Cēsis (2008), 9th International Boys’ Choir Festival in Poznan, Poland (2010), the Singapore International Youth Choir Festival (2011) and the 8th World Choir Games (2014).
The artist is justifiably proud: “I cannot think of any of my laddies who has gone off the rails after leaving the choir, the percentage of rejects is minimal after such a life. The great majority of them are good people with a high level of intelligence, valuable members of society. Those are the fruits of my labours that can’t be assessed on a daily basis and put into my CV.” (Matīsa, Kristīne. Conductor Roman Vanags. Tvnet.lv. 16 June 2003)
The artist passes on his accumulated experience to future conductors at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (since 1987), teaching choir conducting and leading the teaching choir. Has organised and directed numerous master classes on conducting in different countries, and has been involved in numerous choral-contest juries. Since 2004 – Chairman of the Latvian National Commission for UNESCO on issues concerning the Latvian Song and Dance Festival.
A chief conductor at the XXIst-XXVIIth All-Latvian Song Festivals, head of the working group for the XXIIIrd Song Festival, bureau chief and artistic director of the opening concert of the XXIVth Song Festival, Artistic Director of the 8th World Choir Games, a chief conductor at the West Coast Latvian Song Festival (1992-2008) and the Rīgai-800 festival, the Baltic and Nordic Song Festival (2008), the XIIIth-XVth Gaudeamus Baltic Student Song Festivals, as well as at the VIIth-IXth Latvian Schools’ Song and Dance Festivals, one of the organisers of the Rīgas Doms international boys’ choir festival, chief conductor for the Tukums District (since 1987) and Rīga city choirs (since 2007).
“We are a super power in terms of choirs, and this is not an exaggeration, but a profound truth. That is also known by the world choir elite and also by ordinary choristers. This is largely due to the Song Festival, but much is also known about the international successes of our choirs, because we are regular prize-winners in major choral-singing contests.” (Orupe, Aisma, Romāns Vanags: We are a choral super power. Nra.lv, July 2014)
Awarded the Ministry of Culture Prize (2000) and Teodors Reiters Prize (2003), and the Order of Three Stars (2008).
