Arvīds Platpers
1948
Conductor, educator, politician
Born on 1 December 1948 in Sigulda. Studied at Rīga Secondary School No 5 (1955-1966) and in the accordion class at the Pāvuls Jurjāns Music School. Continued his education at the Jāzeps Mediņš Music secondary school, in the accordion class of Alfrēds Tučs (1966-1969).
In 1976, graduated from the Department of Music Pedagogy of the Latvian State Conservatory in the specialty – music teacher in general-education schools. In 1988, received a master’s degree in art as an assistant at the Latvian State Conservatory’s Choir-conducting Department, but in 1994 began doctoral studies at the University of Latvia’s Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology.
Worked at the Rīga Pedagogical School (1962-1972), was singing teacher at the Ķekava secondary school in the Rīga District (1975-1988), years 5-9 choir conductor at Rīga secondary school No 45 (1988-1997) and artistic director and principal conductor of the Ķekava choir (from 1982). From 1976, has worked with the Absolventi (Alumni) male choir, beginning as choirmaster, but in 1999 became its artistic director and principal conductor. Worked with the Daugaviete Ķekava female choir and Baldone mixed choir for brief periods. Has performed with the Ķekava Country Band for many years.
Platpers is a lecturer at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (since 1986) and conductor and artistic director of the female choir of the Academy of Music Pedagogy Department, winner of a number of international competitions (since 1998).
Participated in the preparation of several musical textbooks for general schools and in the development of other methodological materials. Along with music, has been actively involved in political developments in Latvia, was a member of the Ķekava District council and was elected to the 12th Saeima (Parliament).
A chief conductor at the XXIInd-XXVth All-Latvian Song Festivals, Honorary chief conductor at the XXVIth and XXVIIth All-Latvian Song Festival, a chief conductor at the XIth-XIIIth Gaudeamus Baltic Student Song Festivals, VIth-IXth Latvian School Song and Dance Festivals, Rīga District school choirs (since 1983) and Rīga District choirs (since 1992), permanent member of Song Festival competition juries. “The song festival comes with its unwieldiness, with the spirit of the nation. People come together, and there is an energetic connection in a much deeper philosophical sense. It is not only about beautifully singing the finale of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, which is sung all over the world ... It is a popular mass movement that unites all of us, and if the programme has been successfully chosen, everyone is happy – singers, conductors, spectators.” (Matisaune, Inese. Arvīds Platpers: The Song Festival comes with the spirit of the nation. Lvportals.lv, 9 July 2010)
Bearer, Order of the Three Stars (2003).
