Roberts Liepiņš
1952
Conductor, educator
Born on 7 January 1952 in Rīga. Studied at the choir department of Emīls Dārziņš’ Special Music secondary school (1959-1970). Education continued in the Department of Choir Conducting of the Latvian State Conservatory under Imants Kokars (1970-1975).
When still a student (1972), Imants Kokars invited the young musician to work with the Dziedonis (Minstrel) male choir. This collaboration has lasted for several decades, initially as assistant conductor, but as the choir’s artistic director and principal conductor since 2004. Over the years, has led various amateur choirs: Atzele the Alūksne teachers’ Choir (1988-1998), Bauska Civic Centre choir Dzīle (Depths), Mirklis (Moment) Balvi District teachers’ choir (2001-2012), and for a short time – the University of Latvia choir Juventus (1994-1995).
Worked in leading positions in Latvia’s education system for many years – was the director of Rīga Children’s Music School No 3 (1977-1982), deputy director (teaching) of the Rīga Jāzeps Mediņš Music secondary school (1982-1987), later its principal (1987-2017), as well Chair of the Association of Latvian Music Education Institutions (1999-2007).
A chief conductor at the XXVth All-Latvian Song and Dance Festival, at Latgale Song Festivals (2005 and 2010), of Balvi District choirs (since 1997) and of the Alūksne, Gulbene and Balvi district choirs (2009).
