Pēteris Pauls Jozuus

From 1906 until the end of his life, was organist at St Gertrude’s New Church in Rīga. On the founding of the National Opera, he became its choirmaster (1919-1935), worked in the directorate and for a short time served as director (1927-1929).

Participated in the founding of the Conservatory of Latvia (1919), leading the first organ class, was senior educator in the choir conducting class, pro-rector and, at the end of his life, rector (1935-1937).

A chief conductor at the Vth-VIIth All-Latvian Song Festivals, as well as the Rīga Day of Song (1923) and of several regional festivals. Worked in the preparation of countless song festivals and days of song.

It is believed that Jozuus established the foundation for the singing and conducting of Latvian choirs, in the words of Jāzeps Vītols: “Jozuus ploughed a deep furrow: he is being followed by a whole generation, preserving his choir-teaching and conducting traditions” (Vītols, 1938). “Righteous to the point of fanaticism, unbending once convinced … rarely came forward to speak. But when he did speak, the volcano that was hiding under this calm exterior often came to the fore: he mercilessly shredded his opponents whether they were in his or conflicting camps.” (Grauzdiņa, Ilma, Izredzētie (The Chosen Few), 2008, p 45)

Order (1926) and Commander (1928) of the Three Stars.