Astra Kronīte
1952
Pianist, conductor, educator
Born 19 July 1952 in Adelaide, Australia. Acquired basic music theory and piano with pianist Benita Vembris. In her teenage years, was already performing in ensembles as a singer and pianist. Obtained her higher education in piano at Adelaide University (1973), where continued to study musicology.
In 1979, the new conductor was entrusted with the leadership of Dziesmu laiva (Song Boat), mixed choir of the Adelaide Latvian Society (1979-2002). Since 2000, has conducted Daugava, the male choir of the Adelaide branch of Daugavas Vanagi. The choir performs Latvian composers’ songs, enriches branch events, participates in Australia’s Latvian Arts Festivals and many other public events.
Latvian music is a key component of the conductor’s life and her main driving force. Through her work, promotes the values of Latvian music and passes them on to future generations. Kronīte has participated in the creation of historically important publications – collected information about Latvian vocal and instrumental ensembles in Adelaide, was a member of the editorial board for the book published in 2010 by the Adelaide Latvian Society Pēdu nospiedumi (Footprints) – Latvians in South Australia (2010), and also directed the editorial board for books on the histories of the choirs she conducted Dziesmu laiva and Daugava. As a member of the Cultural Section of the Latvian Association in Australia and New Zealand, has organised concert tours of Australia by Latvian musicians (1995-1996), but is currently the chairperson of the Adelaide Latvian Society.
A chief conductor at the XXIst All-Latvian Song Festival and conductor of numerous exile song festivals and days of song.
Winner of the Honorary Benita Vembris Award (2011).
