1914-1994
Significant public worker

Augusts Vilis Abakuks was born on 12 December 1914 in Aizezere, Balvi parish. His father was a long-time parish elder and chairman of the parish court. He started his school career at Balvi Town Primary School. In 1933 he graduated from Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Gymnasium in Riga. He initially studied theology at the University of Latvia (1933-1934) but a year later switched to the Law Department, and in 1943 obtained a Master's degree. He then studied economics, taking on public duties, for example, as Secretary General of the Latvian Youth Union. After his studies, he moved to Abrene, where he started working for the Abrene County Municipality, soon becoming a county elder.

1889-1967
Composer, conductor, organist, and educator

Adolfs Abele was born on 24 January 1889 in Blome, Valka County, in the so-called Silkite School, in the family of a teacher, organist, choir conductor Oto (Atis) Abele (Oto Ābele) and choir singer Anna Abele (Anna Ābele, née Palmbaha). He studied at Cesis Secondary School (Cēsu reālskola) and acquired his first knowledge of music and piano skills from his parents. An extensive library of sheet music was kept at his home, which was very useful in learning music. After graduating from the secondary school in 1907, he came to Riga where he studied privately with Emils Darzins (Emīls Dārziņš). In 1909, he began his studies at the St Petersburg Conservatoire with L. Homiliuss and Z. Handins (Ž. Handšins). In 1914, he obtained a diploma of organist (pupil), and a year later, in 1915, he completed Jazeps Vitols' (Jāzeps Vītols) composition theory class. During his time at the Conservatoire, he wrote his first compositions, one of which, “Trīs liriskas skices” (Three Lyrical Sketches) for piano, was published in 1912.

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1926-2018
Conductor

Ziedonis Abolins was born on 21 March 1926 in Bungsas, Dzirciema parish, Tukums county. In the family also grew a brother, who died at an early age, and a sister. Ziedonis was fascinated by music and singing in particular from an early age. He studied at Lamini Primary School, then at Tukums Gymnasium where he also joined the school choir, and at the same time studied violin with free artist Lasmanis. He was also actively involved in social life – together with his school friend Harijs Gulbis he played in a dance chapel, which was well received from locals.

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1985
Conductor

Born in Rīga on 21 February 1985. First studied music at the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music Secondary School and Rīga Dome Choir School, then at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music Department of Choir Conducting.

1945
Choreographer, director of dance groups

Born 24 December 1945 in Liepāja. Studied the fundamentals of dance at the Liepāja Ballet Studio under L. Bubers. Graduated from the Rīga Cultural and Education Workers’ Technical College (1963–1967), gaining practical experience with Imants Magone in the Liesma (Flame) folk-dance ensemble (1964–1966).

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1970
Teacher, choreographer, dance group leader

Dace Adviljone received her higher education in choreography at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. She studied with Latvian choreographer and ballet dancer Aija Baumane, and danced in the Rotaļa (Dancing game) dance group under her direction.

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1923-1999
Composer, singer, publisher and conductor

Longins Apkalns was born on 17 December 1923 in Riga into the family of Pastor Peteris Apkalns (Pēteris Apkalns). He graduated from Riga State Gymnasium No. 1. He began to study music at the Riga People's Conservatoire, but his studies were interrupted by the Second World War. In 1944 he emigrated to West Germany, where he resumed his musical studies in 1946, studying vocal art and composition at the Detmold School of Music as well as studying privately with Jazeps Vitols (Jāzeps Vītols), becoming the professor's last pupil. After his studies, he earned his living by helping to stage modern opera parts for young singers who came to him from all over Germany for this purpose. From 1955, he himself was a singer at the Osnabrück Opera, the Detmold Opera, and the West German Radiophon where he became well-known among Latvians living in Germany. In West Germany he met and later married a German singer, the Bremen-born Marga Schreiber, who later became known in Latvian society by her husband's surname and intensively devoted herself to Latvian music and its performance.

1973
Choreographer

Born on 18 November 1973 in Toronto, Canada. Took her first dance steps as a young child in the Mazais Diždancītis dance group, going on to Diždancītis. Graduated from the Toronto Latvian School (1986), US West Coast Latvian Summer School (1990) and Claude Watson School for the Arts (1991), and studied at York University (graduating in 1996) and completed the Income Managers’ Program (IMP) in marketing and financial management (1996-1997).

1945
Educator, répétiteur

Born 23 March 1945 in Rīga. Graduated from Rīga Choreography Secondary School (1964), learning from outstanding educators such as Tamāra Vītiņa, Valentīna Bļinova, Helēna Tangijeva-Birzniece and Bella Matisone. Graduate of the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian State Conservatoire, Cultural Education Faculty, specialising in dance (1981–1986).

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1940
Educator, choreographer, cultural figure

Born 13 August 1940 in Pededze Parish, Alūksne District. Started dancing as a child in the Lejasciems Elementary School dance group.

1959
Choreographer, folk dance group leader, active public worker

Iveta Asone was born on 13 January 1959 in the USA.

Asone is a choreographer, folk and art dance officer of the World Federation of Free Latvians (WFLA) in the USA.

She grew up in Indianapolis. Her mother Guna and father Ernests danced in the founding group of the Indianapolis folk dance group “Jautrais pāris” (The Merry Couple) in 1950. She started dancing in “Jautrais pāris” in 1968 and has been the director of the group since 1988. She has taught folk dancing in the USA at summer high schools in Garezers, Beverina and Kursa.

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1960
Conductor, teacher

Jānis Baltiņš began his studies at the Alūksne Children’s Music School in 1967, specialising in piano. After graduating from Year 8, he entered the Jāzeps Mediņš Secondary School of Music, in Jānis Lindenbergs’ choral conducting class. He received his higher education at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, where he studied with professors Imants Kokars and Ludmila Pismennaja.

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1991
Choreographer, dance teacher

Dagmāra Bārbale (née Leja) was born on 23 January 1991 in Smiltene. Commenced her career in dance at the age of two and a half, in the children’s dance group of the Smiltene Cultural Centre, and then continued in the Ieviņa folk dance ensemble.

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1912-2001
Composer, conductor

Viktors Bastiks was born on 3 February 1912 in the village of Skatre, Pērkone parish, about 15 km south of Liepaja. He was the third and youngest son in the family, after his brothers Eduards and Voldemars (Voldemārs). Both parents were farmers and active members of the local Baptist congregation, where Father Janis (Jānis) was the leader of the church choir and mother Otilija (Otīlija) – a singer in this choir, sometimes also a soloist. In later years of her life, Otilija became known as a poet and translator of spiritual songs under the pseudonym Liesma. When Viktors was two years old, the family moved to Liepaja where his father opened a small goods shop. Soon, complications arose in the family life and his parents' marriage ended in divorce. All three sons remained under the care of their mother.

1932–2011
Choreographer, educator, ballet artist

Born 31 July 1932 in Rīga. Received her vocational education qualification at the Rīga Secondary School of Choreography, in the class of Helēna Tangijeva-Birzniece (1945–1953), and later worked as a soloist at the Latvian Opera and Ballet Theatre.

1963-2019
Educator, choreographer

Studied at the Latvian State Conservatoire. From 1994 – educator and choreographer of the Zelta sietiņš (Golden Sieve) children’s and young people’s folk-dance group, later founded the Daugava dance group for Zelta sietiņš’ parents so they could participated in Dance Celebrations with their children.

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1961–2016
Educator, choreographer

Born 11 June 1961 in Daugavpils. Studied dance under I. Ancāne with the Daugavpils District Cultural Centre dance group and under the guidance of R. Ērmane and répétiteur A. Stahovskis with the Laima (Goddess of Fate) students’ dance group.

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1925
Conductor, educator

Born in Jelgava on 14 June 1925. Gained his musical education at the Jelgava Teachers’ Institute and the Jelgava People’s Conservatory.

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1954
Conductor, educator

Born 5 October 1954 in Rīga. Acquired the fundamentals of music theory and choir conducting at the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music Secondary School, then studied at the Latvian State Conservatory’s Department of Choir Conducting, graduating from the conducting class of Ludmila Pismennaja (1978). Later undertook postgraduate studies at the Leningrad State Conservatory (1983-1985).

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1830–1912
Conductor, educator, organist, arranger

Notable conductor, organist, master organ builder and music educator, one of the most important creators of the Latvian music scene in the Kurzeme Province in the second half of the 19th century.

1921-2007
Culture and public worker, art teacher, artist, writer, folklorist

Margarita Biezaite (née Vuss) was born on 30 July 1921 in Riga. She studied at Riga Primary School No. 36 (until 1935) and Miller Gymnasium (1935-1936). She received her higher pedagogical education at the Rezekne Teachers' Institute, graduating in 1941.

1962
Choreographer, designer

Born 5 April 1962 in Seattle, USA. As a child, danced folk dances, learned the fundamentals of ballet and jazz dance. Was a long-time dancer with the Trejdeksnītis dance group in Seattle, later taking over as director (1986–1993). Lecturer at the Latvian Dance Summer School Kursa (1981, 1984, 1985).

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1968
Choir conductor, educator

Born on 19 June 1968 in Lubāna. She received her initial education at Lubāna Secondary School and Madona Children’s Music School (1975-1983). Continued her studies in the Choir Conducting Department of the Jāzeps Mediņš Rīga Music College (1983-1987).

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1928–2005
Ballet artist, ballet master, choreographer, educator

Born 3 October 1928 in Smolensk Oblast, Russia. In 1947, graduated from the Moscow Ballet School and was invited to work for the Latvian SSR State Opera and Ballet Theatre as a soloist in the ballet troupe (1947–1966).

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1949
Teacher, folk dance group leader, active public worker

Baiba Bredovska (née Smita-Kaleja (Šmita-Kalēja)) was born in 1949 in Sweden to a refugee family who left Latvia in a fishing boat in December 1944 and crossed the Baltic Sea at night to Gotland.

At the age of two, she and her family left for Canada where she later graduated from Latvian schools in Hamilton and attended the Latvian church Sunday school. She worked in the 10th Venta Girl Guides in Hamilton, first as a member and later as a leader. Participated in Latvian youth activities: folk dancing, singing in choir, attending Latvian courses and camps. In 1968, she attended the World Youth Congress in Berlin. In 1969, she obtained a teaching licence at Hamilton Teachers College.

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1925-2018
Choir conductor, educator

A notable conductor and cultural functionary, an active facilitator and organiser of musical life in the Latgale region.

1926–1977
Conductor, educator, composer

Notable conductor, music educator and important leader of the Latgale music scene.

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1880-1968
Choir conductor, music critic, composer

Ernests Brusubarda (in other sources also Brusubardis (Brusubārdis)) was born on 5 August 1880 at Anuzi house in Arlava into a family of farmers. His father was Reinis Brusubardis (Reinis Brusubārdis), his mother - Sofija Liene (née Karlovica), his sister - Marija. He started his school career at the Talsi City School and developed his musical talents with teacher Berzkalns (Bērzkalns) in Talsi where he learnt to play the violin. In his youth, he began medical studies in Moscow but soon changed his interest in medicine to music. In St. Petersburg (1910-1916) he studied violin and organ with Jacques Handschin as well as solo singing, music theory, and history. As early as 1909, Brusubarda began his career as a music reviewer for the Baltic Journal, and until the First World War he also wrote for the newspaper “Latvija”, continuing his work as a music critic until the 1960s.

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1963
Conductor, pianist, educator

Born 17 April 1963 in Milwaukee, US. Received his initial musical education under the direction of his father Ernests Brusubārdis II, completed his studies at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music and later at the University of Wisconsin, earning Bachelor’s (2000) and Master’s (2005) degrees in conducting and music teaching.

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1964
Educator, choreographer, stage director

Born 25 March 1964 in the Daugavpils District. Studied at the Eglaine eight-year school in Daugavpils District (1971–1979), then at Rīga Cultural and Education Workers’ Technical College, specialising as a cultural worker and dance-group leader (1979–1982).

1992
Conductor, teacher

Jurģis Cābulis began his professional musical career in 1999 at the Rīga Doms Choir School, after which he obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in choral conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music under conductors Andris Veismanis and Kaspars Ādamsons.

1933–1993
Conductor, educator

Born on 9 January 1933 in Gulbene. Studied at Gulbene Secondary School and later at the Cēsis Music Secondary School. Furthered his musical education at the Latvian State Conservatory, in the choir conducting class of Jānis Ozoliņš (1954-1959).

1976
Conductor, educator

Born on 6 May 1976 in Liepāja. After graduating from the Liepāja Music School, continued his studies at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, receiving a master’s degree in choir conducting.

1944-2025
Conductor, educator, clergywoman

Daira Cilne (née Andersone) was born on 23 June 1944 in Rīga. At the end of the Second World War, escaped with her family to Germany as refugees, migrating to the US in 1949. Studied music and philology at the University of California, gaining a bachelor’s degree in 1965. Later, furthered her education at California State University in Northridge. Daira Cilne (née Andersone) was born on 23 June 1944 in Rīga. At the end of the Second World War, escaped with her family to Germany as refugees, migrating to the US in 1949. Studied music and philology at the University of California, gaining a bachelor’s degree in 1965. Later, furthered her education at California State University in Northridge.

1969
Conductor, educator

Born 15 July 1969 in Rīga. Obtained his musical grounding in the Emīls Dārziņš Music School’s choir class, graduating in 1987. Studied at the Department of Choir Conducting at the Latvian Academy of Music under Professor Edgars Račevskis and furthered his education at the Westminster Choir College in Princeton, USA, graduating with a Master’s Degree in 1995.

1922-2006
Teacher, conductor, significant public worker

Arturs (also Artūrs) Cipulis was born on 14 March 1922 in Riga. He studied at the Primary School No. 18 in Riga, began his studies at the Riga Teachers' Institute, and continued at the Jelgava Teachers' Institute.

At the end of the war, Cipulis was conscripted into the Legion, and in the autumn of 1945, after being sent to the Braunschweig refugee camp, he founded the Braunschweig Latvian primary school in Germany where he worked as a teacher and later as a school administrator. From 1950 he was a school administrator at the Latvian primary school in Erel, and later he was also an education worker at other educational institutions in Sengwarden, Hamburg and Pinneberg.

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1963
Choreographer, educator, stage director

Born 26 October 1963 in Sigulda. Studied at Sigulda Secondary School where became acquainted with folk dancing under the guidance of Daina Štāla and Guntis Puķītis. In 1985, graduated from the Latvian State Conservatoire’s Department of Cultural Studies in the Department of Dance Specialisation (1981–1985) and in 2008 received a Master’s degree in Theatre Direction from the Latvian Academy of Culture.

1927-2024
Choreographer

Born on 6 November 1927 in Balvi Parish, in a family of teachers – Arnolds and Olga Skrívers. Started school at Aizpurve elementary school, going on to Balvi secondary school but completed her secondary education in Germany at the Latvian Saules ģimnāzija. Having lived in England for a couple of years, Darius migrates to Canberra, Australia in 1950. Obtains a degree in humanities at the Australian National University (1960) and takes a position in the university’s computer department.

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1929–2011
Choir conductor, educator

An outstanding Latvian conductor, the initiator and developer of the high-quality young female-choir movement in Latvia in the second half of the 20th century. The first woman to direct the Song Festival massed choir from the chief conductor’s podium.

1914–1998
Choreographer, educator

Born 8 August 1914 in Zeltiņi Parish. Studied ballroom dancing at M. Kauliņš and M. Grebzde dance school, but studied folk-dancing elements with the Diždancis (Grand Dance, 1940–1942) dance group led by Jēkabs Stumbra. Studied at the Lilija Graudiņa-Āboliņa Rhythmoplastics Studio (1941–1945) and at the Cultural and Education Workers’ Technical College.

1962
Dancer, director of dance groups

Born 15 July 1962 in the Krāslava District. He acquired his basic skills in folk dancing during his school years, dancing in the Dagda Cultural Centre’s Dagda folk-dance ensemble (1978–1980).

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1966
Choreographer, folklorist

Conserver and populariser of Latgale region folklore, master of folk-music instruments.

Born 24 December 1966 in Viļāņi. Graduated from the Cultural and Education Workers’ Technical College (1989), then continued his education in the Choreography Department of the Jāzeps Vītols Music Academy, graduating in 1998.

1932
Ballet master, stage director

Born 24 March 1932 in Rīga. Studied at the Rīga Secondary School of Choreography and graduated from the Moscow State Dramatic Art Institute in 1959. Started her career as the chief ballet master of the Rīga Operetta Theatre (1959–1964).

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1922–2011
Conductor, educator

One of the most outstanding Latvian conductors and educators.

Born on 30 March 1922 in Rīga. Studied at the Krišjānis Barons Elementary School and the Rainis Evening Secondary school, graduating in 1941. Initially acquired his musical knowledge from private tutors, then at the Vīgneru Ernests Rīga Institute of Phonology.

1953–2013
Choreographer, dance educator

Born 20 September 1953 in Valmiera. Studied at Valmiera Primary School No 1 and danced with teacher Rita Liepiņa.

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1942
Conductor, educator

One of the initial and most significant founders of the boys’ choir movement in Latvia.

Born 17 June 1942 at Miķeļtornis in Ance Parish, Ventspils District. Studied at the Jūrkraste and Mazirbe Elementary School, Ventspils Secondary School of Music, graduating in 1960, and at the Latvian State Conservatory (1965-1976).

1962
Dancer, choreographer

Born 17 November 1962 in Valmiera. Studied at Heroic Secondary School No 11 in Valmiera (1970–1981). His love of dance came from dancing with the school dance group led by Ieva Adāviča and the Gauja dance group led by Vaira Kraukle (Dundure, 1977–1981).

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1947–2016
Choreographer, educator

Born 30 December 1947 in Madona. Studied at Madona Secondary School No 1 and Cesvaine Boarding School, where took his first dance steps in the dance group led by teacher L. Malina.

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1947
Choreographer, educator

Born 22 February 1947 in Rīga. From the age of two, danced in the Dzintariņš (Little Amber) dance group (1949–1964) led by her mother Zinaida Zeltmate. Later, gained experience with Uldis Žagata and Alfrēds Spura in the Dancis folk-dance ensemble, also being Spura’s assistant for two years.

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1927–1991
Conductor, educator

Born 9 February 1927 at the Viduķēsas homestead in Rāmuļi Parish. Studied at Rāmule (1935-1939) and Vaive Elementary Schools (1939-1941), Cēsis No 1 Secondary School and simultaneously at the Cēsis Music School (1941-1946). In Rīga, continued his studies at the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music Secondary School (1946-1948) and at the Conservatory of Latvia, where he studied choir and symphonic orchestra conducting (1948-1953).

1955
Conductor, educator

Born on 20 March 1955 in Rīga. Studied at the Department of Choir Conducting of the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music secondary school.

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1952–2019
Composer, conductor, singer, teacher, public worker

Guntars Georgs Gedulis was born on 27 August 1952 in New York, USA, in the family of former Liepaja residents Visvaldis Gedulis and Gundega Gedule (née Stengrevica (Stengrēvica)). He was first brought into the world of music by his father, the singer Visvaldis Gedulis. At the age of six he began to learn piano and later clarinet which he practised in school orchestras.

1937
Ballet soloist, choreographer

Born 25 November 1937 in Abava Parish. Studied at the Rīga Cultural and Education Technical College (1951–1955) with distinguished personalities such as Arvids Donass, Elga Drulle, Irēna Strode and Uldis Žagata. He also attended ballet classes at the M. Baranova Ballet Studio.

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1942-2026
Linguist, folklore researcher, musician, teacher

Austris Grasis was born on 1 June 1942 in Rudbarzi. He and his parents were war refugees in Bavaria, Germany. From 1949 to 1960 he studied at the Ingolstadt Latvian School and various German schools. Graduated from Münster Latvian Gymnasium in 1962. He practiced music during school years – studied the clarinet, played in jazz ensembles, sang and performed in various ethnographic productions.

1935–2018
Dancer-soloist, choreographer, educator

Born 26 January 1935 in Rīga. He studied at Asari Elementary School, then at the Jūrmala Pumpuri Secondary School.

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1957
Conductor, music teacher

Born on 14 July 1957 in Rīga. Studied at the Choir Department of the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music Secondary School (1964-1971) and Rīga’s No 36 Secondary School (1971-1973). Graduated from the Music-teaching Department of the Rīga Pedagogical School (1977) and in the conducting class of Gido Kokars (1981) in the Department of Pedagogy of the Latvian State Conservatory; obtained a master’s degree at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in 2002.

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1942
Chemist, musician, leader of folk dance and song groups, active public worker

Viktors Grigulis was born on 16 September 1942 in Riga. At the end of the Second World War, he and his parents were sent to refugee camps in Germany, and in 1948 to Corby, England, where he graduated from Corby Gymnasium (1962). He studied piano privately from the age of seven and continued his piano studies in London from 1962. However, his interest in science prevailed and he began to study chemistry at the University of London, graduating in 1966 with a BSc. After obtaining his PhD (1969), Grigulis worked in research, as a chemistry lecturer and in university administration as Director of Undergraduate Admissions in the Chemistry Department until 1990. He was Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science at Westfield College and Head of the Department of Chemistry at Albany College, London.

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1938-2022
Conductor, composer, educator, oboist

Born on 2 October 1938 in Rīga. At the end of the Second World War, he and his parents escaped to Germany as refugees, emigrating to the US in 1949.

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1919–1978
Composer, conductor, organist, music critic

Alberts Jerums was born on 1 January 1919 in Estonia, in the Purikas house, a small former half-manor in Karula, Valga County, in the family of Jekabs and Minna. In 1920, with the end of the War of Independence and the beginning of the drawing the borders of the newly established countries, Albert's parents sold Purikas and moved to Latvia, to Skirstnieki house in Lugazi parish near Valka. Coming from a family of music lovers, Alberts did not consider any other profession than music. From an early age, he learned to play the piano and wind instruments.

1873–1937
Conductor, organist, educator

A notable and versatile worker in the Latvian music scene. Throughout his life, divided his attention between two muses – organ playing and choir conducting.

1949
Choreographer, cultural scene organiser

Born 30 October 1949 in Rīga. Mastered his first dance steps in the Dzintariņš (Little Amber) folk-dance group under the guidance of Zinaida Zeltmate and in the Teachers’ Centre dance group under E. Jercuma.

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1856–1922
Conductor, composer, folklore collector, music critic

Andrejs Jurjāns or Jurjāna Andrejs is a notable Latvian conductor, folklorist and composer, and initiator of the Latvian cantata, symphonic music, suite and concert genres.

1866–1948
Singer, educator, conductor, composer

Singer, composer, conductor, educator, music critic and collector of folk songs. The first Latvian professional vocal teacher, laid the foundations for and created Latvian opera.

1858–1923
Conductor, organist, composer, educator

A member of the most active group of Latvian musicians at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.

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1906-1975
Organist, composer, director, publisher

Arnolds Kalnajs (né Berkholcs) was born on 13 September 1906 in Lejasubeles, Vaives parish, the eighth of ten children. He studied at Vaive parish school, then at Araisi parish school where he learned the basics of organ and piano playing with O. Zarins ( O. Zariņš). He continued his studies at Berzaine Gymnasium in Cesis and Cesis Music School. Between 1927 and 1932 he studied at the Latvian Conservatoire in the organ class of Peteris Pauls Jozuuss (Pēteris Pauls Jozuuss) and in the composition theory class of Jazeps Vitols (Jāzeps Vītols) and Adolfs Abele (Ādolfs Ābele).

1879–1951
Composer, conductor, organist, pianist, publicist

An outstanding Latvian composer, organist and conductor, composer of the first Latvian national opera Baņuta.

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1890–1962
Conductor, educator

Born 23 November 1890 in Tartu, Estonia. Studied violin at Rīga’s Imperial Music School (1904-1909) and the St Petersburg Music School (1910), studied at the St Petersburg Conservatory (1913-1916).

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1967
Conductor, educator

Born on 30 November 1967 in Rīga. Received his first professional music education at the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music Secondary School (1975-1986). Continued studies at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music with Professor Imants Kokars.

1962
Conductor, educator

Born 29 November 1962 in Rīga. Took his first musical steps in the piano class at the Jāzepa Mediņš Music school, then in the choir class of the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music secondary school.

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1944
Conductor, educator

Born on 22 April 1944 in Rīga. In 1962, graduated from the conducting class of the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music School, continued his studies at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian State Conservatory, graduating from the Department of Choir Conducting (1967) and internship (1974) under the guidance of Ludmila Pismennaja.

1921–2017
Conductor, educator

A notable and beloved Latvian conductor of the second half of the 20th century.

1921–2011
Conductor, educator

One of the most outstanding and influential Latvian conductors of the second half of the 20th century.

1962
Conductor, teacher

Uldis Kokars was born into the family of renowned conductor Imants Kokars. He studied at the Emīls Dārziņš Secondary School of Music, initially studying violin and piano, and later choir conducting. He received his higher education at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, obtaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees in choral conducting under Professor I. Kokars. In parallel, he studied symphony orchestra conducting with V. Sinaiskis, R. Glāzups, P. Megi, M. Bašs, J. Zirnis and V. Gailis.

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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.

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1927–2017
Conductor, composer

Born 23 February 1927 in Priekuļi. Studied at Auce elementary school and Rīga Secondary School No 1. Initially studied at the Latvian Academy of Agriculture (1945-1951), then at the Conservatory of Latvia, in the choir-conducting classes of Jānis Dūmiņš and Teodors Kalniņš (1950-1955).

1952
Conductor, cello player, composer, teacher, active public worker

Juris Kenins was born in 1952 in Toronto, Canada.

Juris Kenins has been active as a musician and music teacher in both the Latvian and Canadian communities.

A graduate of the University of Toronto with degrees in music and education, he worked for 30 years as a music teacher in Toronto high schools, continuing his career as a cellist, conductor, composer, lecturer, writer, and masterclass leader, and also teaching string quartets at the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto.

1965
Conductor, head of cultural organisations

Born on 22 April 1965 in Limbaži. Studied at the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music secondary school (1972-1983).

1907–2002
Economist, publicist, significant public worker

Janis Labsvirs was born on 13 March 1907 in Bilska parish, Valka County. He moved with his family to Smiltene in 1910 and graduated from Smiltene Trade School in 1916. He then attended Smiltene secondary school (1921–1924). He studied at the Department of Economics and Law, Faculty of Economics, University of Latvia (1924–1930), obtaining a master’s degree, and later worked as a teacher at Ventspils Vocational School, Gulbene Commercial School, and Jelgava Technical School.

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1890–1976
Choreographer, educator, Latvian dance master

Born 19 August 1890 at the Upītes farmstead, Plātere Parish, Rīga District. Graduated from the Natālija Draudziņa High School, Educational theory class (1909).

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1948
English language teacher, folk dance group leader, active public worker

Ingrida Leimane (née Rozkalns (Rožkalns)) was born on 17 October 1948 in Copenhagen, Denmark, and spent her childhood and school years in England. She completed her primary and secondary school education in Leeds, Northern England, and attended a Latvian school in Bradford. She took her first dance steps in kindergarten; after graduation, she started dancing with the folk-dance group “Sakta” where she mastered the art of folk dance under the guidance of master Vera Rullina (Vera Rulliņa).

1921–1985
Ballet dancer, ballet master, educator, Premier danseur of the Latvian State Opera and Ballet

One of the most prominent Latvian ballet personalities of the second half of the 20th century.

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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).

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1964
Choir conductor, educator

Born on 24 May 1964 in Tukums. Studied at the Rēzekne secondary school No 5 (1971-1979) and in the Department of Choir Conducting of Rēzekne Music secondary school (1979-1983). Studied at the Latvian State Conservatory’s Department of Choir Conducting (1983-1988), while working as conductor of the Latvian State University’s Minjona female choir (1985-1988).

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1968
Choreographer, dance group leader

Born on 2 December 1968 in Rīga. Attended Rīga Secondary School No 64 (1976–1979), then Rīga Secondary School No 85 (1979–1981, 1984–86), Rīga Extended Day School No 2 (1981–84) and Rīga Evening School No 9 (1986–87).

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1936–2008
Choreographer, educator

Born 18 April 1936 at the Taureskalns farmstead, Balvi District. Acquired his basic education at Balvi No 1 Secondary School and took his first dance steps under M. Aizpure. Continued his studies at Cēsis No 1 Secondary School (1953–1955), becoming a member of the Cēsis Young people’s dance group, led by Milda Letiņa. After one successful performance, he was invited to dance in the Sakta (Brooch) State dance ensemble.

1955
Conductor, educator

Born 20 December 1955 in Toronto, Canada. Graduated from the Toronto Latvian elementary and high schools. In her childhood, studied singing, saxophone and piano at the Royal Conservatory of Toronto. Continued her education at the University of Western Ontario, gaining a bachelor’s degree in music education (1982).

1964
Choreographer

Born 20 May 1964, in Tīnūži Parish, Ogre District. Took his first dance steps in Year 1 with A. Gribule’s children’s dance group at the Society for the Blind. Later, extended his practical experience with the Vija folk-dance ensemble (1979–1985), led by former ballet dancer Pauls Tonigs. In parallel, studied at the Rīga Cultural Workers’ Technical School (1983–1986), qualifying in club and dance-group management. Managed the Rāzna club in Rēzekne District.

1963
Conductor, educator

Began her musical education in choir conducting at the Jāzeps Mediņš Music secondary school (1978-1982), continued her studies at the Latvian State Conservatory in the choir-conducting class of Mendelis Bašs (1982-1987), the master’s degree programme at the Daugavpils Pedagogical University Faculty of Music (1995-1996) and doctoral studies at the University of Latvia, Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology (1996-2000).

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1938–1987
Conductor, educator

Born 17 March 1938 in the Aizpute District. Studied at Liepāja Secondary School No 3, as well as at the Liepāja Music School. After graduating from the Liepāja workers’ evening school, enrolled in the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of the Latvian State University (1957), where started singing in the university choir conducted by the Kokars brothers. From 1961, continued his studies at the Latvian State Conservatory’s Department of Choir Conducting, graduating from Gido Kokars’ class (1966).

1954
Choreographer, educator

Born 19 February 1954 in Rīga. Studied at Cēsis No 1 Secondary School. Initial interest in dance arose in the school dance group led by I. Pūcītis. Graduated from the Cultural and Education Workers’ Technical College (1976) and furthered her education in the Choreography Department of the Jāzeps Vītols Academy of Music (1981–1986).

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1885–1971
Composer, conductor, educator, music critic, organist

One of the most prominent representatives of the unique Mediņš family in Latvian music.

1906–2000
Conductor, educator, organist

Born on 16 August 1906 at the Opekalns homestead in Jaunlaicene Parish. Studied at Lazdona congregational school and Rīga’s City secondary school No 1 (1920-1924).

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1968–2013
Choreographer, dance educator

Arta Melnalksne (Mazitāne) was born 8 August 1968 in Rīga. Studied at Rīga’s No 2 Secondary School (now Rīga No 2 State High School).

1874–1954
Conductor, composer, folklore collector, music critic

Notable Latvian conductor and composer, made a huge contribution to the collecting and compiling of folk music.

1978
Conductor

Aigars Meri received his first musical education in the choir class at the Emīls Dārziņš Music Secondary School, then at the Jelgava Music College. He studied choral and symphony orchestra conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, graduating with a master’s degree. He has furthered his knowledge in master classes with Lutz Köhler, Zsolt Nagy, Per Borin, as well as at the Neeme Järvi Summer Academy, the Bayreuth Opera Festival and the Lithuanian Academy of Theatre and Music.

1958–2013
Composer, pianist, music teacher and conductor

Imants Mezaraups was born on 10 October 1958 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. He studied at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia (1967–1976) and graduated with Leon Bunkin Award for Most Outstanding Pianist. He studied at the University of Pennsylvania (1976–1983), where he obtained two Bachelor’s degrees, in music and engineering, magna cum laude, followed by a Master’s degree in composition. During his Master’s studies, he learned with George Crumb, George Rochberg and Richard Wernick, and additionally studied conducting which he continued during his doctoral studies. He was awarded the Michael Hurley Cross Prize. He continued his musical studies at the Esther Boyer School of Music at Temple University in Philadelphia (1989–1995), where he obtained a doctorate in composition and developed his conducting skills. He was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honour Society. He received the Dr B. Stimson Carrow Award in Music Education and the Dean Emeritus Helen Laird Tribute Award.

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1933–2011
Choreographer, educator

One of the most active and versatile collectors and maintainers of the Latvian folk dance tradition in North America, he actively promoted co-operation between Latvia’s choreographers and dancers and those living in exile.

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1969
Choreographer, director of dance groups

Born in Lielvārde. Graduated from the E. Kauliņš Lielvārde Secondary School in 1987 and began studying dance education at the Rīga Cultural Workers’ Technical School. Enhanced her folk-dancing skills by dancing in the Lāčplēsis folk-dance ensemble under the directorship of Vairis Ceimeris and Daumants Olis. Has a Master’s degree in Dance Teaching.

1921–2004
Entrepreneur, public worker in exile

Janis Muhks (Muchks) was born on 4 January 1921 in Riga into the family of journalist Arvida Muhka (Arvīda Muhka, pseudonym – Anna Muhka) and colonel, court-martial judge Hermanis Muhks.

In 1940, Muhks graduated from Riga City Gymnasium No. 2, then began his studies at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Latvia. His studies were interrupted by his enlistment in the Latvian Legion in 1943.

At the end of the war, Muhks was taken prisoner in the so-called English Zone in Germany, and later, together with his wife Rute, whom he met during the war, he lived in a refugee camp in Lübeck, from where he emigrated to Sweden in 1948.

1970
Choreographer

Born 15 August 1970 in Saldus. Learned the basics of dance as a dancer in the Kursa folk-dance ensemble under the guidance of teacher Velta Lodiņa. Graduated from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, Department of Choreography (1988–1992), University of Latvia, Faculty of History and Philosophy (1997) and the Latvian University of Agriculture, Faculty of Social Sciences (2002).

1962
Conductor, educator, cultural historian

Born on 7 January 1962 in Rīga. Studied at Rīga Secondary School No 6, then at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian State Conservatory, in the choir-conducting class of Pauls Kvelde and Vitolds Rijnieks (1981-1986). In 2006, received a master’s degree in education from the University of Latvia, where continued doctoral studies.

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1902-1981
Violin player, teacher, conductor

Arvids Noritis was born on 24 December 1902 in Riga into the family of shoemaker Eduards Noritis (Eduards Norītis) and seamstress Emilija Norite (Emīlija Norīte, née Riņķe), where music was held in high esteem. The family were newcomers to Riga and lived in a basement apartment on the corner of Elizabetes and Baznicas Street where his father had set up a workshop. At the age of four, Arvids learnt to play the harmonica and the zither. He began to study the violin at the age of seven, first privately with his teacher M. Branta, and later at the Gustavs Gizitskis Music School where he gave his first public performance a year later. Arvids was considered a child prodigy. In 1912, aged only 10, he entered Gustavs Paine First Music Institute in Riga where the violin class was led by an Italian-born musician Edmundo Lucini. The difficult living conditions forced Noritis to start working as an independent musician in the cinemas of Riga early on: first at “Kolizejs”, then at “Aquarium”, and work continued throughout the years of the First World War. Living conditions were complicated by the death of his father in the typhus epidemic of 1918.

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1953
Conductor, educator

Born on 23 October 1953 in Rīga. Obtained his first professional music education at the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music secondary school, graduating from the choir class (1972).

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1908–1981
Conductor, educator, composer

Born on 30 May 1908 in Jelgava. Studied at the Škibe, then the Dobele elementary school and secondary school (1923-1926), actively participating in the school orchestra and choir.

1945
Conductor, educator, arranger

Born on 4 December 1945 in Grobiņa, Liepāja District. Attended Grobiņa elementary school, graduated from Liepāja’s Music secondary school (1965) and studied at the Leningrad State Conservatory, where he graduated from the conducting class of Nikolay Romanovsky (1973).

1974
Conductor, educator

Born on 18 May 1974. Obtained his music grounding at the Emīls Dārziņš Special Music secondary school, then graduated from the Latvian Academy of Music in the choir-conducting class of Edgars Račevskis, earning bachelor’s (1996) and master’s (1998) degrees, later graduating from the symphony-orchestra conducting class of Imants Rešnis (2003). Supplemented his knowledge in master classes with Helmut Rilling in Germany, Gintaras Rinkevičius in Lithuania and Vassily Sinaisky in St. Petersburg.

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1980
Conductor, singer, television personality and food blogger

Jānis Ozols was born on 1 November 1980 in Rīga, into the family of lawyer Nikolajs Ozols (1937-2007) and salesperson Lilita Ozola (née Blome, 1942-2003). His parents had no connection with music, apart from his mother’s years of work in a record shop.

1945
Choreographer

Born 2 May 1945 in Jelgava. Started dancing at an early age. Learned the basics of Latvian folk dance in the Diždancis (Grand Dance) Jelgava Cultural Centre folk-dance ensemble led by his father Vilis, as a dancer (from 1976), later as assistant director. Studied hydrology at the Kandava Soviet State Technical College (1970–1974).

1923–2011
Choreographer, cultural figure

Born 20 March 1923 at the Mežgaiļi farmstead, Valgunde Parish, Jelgava District. Studied at the Jelgava Teachers’ Institute (1941–1943). During World War II, he ended up in Leningrad, where he became a member of amateur ensembles – playing in an orchestra, dancing in the Gorky Palace choreography studio and directing dance groups.

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1944
Choir conductor, educator

Born on 25 February 1944 in Talsi. Initially attended schools around Nereta, continued in Talsi. Received her musical education at the Jelgava Music secondary school, graduating in 1966. Studied at the Latvian State Conservatory’s Department of Choir Conducting, later – in the Department of Music Pedagogy, obtained a master’s degree at the Institute of Pedagogy and Psychology of the University of Latvia.

1903–1998
Organist, composer, violinist, choir conductor, teacher

Helmers Pavasars was born on 19 May 1903 in Lejasciems, Valmiera County (now – Gulbene District), into a pastor’s family. When Helmers was three years old, his family moved to Valmiera where he lived until the age of 18. As a child, he studied violin with Jekabs Medins (Jēkabs Mediņš), and later improved his skills and studied piano at the Valmiera Music School. In 1919, he joined the Schoolchild Company in the War of Independence. After graduating from Valmiera Secondary School, he moved to Riga in 1921 and entered the Latvian Conservatoire where he studied special theory and composition with J. Vitols, graduating in 1928 with a degree of free artist. Two years later, in 1930, he graduated again, this time in violin with Adolfs Mecs (Ādolfs Mecs) but did not pursue a career as a violinist. In 1928, his first workplace was the 26th Riga City Primary School where he taught violin and piano. A year later he became organist at Riga St. John Church and began to direct the church choir.

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1976
Choreographer, educator

Born 12 February 1976 in Rīga. Took her first dance steps in the Dzintariņš (Little Amber) folk-dance ensemble (1978–1994) led by Zinaīda Zeltmate and Olga Freiberga.

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).

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1904-1980
Conductor, public worker

Andrejs Pommers was born on 22 July 1904 in St. Petersburg in a Latvian family. At the age of seven, he began to study piano with the well-known organist Janis Turss (Jānis Turss). His father taught him Latvian folk songs, singing the second voice himself; those were songs which he had either learned in a choir or improvised by himself. Andrejs also practised this singing technique and, among his friends, was happy to sing as the second voice. He studied piano until the age of 14, and organ for the last two years of this period.

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1917
Ballet dancer, choreographer

Born 28 December 1917 in Rīga. Acquired his first ballet skills at the M. Štāla ballet studio and at the Ballet School of the State Opera and Ballet Theatre (1944–1950).

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1971
Dancer, choreographer, dance educator, organiser

Born 4 June 1971 in Rīga. Graduated from Rīga’s No 4 Secondary School (now Rīga’s English High School, 1977–1989). Then studied at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, Department of Choreography, from which he graduated in 1993. In 1998, started studies at the Rīga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy, where in 2000 gained a Master’s degree in educational theory. In 2006, received a Master’s degree in Arts from the Latvian Academy of Culture.

1926-2023
Conductor, composer, violinist, music critic, publicist

Born on March 22, 1926, in Mengele Parish. In his childhood, studied violin and sang in the children’s choir of the Youth Red Cross of Latvia led by Jānis Milzarājis.

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1936-2022
Conductor, educator, composer

Born 11 July 1936 in Skrunda Parish. Attended Turlava elementary school, studied music at Liepāja Music secondary school and the Jāzeps Mediņš Music secondary school, later studied in the choir-conducting class at the Latvian State Conservatory (1955-1960).

1961
Choreographer, educator

Born 8 October 1961. Graduated from Rīga’s No 2 Secondary School (1968–1979). Studied dance-educational theory at the Technical Workers’ School (1979–1981).

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1884–1956
Conductor, organist

One of the most outstanding Latvian conductors of choirs, orchestras and opera of the first half of the 20th century.

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1938
Dance group leader, choreographer

Born 4 September 1938 in Dauguļi Parish, Valmiera District. From 1949 to 1955, was deported to the Amur region, where he studied at the agricultural technical college. After returning to Latvia, continued his studies at the Bulduri Horticultural Technical School.

1971
Choir conductor

Born on 9 December 1971 in Nereta. Studied at Jēkabpils No 1 Secondary School (1979-1987), at the Jēkabpils Music School (1980-1987) and in the Department of Choir Conducting of the Jāzeps Mediņš Music High School (1987-1991).

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