The Accomplishments and Career of Conductor Jānis Zirnis: A Music Maestro’s Journey

Jānis Zirnis was born on March 1, 1944 in Staicele. He studied at the Conducting Department of Jāzeps Vītolas Latvian State Conservatory under Jānis Ozoliņš (1962-1969), later graduated from Vasilij Sinaiskas Symphony Orchestra and Opera Conducting class (1982), and in 2004 he obtained a master’s degree in music. At the same time, he played the saxophone in the Latvian Radio and Television Light Music Orchestra (1967-1980).

As announced on the website of the National Digital Library of Latvia, Jānis Zirnis started working with his first collective – the mixed choir of Kūduma village already in his high school years. During his studies, he worked in various choirs as a choirmaster, gained significant experience as the second conductor in the choir “Skaņupe” led by Haraldas Medņi. He has also been assistant to the chief conductor and second conductor of the Latvian Radio Symphony Orchestra (1980-1984), as well as chief choirmaster (1987-1989) and conductor (1989-2004) of the Latvian National Opera.

He passed on his knowledge to future conductors by working at the Jāzeps Vītolas Academy of Music of Latvia (since 1977), where he was a teacher and head of the Department of Music Pedagogy (1984-1987), as well as conductor of the training choir and student symphony orchestra.

Chief conductor of the XX-XXV General Latvian Song Festival, Honorary Chief Conductor of the XXVI and XXVII General Latvian Song Festival, XI Latvian Song Festival in Canada (2000), as well as chief conductor of the “Rīga-800” festival (2001), XX and XI General Latvian Song Festival combined symphony orchestra conductor, Latgale Song Festival (2005), VII Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival (1995) and Cēsu (1962), chief conductor of Madona, Dobele district, Jelgava city and district choirs.

Meritorious Artist of the LPSR (1985), awarded with the Letter of Appreciation of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia (2004) and the Order of Three Stars (2008).

2023-12-02 13:42:16
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