Māra Marnauza

Māra Marnauza is a Professor in the Department of Choir Conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. She is renowned as a conductor, founder, and artistic director of internationally acclaimed choirs such as Fortius and Balta. She has held leadership roles as chief conductor at major events including the Latvian Song Festival (2013, 2018) and Baltic States’ Student Song Festival Gaudeamus (multiple years). Her expertise spans choral conducting, music pedagogy, and performance.

Education:

• Graduated with distinction from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian State Conservatory Choir Conducting Department (1987) under Professor Mendelis Bašs.
• Pedagogical doctoral scientific degree in music pedagogy (University of Latvia, 2000).

Research Interests: Specializes in choral conducting methodologies, music education strategies, and the interpretation of sacred and folk choral repertoires. Her work emphasizes ensemble direction techniques and rehearsal practices, reflected in her monograph Conducting Methodology (2012).

Awards:

• Best Conductor’s Award (Emilis Melngailis Folk Music Competition, 1999)
• Special Best Conductor’s Prize (XIX International Sacred Choral Music Competition, Námestovo, 2009)

Advising & Collaborations: Leads choirs in Dobele and Saldus districts. Serves as a jury member in global competitions like the World Choir Games and Interkultur International Anton Bruckner Choir Competition. Extensive international performance and masterclass engagements across Europe, North America, and Asia.

Labs/Teams: Founder and director of chamber choir Fortius (1985) and female choir Balta (1999), celebrated for winning international competitions. Produces acclaimed choir music recordings including Balta. Pearls, Peteris Vasks. Our Song, and Latvian Choral Music.