Romāns Vanags

Romāns Vanags is a Professor of Choir Conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA) and Head of its Conducting Department since 2005. He has held leadership roles with renowned choirs, including the University of Latvia's 'Minjona' Female Choir since 1990 and the 'Vanema' Teacher’s Choir from 1984–2004. His career spans over four decades in music education, ensemble direction, and international festival participation.

Education: Studied at Emīls Dārziņš Secondary Music School and earned a Master of Music (2003) from JVLMA. His expertise focuses on choral and orchestral conducting, music pedagogy, and festival organization. He has led Latvian national and youth song festivals (1993–2010) and chairs UNESCO’s committee for the Latvian Song and Dance Festival.

Under his guidance, choirs have won international awards at festivals in Arezzo, Debrecen, and Varna. In 2008, he received Latvia’s highest state honor, the Order of Three Stars. His work emphasizes cultural diplomacy through music and fostering Latvian musical heritage.