Sigvards Kļava

Sigvards Kļava is an Associate Professor of Choir Conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and has served as Music Director of the Latvian Radio Choir since 1992. He is renowned for elevating the choir to international prominence through innovative programming and collaborations with composers such as Juris Ābols and Pēteris Vasks. His work focuses on reviving overlooked musical heritage and bridging classical and traditional Latvian music.

Education: Graduated from the Jāzeps Vītols Academy as a conductor, further studies at Bachakademie Stuttgart and the Oregon Bach Festival.

Research emphasizes historical choral works, traditional Latvian music preservation (e.g., Kurzeme/Courland and Latgale Catholic chants), and fostering amateur choral movements. He led the Latvian Song Festival as Chief Conductor and steering committee member.

Awards include multiple Latvian Grand Music Awards and the Cabinet of Ministers Award. Internationally, he has performed at venues like Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and Berliner Philharmonie, and frequently serves on jury panels.