Viesturs Gailis

Viesturs Gailis serves as Professor of Symphony Orchestra Conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA), concurrently leading the Opera Class and directing the JVLMA Opera Studio 'Figaro'. His distinguished career spans decades of artistic leadership at Latvia's premier musical institutions, including the Latvian National Opera and Latvian National Symphony Orchestra.

• Studied at JVLMA
• Advanced studies in Saint Petersburg with Mariss Jansons
• Training at Vienna University of Music with Karl Osterreicher

Professor Gailis specializes in opera revival and symphonic conducting, with research deeply rooted in Latvian musical heritage. His pioneering work reconstructs forgotten Latvian operas by composers like Jānis Kalniņš and Jānis Mediņš, blending historical scholarship with contemporary performance. This focus extends to cross-cultural projects such as Franz Adam Veichtner's 'Cephalus und Prokris' and Rodion Shchedrin's 'Not Love Alone', demonstrating his commitment to expanding Baltic musical repertoires through innovative staging in unconventional venues like Bauska Castle ruins.

• Special award for 'Not Love Alone' production challenging Latvian professional musical theatre standards (Latvian Student Theatre Days, 2014)
• Nomination for Latvian Great Music Award as Best Production of 2013 ('Maria egiziaca')
• Recognition as prizewinner in international conducting competitions

As Head of the Opera Class, Professor Gailis mentors emerging talent through the Opera Studio 'Figaro' program, though specific student names aren't documented. His leadership extends to major national projects including the Latvian Nationwide Song Festivals XXI and XXII. Current affiliations include directing JVLMA's Orchestra Conducting and Vocal Music department while maintaining active performance engagements across Europe.

Professor Gailis commands multiple ensembles including the JVLMA Opera Studio 'Figaro', the women's choir 'Minjona', and previously led the University of Latvia Symphony Orchestra. His international collaborations span Austria, Germany, Finland, Lithuania, and Hungary, often through festival platforms like St. Peter's Church 'Dominante'.