Birth

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November 30, 1976 in Rezekne, Latvia

 

Iveta Apkalna is a Latvian classical music artist who has gained international recognition for her exceptional talent as an organist. Born on September 5, 1976, in Riga, Latvia, Apkalna grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a choir conductor, and her mother was a pianist. From a young age, Apkalna showed a keen interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. Apkalna's musical education began at the Emils Darzins Music School in Riga, where she studied piano and music theory. She later attended the Latvian Academy of Music, where she studied organ under the tutelage of Professor Larisa Bulava. Apkalna's talent as an organist quickly became apparent, and she was awarded the Latvian Academy of Music's highest honor, the Diploma of Excellence, upon graduation. After completing her studies, Apkalna began performing as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Latvia and Europe. In 2003, she won the prestigious International Organ Competition in Dublin, Ireland, which helped to launch her international career. Since then, she has performed in some of the world's most renowned concert halls, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Apkalna's performances are known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. She has a particular affinity for the music of J.S. Bach, and her interpretations of his works have been praised for their clarity and sensitivity. In addition to Bach, Apkalna has also performed works by a wide range of composers, including Olivier Messiaen, Max Reger, and Franz Liszt. One of Apkalna's most notable performances took place in 2014, when she became the first female organist to perform at the BBC Proms. Her performance of Messiaen's "Les corps glorieux" was widely praised, with The Guardian describing it as "a performance of astonishing virtuosity and emotional depth." Apkalna has also performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to her performing career, Apkalna is also a dedicated teacher and mentor. She has taught at the Latvian Academy of Music and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, and has given masterclasses throughout Europe and Asia. She is also a passionate advocate for the organ as an instrument, and has worked to promote its use in contemporary music. Apkalna's talent and dedication have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 2012, she was awarded the Latvian Grand Music Award, the country's highest honor for musicians. She has also been awarded the Order of the Three Stars, one of Latvia's highest civilian honors, and the Austrian Cross of Honor for Science and Art. Despite her many accomplishments, Apkalna remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and teach, and is always seeking new ways to explore the possibilities of the organ as an instrument. Her passion and talent have made her one of the most respected and admired organists of her generation, and she is sure to continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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