Role

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Composer

Birth

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1977

 

Santa Ratniece is a Latvian composer who was born on January 11, 1977, in Riga, Latvia. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a composer. From a young age, Ratniece was exposed to classical music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Ratniece studied composition at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in Riga, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. She continued her studies at the Royal College of Music in London, where she earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Composition. Ratniece's music is characterized by its ethereal and atmospheric qualities, often incorporating elements of nature and spirituality. Her compositions have been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of Ratniece's most notable works is her opera "War Sum Up," which premiered in 2014 at the Latvian National Opera. The opera is based on the diaries of Latvian soldiers who fought in World War I and explores themes of war, death, and the human experience. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with one reviewer describing it as "a powerful and moving work that captures the horror and tragedy of war." Another notable work by Ratniece is her orchestral piece "Horizontals," which was commissioned by the Berlin Philharmonic and premiered in 2016. The piece is inspired by the natural landscape of Latvia and features a hauntingly beautiful melody that evokes the vastness and beauty of the country's forests and lakes. Ratniece has also composed several chamber music works, including "In Circles," which was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and premiered in 2018. The piece features a hypnotic and repetitive melody that builds in intensity, creating a sense of tension and release. In addition to her work as a composer, Ratniece is also a professor of composition at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Latvian Great Music Award and the Latvian Grand Music Award. Overall, Santa Ratniece is a talented and innovative composer whose music explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience. Her works have been performed by some of the world's most prestigious orchestras and ensembles, and she continues to be a leading figure in the contemporary classical music scene.

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