Role

:

Performer

 

Marika Austruma is a Latvian classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a pianist and conductor. Born on May 12, 1985, in Riga, Latvia, Austruma showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Her parents, both music teachers, recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Austruma's early training was at the Emils Darzins Music School in Riga, where she studied under the guidance of renowned pianist and teacher, Ilze Graubina. She quickly distinguished herself as a prodigious talent, winning numerous awards and competitions, including the Latvian National Piano Competition and the International Piano Competition in Vilnius, Lithuania. In 2003, Austruma was accepted into the prestigious Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, where she continued her studies under the tutelage of Professor Arnis Zandmanis. During her time at the academy, Austruma honed her skills as a pianist and conductor, and also developed a deep appreciation for the works of classical composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. After graduating from the academy in 2008 with a degree in piano performance, Austruma began to establish herself as a rising star in the classical music world. She made her debut as a soloist with the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra in 2009, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 to critical acclaim. Over the next few years, Austruma continued to build her reputation as a pianist and conductor, performing with orchestras and ensembles throughout Europe and Asia. In 2012, she was invited to perform at the prestigious Chopin Festival in Warsaw, Poland, where she received a standing ovation for her interpretation of Chopin's Piano Sonata No. 2. In addition to her work as a performer, Austruma has also made a name for herself as a conductor. In 2014, she was appointed as the principal conductor of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the orchestra's history. Under her leadership, the orchestra has received widespread acclaim for its performances of classical works by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Mahler. Austruma's talent and dedication to her craft have not gone unnoticed, and she has received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2015, she was awarded the Latvian Grand Music Award, the highest honor in Latvian music, for her contributions to the classical music scene. She has also been recognized for her work as a conductor, receiving the Latvian National Culture Award in 2017. Despite her success, Austruma remains humble and dedicated to her craft. She continues to perform and conduct with passion and precision, always striving to bring out the best in herself and those around her. As she looks to the future, Austruma remains committed to sharing the beauty and power of classical music with audiences around the world.

More....