Antra Bigaca is a Latvian classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a pianist and chamber musician. Born on May 5, 1987, in Riga, Latvia, Antra showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue music as a career. Antra's musical education began at the Emils Darzins Music School in Riga, where she studied piano under the guidance of Professor Dzintra Erliha. She continued her studies at the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance in 2010. During her time at the academy, Antra had the opportunity to work with renowned pianists such as Sergei Osokins, Andrejs Osokins, and Ralfs Zilvers. After completing her Bachelor's degree, Antra moved to Germany to further her studies at the Hochschule fur Musik und Theater in Hamburg. There, she studied under the tutelage of Professor Volker Banfield and earned a Master's degree in Piano Performance in 2013. During her time in Germany, Antra also had the opportunity to participate in masterclasses with distinguished pianists such as Paul Badura-Skoda, Boris Berman, and Jerome Rose. Antra's talent as a pianist quickly gained recognition, and she began to receive invitations to perform at various music festivals and concerts around the world. In 2011, she was invited to perform at the International Piano Festival in San Marino, where she received critical acclaim for her performance of works by Chopin, Liszt, and Prokofiev. The following year, she was invited to perform at the International Piano Festival in Brescia, Italy, where she performed works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Brahms. In 2013, Antra was awarded the prestigious DAAD scholarship, which allowed her to continue her studies in Germany and perform at various concerts and festivals throughout Europe. That same year, she was invited to perform at the International Piano Festival in Gijon, Spain, where she performed works by Bach, Mozart, and Schubert. Antra's talent as a chamber musician also gained recognition, and she began to collaborate with other musicians to perform works for piano and other instruments. In 2014, she formed a piano duo with the Latvian pianist Reinis Zarins, and together they performed at various concerts and festivals throughout Europe. The duo's performance of works by Brahms and Schubert at the International Piano Festival in Brescia, Italy, received critical acclaim. In addition to her performances as a pianist and chamber musician, Antra is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught piano at the Emils Darzins Music School in Riga and the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music, and has also given masterclasses in Latvia, Germany, and Spain. Antra's talent and dedication to music have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2010, she was awarded the Grand Prix at the International Piano Competition in Rome, Italy. In 2012, she was awarded the First Prize at the International Piano Competition in San Marino, and in 2013, she was awarded the Second Prize at the International Piano Competition in Gijon, Spain. Antra's dedication to music and her talent as a pianist and chamber musician continue to inspire audiences around the world. She is a true ambassador of Latvian classical music and a shining example of the power of music to bring people together.

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