On 13 December, President of Latvia Egils Levits acknowledged the enormous contribution of Chief Conductor of National Song Festival Sigvards Kļava who is also the artistic director and conductor of Latvian Radio Choir and professor of Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music.
As the artistic director, Sigvards Kļava has been at the helm of Latvian Radio Choir for more than 30 years. His creative life has also been intrinsically connected with Choir’s activities. His role in building Latvian choral singing culture over the years deserves special praise, just like his efforts to promote the song festival movement and Latvian music globally and internationally.
‘Many people around the world have little idea of what Latvia represents, but many people know our music. You and Latvian Radio Choir have successfully promoted Latvian music and made sure it is internationally well-known. Your professionalism has also become a national benchmark for musicians in Latvia. Latvian music lovers, all Latvians know and appreciate your music very much,’ President of Latvia Egils Levits said as he presented the Presidential Medal to maestro.
