Let there be light and darkness!

Māris Sirmais obtained a BA in Conducting from Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and continued his studies at the College of Music and Performing Arts in Graz, Austria. He is an active developer of Latvian choral culture and a charismatic conductor able to inspire thousands of amateur choristers and professional musicians alike. As the Artistic Director of the Latvian State Choir since 1997, Māris Sirmais has also reared one of the most splendid symbols of the Latvian choral culture, the Youth Choir Kamēr, which he conducted since its foundation in 1990 to 2012. As the Head of the Choir Conducting Department at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, Sirmais is also a jury member of international choral and composition competitions. A recipient of the Order of the Three Stars, the Honorary Member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Sirmais has received many other titles and awards for his achievements.