Jānis Zālīts

Jānis Zālīts, born in 1884 in Nītaures, Latvia, was a pioneering figure in Latvian music as a composer, music critic, and the first director of the Latvian National Opera. Graduating from the prestigious St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1915, Zālīts became one of the last Latvian composers to emerge from this legendary institution. His work spanned the 1920s and 1930s, a golden age of Latvian music, and his contributions as a critic further cemented his influence. Zālīts' compositions are a cornerstone of Latvian chamber music, making him an indispensable part of the country's musical heritage. His legacy continues to inspire, as evidenced by the celebrations of his 140th birthday in 2024.