Andris Veismanis

Born in Latvia in 1965, Veismanis studied choral conducting at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music under Professor Imants Kokars before completing a Master’s degree with Professor Jānis Dūmiņš. He further expanded his musical horizons through studies in symphonic and opera conducting with Yuri Simonov and specialized in Baroque performance practice with the legendary William Christie in Paris. This unique combination of expertise has shaped a career distinguished by stylistic versatility and artistic depth. 

From 1989 to 1997, Veismanis founded and directed the chamber choir Sacrum, which quickly gained international acclaim, winning the Grand Prix in Budapest for its celebrated recording of Franz Liszt’s Via Crucis. He later served as Principal Chorus Master of the Latvian National Opera and Ballet and has remained closely associated with the company as a conductor. Alongside his performing career, he has played an important role in musical education and cultural life as Associate Professor at the Latvian Academy of Music, Artistic Director of the renowned Riga chamber choir Ave Sol, and leader of the Vidzeme Chamber Orchestra. 

Veismanis is particularly celebrated for his interpretations of Baroque op-era and large-scale sacred works. His acclaimed productions of Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Handel’s Alcina, and Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice have earned widespread recognition, including Latvia’s prestigious Great Music Award. His repertoire also encompasses the major passions and oratorios of Johann Sebastian Bach and Händel, repertoire in which his combination of dramatic instinct and stylistic authenticity has won particular admiration. 
A significant chapter of his artistic life has been his collaboration with the internationally acclaimed chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica. Together they have explored repertoire ranging from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary Baltic music, creating performances noted for their intellectual rigor, transparency, and emotional intensity. 

Internationally, Veismanis has conducted throughout Europe, North and South America, and Asia, collaborating with celebrated artists including Elīna Garanča, Anna Netrebko, Montserrat Caballé, and Kristīne Opo-lais. Most recently, he conducted Handel’s Flavio in a production presented in collaboration with the Bayreuth Baroque Festival at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet, further affirming his reputation as one of today’s foremost interpreters of Baroque opera.