Famous Latvian pianist Vilma Cirule plays Valse Op 9 by distinguished Latvian composer Jāzeps VĪTOLS (1863 -- 1948)
Recorded in Riga, Latvia
Legendary Latvian pianist Vilma Cirule was born on May 11th 1923 in little town of Valmiera in Latvia.
She first studied piano at the local music school with a piano teacher Liepina- Sinepa. Later V. Cirule continued her studies at the Latvian State Conservatory in Riga with Professor Paul Schubert.
After graduation in 1944 the talented pianist started a very extensive career as a soloist and accompanist at the Latvian Radio in Riga. For many years she also held a teaching position at the vocal chamber music department of the Jaz. Vitols Latvian State Conservatory as well as was a soloist and accompanist with the Latvian State Philharmonia.
During her professional life Vilma Cirule has played countless concerts in all the USSR republics, Germany, Albany, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Island, Finland, Canada and other countries.
She also has prepared for and performed at many chamber music recitals with prominent artists including famous Latvian mezzo-soprano Leonarda Daine, soprano Zermena Heine- Vagnere, tenors Janis Zabers and Karlis Zarins as well as violinists Juris Svolkovskis, Indulis Suna, cellists Evalds Berzinskis, Ernests Bertovskis and others.
The talented pianist has also performed as a soloist with symphony orchestras featuring brilliant performances of piano Concertos by Janis Medins, Beethoven, Haydn and others.
After leaving teaching position at the Conservatory in 1996 Vilma Cirule continued working at the vocal studio Ridze from which she retired in 2010.
Vilma Cirule has received many awards in her life. The most recent were The Order of Three Stars in 2004 and The Great Music Award 2006 for lifetime achievement in music.
The Great Music Award (GMA) is the highest prize given by the Latvian state in the field of music.
In 2005 she has been nominated as an Honorary Professor of the Jazeps Vitols Latvian State Academy of Music in Riga.
On May 11, 2013 Vilma Cirule will be celebrating her 90th birthday. She is enjoying her retirement life with her husband and actively participating at the important events of Latvian musical life by performing as a soloist.
