Our People in Hollywood:
A Family from Latvia Wins Medals at the Championship

Every summer in Los Angeles, under the auspices of Hollywood, the World Championship of Performing Arts takes place, attracting hundreds of talented individuals from around the globe. Actors, singers, musicians, circus performers, models—artists of any genre that can be presented on stage—compete here. This year, representing Latvia in this international competition was the Cornelius family: mother Inga, daughter Marta, and son Gustavs.

The Cornelius family is a close-knit, creative family, where music, songs, and poetry are always present. Twins Marta and Gustavs delight their parents with their talents and achievements.
Last year, pianist Marta Cornelius received a special prize at the Latvian competition "Rising Stars," held under the patronage of Mikhail Kazinik. She then went to Los Angeles for the World Championship of Performing Arts but, unfortunately, did not advance to the finals.
This summer, the family decided to take revenge and returned to America. This time, in addition to Marta, the championship featured mother Inga—as a model—and brother Gustavs, who made his mark on the American stage as an actor. As a result, both mother and daughter became finalists of the championship, and Gustavs won a bronze medal.

Marta and Chopin

So, let us introduce you! Mother Inga is a regional director of a major company, father Edvins is a businessman. Twins Marta and Gustavs are 15 years old. Marta is a special child; she lost her sight at the age of three. But she is fully socialized: sociable, open, with many friends. And Marta is passionately in love with music.
Her victory in Los Angeles is a true example of resilience multiplied by brilliant musical talent.
— Marta, how did music enter your life? Why did you decide to participate in the World Championship of Performing Arts for the second time? Is it in your character to never give up?
— I have been playing the piano since I was four, and over time, music has become a part of my life. I study at the Medins Music School. Last year, when I first stepped onto the championship stage, I was very nervous. There was so much uncertainty. Maybe that's why I performed a little worse. This year, I was more confident and decided to return to try my luck again. And — hurray! — I made it to the finals!
The competition lasted a week. In different rounds, I performed different pieces. But I advanced to the finals with Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major and a song I composed myself. Translated into English, it's called "I Remember You," and I dedicated it to my schoolteachers.
What I remember most is the finals. Before the finals, we were still competing, but in the finals, everyone felt like one team. I made so many new friends from different countries around the world!
I reached the finals and won gold for my self-composed song — the award I had dreamed of. It's so wonderful when dreams come true!

Mother as a Model

Success in Los Angeles accompanied not only the daughter but also the mother. Inga, a very beautiful woman, took part in the World Championship of Performing Arts and also advanced to the finals, despite facing more than 50 competitors from around the world.
— It happened completely unexpectedly. Last year, when only Marta from our family participated in the championship, Galina Poltorak (the national director of the championship) told me, "You should participate too. You have great potential!" But last year, I didn't dare to sign up. This year, I decided to go for it. To my own surprise, I made it to the finals and even won a medal. It was a very interesting new experience for me.
— How did you not fear going on stage without any modeling skills or experience?
— Yes, it was a bit of an adventure. I went to Los Angeles completely unprepared. If anyone ever wants to follow in my footsteps, I would definitely advise them to take some time to learn how to behave on stage. But fortunately, before the competition, there were masterclasses led by leading American agencies, which helped me immensely. I caught up on everything on the spot and literally picked up the key tricks of the modeling business on the fly.
— The modeling business involves serious competition, with legends surrounding it. Stories often describe ugly incidents—competitors placing razors in each other's shoes, ruining each other's dresses... Did you experience anything like that?
— Nothing of the sort! Maybe in the younger groups there might have been something like that, but I participated in the 30+ category. All the contestants were mature women who had their heads screwed on straight. On the contrary, we complimented each other, helped with hairstyles, outfits, makeup, and so on.
— You became a finalist at the championship. Were you offered a contract as a model?
— If I lived in America, then probably yes, I would have been offered one. But I don't seriously consider this collaboration. I have a job I love in Latvia. So we didn't discuss details or prospects. But I would strongly advise girls who want to pursue a career in modeling to participate in this competition. It's a world championship, and gaining international recognition is invaluable.

Wall of Honor
Two more members of this remarkable family remained behind the scenes of our interview. Son Gustavs, who reached the semi-finals. And father Edvins, who was the heart and soul of this event, as well as the photographer, reporter, and inspirer...
— Inga, did your son Gustavs decide to participate in the championship spontaneously, like you did?
— No, no, he prepared. Last year, when our whole family attended the championship in Los Angeles for the first time, Gustavs gained experience as a spectator. He really liked the atmosphere of the event, and this year he decided to try his hand as an actor. He didn't make it to the finals, but he reached the semi-finals. And that's not bad either. At least, it's a start.