Mikhail Kazinik (Sweden)

The full time chairman of the jury of the competition, the violinist and the pianist, the outstanding public figure, the educator, the art critic, professor of Drama institute of Stockholm and the Higher school of business of Scandinavia, honorary professor of RISEBA, the researcher in the field of music therapy, the director and the actor of the Stockholm theater Teatrstudio Lederman, the author of articles and studies on musical perception issues. Member of International association of writers and publicists, expert of the Nobel concert. He is among hundred persons who, in the context of 30th parallel project, make the greatest contribution to creation or description of the universe, concern of peace and life as such, and mankind in general by their daily activities.
Info: www.kazinik.ru

Boris Avramets (Latvia)

Boris Avramets (Latvia) – ethnomusicologist and music historian, professor of the Riga Highest academy of pedagogics and education management; main directions of research and teaching activity: European ancient music; modern music; musical traditions of the people of Asia and Africa.

Info: www.music.lv/Muzikologi/Boriss_Avramecs/default.htm

3. Dainis Medyanik (Germany)

Dainis Medjaniks was born in Latvia. He received his first violin lessons at the age of 7 from his parents and at the music school in Jurmala.

He studied with Prof. Krzysztof Wegrzyn in Hanover and with Silvia Marcovici in Graz.

He received further musical impulses from Pierre Amoyal, Felix Andrievsky, Mauricio Fuchs, Marina Kesselman, Vladimir Klochko, Eberhardt Feltz, Petru Munteanu and Vivien Weilerstein, among others. Dainis is a prizewinner of the 54th International Violin Competition "Premio Paganini" in Genoa, he won a 2nd prize at the 6th International August Dombrovski Competition and a 3rd prize at the Latvian State Competition of Music Schools in Riga in 2008.

As a soloist he has already performed with orchestras such as the Orchestra della Fondazione Teatro Carlo Felice di Genova, the Chamber Orchestra of the Lower Saxony State Orchestra Hanover, the West Palatinate Symphony Orchestra and the Philharmonic Film Orchestra Berlin.

As a member of the Soleri Trio, Dainis is currently enrolled in chamber music in the class of Dirk Mommertz and Priya Mitchell at HMT Munich, previously studying with Oliver Wille and Markus Becker in Hanover.

The trio has already achieved its first successes: 2nd prize at the international chamber music competition "Societa Ummanitaria di Milano" 2021 was followed by the award 'Highly Commended' at the Parkhouse Award in the Wigmore Hall in London and last year the trio won 3rd prize at “Franz Schubert and Modern Music” chamber music competition in Graz, Austria.

Dainis has received scholarships from "Live Music Now Yehudi Menuhin Hannover", the Lions Club and through the "Gundlach Music Prize", among others.

In 2017, he was invited to perform and teach at the Anchorage Chamber Music Festival, where he performed numerous concerts throughout Alaska.

Since October 2023 Dainis is engaged as concertmaster at Osnabrücker Sinfonieorchester.

He plays a violin from Vlado Tilev made on 2022 in Bulgaria, who has been very successful since few last years.

4. Vlada Kitova (Latvia)

Soprano Vlada Kitova holds a Bachelor’s degree in Opera Singing from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (class of prof. Lilija Greidāne), and a Master’s degree (class of prof. Aira Rūrāne).

She further refined her vocal skills in Italy at the Conservatorio di Musica Arrigo Boito di Parma under the guidance of a renowned opera singer Adriana Cicogna, and at the Conservatorio di Musica Luigi Cherubini di Firenze, collaborating with pianist Gianni Fabbrini. Through the European Opera Academy, she participated in bel canto, chamber music, and Baroque music projects, masterclasses, and opera productions. Her artistic refinement was also guided by the famous bass Giacomo Prestia.

Within the European Opera Academy, Vlada continued her training at the Iceland University of the Arts, working with Hanna Dóra Sturludóttir and Kristinn Sigmundsson. In Reykjavik, she performed as a soloist with the Baroque Camerata and at the Reykjavik Opera Days festival.

Vlada Kitova has received the Pēteris Plakidis Chamber Music Award (2021) and is a laureate of the Seghizzi International Competition (2023), as well as a finalist in the Concorso Zandonai (2023) and Omaggio a Maria Callas (2023), among other prestigious competitions.

She has participated in masterclasses with Margreet Honig, Siegfried Gohritz, Ekhart Wycik, Tatiana Korsunskaya, Eva Hess Thaysen, Thora Einarsdottir, Christina Baggio, Cecilia Franchini, Karola Theill, Natalia Farhi, Ryan Driscoll, and others, covering opera, chamber music, lied, contemporary, and other classical and modern repertoire.

Born in Riga, Vlada’s musical journey began at the Pāvula Jurjāna Music School, where she studied piano in the class of Tatjana Jegunova, and continued at the Pāvula Jurjāna Music College in the class of Lelde Paula. Her strong foundation in piano has profoundly shaped her musical thinking and interpretive skills.

Currently, Vlada Kitova works at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music Chamber Ensemble and Piano Accompaniment Department and participates in music and cultural projects across Latvia and Europe.

She is fluent in Latvian, English, Russian, and Italian, and has also studied Spanish, German, and French, enabling her to perform a wide repertoire with precise phonetic accuracy. During her Master’s studies, her research on Fernando Obradors’ Spanish song cycle Canciones Clásicas Españolas was highly noted for its exploration of vocal interpretation and attention to the details, as well as the translation of all songs to Latvian language. She also performed with Operstudija Figaro during her studies, interpreting Rachelina in Giovanni Paisiello’s opera La Molinara, contributing to the translation of the libretto into Latvian.

5. Daniils Mickevičs (Latvia)

Daniils Mickevičs (born 2003) is one of the most outstanding young-generation Latvian pianists, whose artistic work combines a high level of technical mastery with profound musical thinking and interpretive maturity. He is a multiple laureate of international competitions both as a soloist and as a chamber musician.

In 2023, Daniils became the winner of the Jāzeps Vītols International Piano Competition. In 2024, he won first place and several special prizes at the Malmö Yamaha International Piano Competition. In 2025, the pianist received a special award for the best interpretation of a Frédéric Chopin étude at the prestigious Épinal International Piano Competition in France.

Daniils graduated with honors from the piano class of the Emīls Dārziņš Music Secondary School under the tutelage of pedagogue Ilze Treija. He is currently continuing his studies at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music under Professor Sergejs Osokins. During the 2024/25 season, the pianist was an artist-in-residence at the Ingesund College of Music in Sweden, where he studied under Professors Julia Mustonen-Dalkvist and Aristo Sham.

Daniils has honed his mastery in masterclasses with such eminent pianists as Yefim Bronfman, Pavel Nersessian, Matti Raekallio, Anna Malikova, Eva Kupiec, as well as other professors from leading European and American music universities.

He is a multiple laureate of the Latvian Ministry of Culture Award, the best student of the JVLMA in 2023, and the first laureate of the Teofils Bikis Award, founded by pianist Diāna Ketlere.

Daniils Mickevičs actively performs as a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with notable Latvian and foreign musicians and becoming a laureate of several chamber music competitions. In the autumn of 2025, he participated in a concert tour of Latvia together with the Liepāja Symphony Orchestra, performing Edvard Grieg's Piano Concerto.

For the third consecutive year, the pianist is presenting a series of solo concerts in Germany and the Netherlands, where, alongside world masterpieces of piano music, special attention is devoted to performing less-known pages of Latvian piano music. Daniils also regularly performs in Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, and elsewhere in Europe.

Daniils Mickevičs's playing is characterized by technical precision, depth of interpretation, and the ability to reveal the emotional and dramaturgical space of a composition, creating a convincing and personal musical statement.

6. Evgenia Epshtein (Croatia)

Violinist. Performer. Associate professor of violin.

Evgenia Epshtein began her violin studies at the age of six and completed the High School for Gifted Musicians with Vladimir Milshtein. After emigrating to Israel in 1990 she studied with Arthur Zisserman, Yair Kless and Irena Svetlova at the Tel Aviv Academy of Music followed by Benzion Shamir at the Rotterdam Royal Academy, where she received her Master’s Degree. During her studies in Rotterdam she won several prizes and competitions and took part in the masterclasses of Isaac Stern, Henry Mayer and Zakhar Bron.

Evgenia Epshtein is a co-founder of the Aviv String Quartet which won the 3rd Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, the Bordeaux String Quartet Competition and the Charles Hennen Music Competition amongst other top prizes. The Aviv Quartet was also proclaimed as the “Best young ensemble” by the Ministries of Culture of Germany and Israel (1999, 2000, 2003, 2008).

As a soloist she has performed with the Reconcile Sinfonietta in Vienna, the Bucharest Philharmonic Orchestra, the Zagreb and Zadar Chamber Orchestra, the Split Symphony Orchestra, the Bohemian Philharmonic, the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Mexico – city chamber orchestra, Baku state chamber orchestra and Camerata Chisinau in Moldova. She has given recitals in all major Israeli venues and radio broadcasts worldwide. She has also performed in festivals including the Estonian Baltic Festival, the Gotland Chamber Music Festival - Sweden, the Ursus Chamber Music Festival - Slovenia, the Ameropa festival - Prague, Czech Republic, the Chamber music box - London, UK and the Lunigiana International Music Festival - Italy, Osor classical evenings - Osor. Croatia, Soloist Academy – France, Montenegro. Olympus Musicus festival- Prague, Czech Republic.

As a violinist and chamber musician Evgenia frequently gives masterclasses, including the ISA International Summer Academy in Austria, the Prague Music Academy, the Shanghai Academy of Music in China, the Riga Academy of Music and Liepaja Music School in Latvia, the Sofia Academy of Music in Bulgaria, the Wroclaw Academy of Music and the Krakow Academy of Music in Poland, the University of Music and Performing arts Vienna and Arts University of the City of Vienna in Austria, the Trakai music center in Lithuania, Mexico-city university-UNAM. Baku state academy, Azerbaijan. Currently Evgenia Epshtein is working as an associated professor at the Split Academy of Arts, professor of violin and chamber music as well as one of the leaders of Oxford Philharmonic orchestra. Founder of the ensemble of violinists KINOR.

7. Anastasia Lebedyantseva (Latvia)

ANASTASIA, mezzo-soprano, when she was 5 years old she started to study music. Then was a music school which I finished and already after that began my long vocal professional way since 13 years old.

Before that performed a lot in a big chorus.

In 2011 finished Moscow State Art and Cultural University with honors with a degree of “Relationships with society in socio-cultural sphere».

In 2012 finished Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory Academic Music College with honors with a degree of “Choir and ensemble artist”. While studying participated in many concerts.

Also became a soloist of Moscow youth chamber orchestra conducted by Valery Vorona. With the collective performed at the festival «Ochy Chyornye” (Montekantini-Terme/Florence 2014-2016).

Anastasija met famous Latvian teacher Anita Garanča un 2011. She started visit her lessons in Riga and then decided to move permanently in Latvia.

In 2012 I entered Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (Krišjānis Norvelis class).

In 2013 become a student of the young artists opera program ENOA in Latvian National Opera. As a part of this program participated in master-classes of many well known teachers: Anita Garanča, Inga Kalna, Axel Everaert, Andrejs Žagars etc.

In 2014 had my debut as Cherubino in W. A. Mozart’s opera “Le nozze di Figaro” in Latvian National Opera. Also sung roles of footboy (Rigoletto) and princess Nicoletta (The Love for Three Oranges).

In March 2015 became a participant in Latvian Chamber Music Concert (LNOB) and in July 2015 as a part of festival “Tchaykovsky Non Stop” performed with Symphonic orchester of Tatarstan in Jurmala, Latvia.

In June 2016 finished my bachelor degree in Latvian Music Academy and started my Master degree in Lithuanian Music and Theatre Academy in Irena Milkevičiūte class.

In August 2017 became a participant of Orlando Festival Master classes with amazing coach Axel Everart.

In October 2017 became a participant of Jubilee gala concert (25 years of Russian Performing arts Foundation) with orchestra (Moscow Conservatory Great Hall).

In March 2018 was a participant of Belcanto masterclass in Andria (Italy) with maestro Marco Balderi, Simone Marziali and Cristina Park.

In December 2018 performed as Orlovsky in Die Fledermause (debut) in Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

In August 2019 performed in final concert of Organ Music Festival (Kuskovo, Moscow).

In January 2019 had three performances as Suzuki in Madama Butterfly (debut) also in Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

In April was a part of project with Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra (two gala concerts – «Strauss Gala»), conductor – Modestas Pitrenas.

In December 2019 became a participant in three amazing New Year’s concerts with magnificent Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra (conductor – Modestas Pitrenas), in Kaunas, Alytus and Vilnius Philharmonia.

In September 2020 performed Octavian role in final trio from Der Rosenkavalier with Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, conductor Modestas Pitrenas.

She have got a lot of concerts and projects in Riga in St. PaulaChurch and St. Saviour’s Anglican Church with Elena-Privalova Epshtein.

In April 2022 was a part of charity concert «Art against war» in Riga.

In September 2023 performed a Cherubino role in Switzerland (Classic Music Festival)/ Waldenburg).

In December 2025, performed in a Christmas concert with the Sadko Orchestra, conducted by Guntars Bernarts.

For 10 years, have been teaching vocals and musical development to adults and children, organizing final concerts, and am also training to become a vocal rehabilitation therapist with the International Association ESTILL VOICE.

8. Roman Testelec (Latvia)

Roman Testelec is a virtuoso pianist with international experience, mastering a repertoire ranging from classical music to jazz. He comes from a renowned musical family: his aunt is the world-famous cellist Eleonora Testelec, laureate of the Tchaikovsky Competition and student of Mstislav Rostropovich. Roman has performed for VIP audiences, including the current King of England (formerly Prince Charles) and other high-profile figures. He combines exceptional performance skills, pedagogical expertise, and music therapy, offering unique programs for both education and emotional development.

Education: Berklee College of Music, Music Studies; Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA); Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science; Major in Information Systems; Higher professional music education; Emīls Dārziņš Music School, Classical Piano.

He began his professional career as a senior web developer, later transitioning to the music field. Currently, he performs solo and duo concerts at leading venues, including the Dzintari Concert Hall, Lielais Dzintars, and Vilnius Town Hall. He makes regular appearances on LSM.lv, Latvian Radio, and other cultural media. He is the creator of original programs such as "Classical Mystery," "Salut d'Amore," Jewish music evenings, and film music programs. His repertoire includes works by Joseph Achron, Ernest Bloch, Yulian Krein, John Williams, Dmitri Shostakovich, Vittorio Monti, Pablo de Sarasate, Edward Elgar, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, contemporary music, jazz, and his own compositions. He is a teacher and program leader at Rudaga, providing individual and group piano and vocal lessons. He conducts music therapy sessions for emotional balance, as well as yoga and chess classes to develop concentration, memory, and harmony of body and mind. He organizes cultural events and concerts.

9. Rustem Galich (New York, USA)

Rustem Galich (New York, USA) is an actor, director, master of artistic speech, and performer of Russian classical literature. He is known to Riga audiences for a number of stage and literary programs, ranging from the performance of M.Y. Lermontov's poem "The Demon" to original compositions based on the works of V.V. Nabokov.

He is a graduate of the M.S. Shchepkin Higher Theatre School at the State Academic Maly Theatre of Russia. He possesses a rare professional specialization as an actor of artistic speech, combining dramatic acting, literary interpretation, and stage speech.

He has been living and working in the United States of America since 2000. He performs at theatrical and concert venues in the USA and Europe as a performer of Russian classical poetry and prose. He is the founder of a theater of poetry and music, within which he creates literary and musical programs that unite artistic speech and academic music.

A distinctive feature of his stage works is the organic fusion of dramatic reading with musical dramaturgy: classical instrumental and vocal music becomes a full-fledged expressive means, shaping the atmosphere and imagery of the work.

In addition to his stage activities, Rustem Galich is engaged in pedagogical work. His masterclasses are dedicated to creating a stage image, working with text, voice training, breathing and the capabilities of the vocal apparatus, as well as developing artistic expression. The methodology is focused on revealing the individuality of the performer and the practical application of public speaking skills.

Masterclasses are conducted in different countries and online, and are aimed at actors, vocalists, reciters, students of creative specialties, competition participants, presenters, and anyone who works professionally with speech and the stage.