History of Competition
Jāzeps Vītols International Vocal Competition is the most significant contest of singers in Latvia. It evolved in 1995 from Jāzeps Vītols National Vocal Competition, which for a considerable period served as a contest arena for the local singers. The number of participants testify to the importance of the event – 39 young singers from Europe, Russian Federation and China participated in the competition of 2004; the organizers invite exceptional masters of vocal art to work in the competition jury, thereby ensuring opportunities for the young singers to be noticed on an international level.
The prizewinners of Jāzeps Vītols 1st International Vocal Competition included Kristīne Gailīte and Kristīne Zadovska. The Grand Prix of the 2nd competition went to Krišjānis Norvelis. In the 3rd competition the journey towards international success was commenced by Maija Kovaļevska, Jānis Apeinis and Viesturs Jansons.