For someone who is only 40 years old, conductor, choirmaster and music teacher Māris Sirmais (b. 1969) has quite a long list of accomplishments. Will still a student, Sirmais founded and still leads Kamēr, one of the best, contemporary youth choirs in the world. Kamēr  has received more than 70 prestigious awards at international competitions in Latvia and abroad. 

Sirmais is also the artistic director and chief conductor of the State Academic Choir Latvija, as well as the artistic director of the International Sacred Music Festival. 

Regardless of the hat that he wears, Sirmais has tirelessly sought to promote, create and record original, Latvian music. Sirmais’ conducting performances are an eagerly awaited event at the Nationwide Latvian Song and Dance Festivals and Latvian School Youth Song Festivals.