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It is difficult to confine perfectionism to the existing resources

At the end of August, the 2nd International Choir Competition “Riga Sings” took place. Choirs from Bulgaria, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Great Britain, Ireland, Poland and Latvia participated in the competitions, and their performance was evaluated by a professional international jury. The main prize of the choir competition – the “Imantas Kokar Choir Prize” – was won by the youth choir of the Tallinn Music High School from Estonia, while the gospel choir of the Riga Dome Choir School, conducted by Una Stade, won in the “Pop and Jazz” category of the competition.

What is the most extreme thing you have done in your life?

I accidentally created a gospel choir. Without conductor education. Riga Dome Choir School…

One of the most touching moments in life?

I’m really lucky to have a lot of them. From private moments to emotional tears at gospel choir concerts, from standing ovations after our musicals to simple, beautiful expressions while on stage that I like and enjoy my work.

What inspires you to work?

Not that it needs inspiration. Work is work. If you like it and you don’t have to force yourself to do it day after day, then you have probably found your calling. Of course, I like to teach, lead the choir, sing, but I don’t like to write reports, but if I still like teaching enough, reports will be written sooner or later (in this case, the reminder of management inspires more than the love of work).

Your healthy habits?

I’m at a stage in my life where I’m rethinking all my habits. Only the harmful ones usually stick in the eyes. However, to my credit, I like to go to bed early, eat a healthy breakfast, and recently deleted myself from most social media.

Your bad habits?

When you think about your habits, of course, you spend more time on these – the harmful ones. The habit that I am currently trying to change most actively is the over-responsibility that has been instilled since school years. Everything has to be either excellent or not at all. I try to destroy this habit in myself, because my students also suffer from it. They don’t complain much about extra-ordinary rehearsals that drag on even at night, but that’s not right. It is difficult to lock this perfectionism in the box of existing resources…

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your life?

That there is no such universal knowledge and experience. Life is much more complex and more beautiful in that complexity than any simplistic slogan suggests.

A book or movie you would recommend to others?

Every book and movie is someone’s energy, a unique experience, a journey of imagination. No two trips are the same, and what I will recommend will appeal to some, resonate with some, bore others. I myself like a wide range of genre literature and films. Lately, I’ve been reading more books about therapy, psychology, I’m still reading Gat Līdum’s “The Absence of Couples” little by little. I recently finished my master’s degree – I had to delve deeper into professional literature. The last fiction book I read was Urban Shamans by Sven Kuzmin.

Of the films, there are some that keep coming back to my life: “Pride and Prejudice” always feeds my extreme romantic soul, “Frida” – when inspiration is lacking. I am also a big fan of the fantasy genre – I have probably watched all the series and movies of this genre.

What music do you listen to?

Depends on the purpose and need. I know how to listen professionally, critically and analytically, as well as enjoy music, let it flow.

Favorite place to dine?

I think it’s the same with food as with music – everything has its place and time. Sometimes it feels like life is so busy that I live off of Wolt supplies alone. Sometimes I cook my own food to take away, because I want something simple and vegetarian. Sometimes I’m happy to go to a good restaurant with my mom, then I enjoy the experience. Every day, if possible, I eat in one small canteen near the school. The name is probably “Five”. I’m not sure. I call it the corner.

Place and time in which you would like to live?

Here and now. It is the most difficult destination to reach.

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