Latvian Conductor 

Ausma Derkēvica was a prominent Latvian choral conductor and music educator. She graduated from the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music in 1959, studying under T. Kalniņš.

From 1958 to 1970, Derkēvica served as the choral conductor for the Latvian SSR Revolution Veterans’ Choir. Simultaneously, from 1958 to 1989, she co-led the folk choir Dzintars with her partner Imants Cepītis. Following this, she became the choir’s principal conductor until 2000. Under her leadership, Dzintars achieved remarkable success, becoming the first Latvian choir to win an international competition. Notably, in 1968, they were awarded the Grand Prix at the competition in Debrecen. Dzintars went on to earn numerous international accolades, excelling in both women’s choir and broader choral competitions.

Derkēvica is widely recognized as a pioneer and key figure in the development of Latvia’s women’s choir movement. She also served as a conductor for the National Academic Choir from 1969 to 1989.

In addition to her conducting roles, Derkēvica contributed significantly to music education. From 1959 to 1964, she led the music department at the Folk Art House, and from 1964 to 1972, she taught at the Emīls Dārziņš Secondary Music School. Beginning in 1973, she became a chief conductor at many Latvian Song and Dance Festivals, a hallmark of Latvian cultural heritage.

Derkēvica’s contributions earned her numerous honors. In 1980, she received a state prize from the Latvian SSR. In 1995, she was awarded the Third Class Order of the Three Stars. Later, in 1999, she was granted a lifetime pension from the Latvian Culture Capital Foundation in recognition of her enduring legacy.