A vivid example of such a rise is the winner of the 2024 competition in the "Vocal Art" category, Etina Emilia Saulite. A graduate of the Emils Darzins Music School, she has rapidly conquered international competitions and made a name for herself on the world's major stages. Her achievements include a bright debut as Liu in Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot" at the Latvian National Opera, the title role in a concert performance of Henry Purcell's opera "Dido and Aeneas" at the Polish Iubilaei Cantus festival, a performance at the Hungarian State Opera, and the lead role in the world premiere of Silvia Colasanti's opera "Anna A" on the legendary stage of La Scala. Starting in the fall of 2025, the young singer will be a participant in the academy of the prestigious Milan Teatro alla Scala.  "I am very glad that the Inese Galante Talent Competition became for me not just a completed stage, but a part of my professional journey. A special community of young musicians has formed around me, and it is very valuable to me that Inese Galante personally cares for young musicians, monitors our development, and shares her experience and perspective. For me as a young musician, it is very important to know that a person you trust, who has achieved so much in the world of opera, sees and appreciates your path. This gives great confidence and motivation to continue working and developing," says Etina Emilia Saulite. The list of bright success stories continues with pianist Melissa Takanbekova, the first-place winner of the 2025 Inese Galante Talent Competition in the "Keyboard Instruments" category. This year, the talented performer graduated from the Emils Darzins Music School, opening doors to the world musical elite. Starting in October, Melissa will begin her undergraduate studies in Germany, becoming a student at the prestigious Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover under the outstanding professor Eva Kupetz.  "This year has been particularly significant for me, as I graduated from the Music School and will start studying at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien in Hannover in October. Over the past year, I have achieved several significant successes in competitions: in 2026, I took first place at the Latvian State Piano Competition, and in 2025, I won the Inese Galante Talent Competition, as well as second place at the First International Ilze Graubina Piano Competition and first place at the International Piano Ensembles, Chamber Ensembles, and Accompanists Competition in Liepaja. The Emil Darzins Award was also particularly significant for me, as it allowed me to perform at concerts with the school's symphony orchestra and play Francis Poulenc's Double Concerto for Piano. Now, with great joy and a little excitement, I am preparing for a new stage of life in Hannover. My long-term goal is to become a concert pianist, and studying in Germany will be an important step towards achieving it," shares Melissa Takanbekova. Impressive results are also demonstrated by representatives of other fields, as the talented drummer Felix Krievs, a competition laureate, has had an exceptionally successful 2025/2026 season. The musician is rapidly expanding the geography of his performances, gaining recognition from experts on prestigious stages.  Felix Krievs proudly shares his results from the past creative year: "The last year in my creative and professional activity has been particularly rich and significant, providing me with the opportunity to participate in various concerts, festivals, master classes, and competitions. One of the most significant events was participating in the performance of "Carmina Burana" in the Cesis concert hall with the symphony orchestra of the Jazeps Medins Music School. I also took part in the final concert of the thirty-ninth International Organ Music Festival "Rīgas Doms 2026", as well as in Inese Galante's concert celebrating the name day of Rauna. My biggest personal achievement was participating in the fourth season of the musical duels "Sansusī kautiņi", where I took first place. Overall, the past year has given me very valuable experience, allowing me to develop my stage skills and become more confident as a performer." Another confirmation of the high status of the competition is the international achievements of flutist Anete Duntava. After a brilliant participation in the "Inese Galante Talents" project, the virtuoso performer is actively engaging in concert activities and representing Latvia on major foreign stages. For her outstanding successes abroad, Anete has already received a Letter of Appreciation from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia for the fourth time.  "I had the opportunity to participate in master classes with outstanding professional flutists, as well as perform at various concerts and participate in projects. The opportunity to perform the first movement of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Flute Concerto in G Major with the Jelgava Chamber Orchestra was particularly significant for me, as well as performing with Raimonds Ozols' trio and at the "Tuvums" festival. It was a great honor for me to receive an invitation to perform at Inese Galante's concert in Rauna. This experience allowed me to develop my professional skills, gain stage experience, and continue to grow as a musician," says Anete Duntava. The competition also opens doors for other talented vocalists, including the 2025 laureate Sanita Roze. The singer graduated from the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music and received a bachelor's degree. She participated in the New Year's show-concert "Sapnis Vecgada naktī" by the production group "Izklaides Producentu grupa 7", where she performed several numbers, including the famous aria "Phantom of the Opera" from the musical "The Phantom of the Opera". In February, Sanita went to Portugal as part of the European Opera Academy program for an internship at the Higher School of Music and Performing Arts (ESMAE). As part of this course, the singer prepared and performed an opera role in a full-stage production accompanied by an orchestra. In the summer of 2026, the vocalist returned to Latvia, where she continues to perform and expand her repertoire.  **Information for Future Participants** The organizers of the competition - the Inese Galante Foundation, teachers of the Jazeps Vitols Latvian Academy of Music with the support of the "Nākotnes Atbalsta fonds" remind about the acceptance of applications for the new season. Applications for participation in this prestigious musical event can be submitted until October 19. We remind you that the competition traditionally takes place in four categories: • vocal art • keyboard instruments • string instruments • wind and percussion instruments Applications and video recordings are submitted on the official competition website. Participation is free. Detailed information and competition rules are available on the website: www.inesesgalantestalanti.lv Follow the latest information on the official competition page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InesesGalantesTalanti/
