Lauma Akmene

Organist

ACCLAIM

"Latvia's outstanding young organist… L. Akmene's carefully thought-out sequence of pieces highlighted the affinity of musical elements in the performed opuses, making the one-hour-long program a true delight of Latvian organ music."

— Dace Aperāne, composer, music educator, and Director of the Music Sector at the Latvian Cultural Society TILTS/Bridge, Laiks/The Times

"Lauma Akmene is a significant addition to the Northern California church organist community... Speaking about Lauma's concerts in support of the people of Ukraine, I believe that the voices of artists are crucial in standing against injustice."

— Dr. Ryan Enright, Organist of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Accompanist for Sacramento Choral Society & Orchestra, former Co-Dean of the American Guild of Organists, Sacramento Valley Chapter, Laiks/The Times

"Lauma Akmene, in her younger years, has successfully made her mark in Latvia, Canada, and California."

— Anita Gaide, Organist, Latvija Amerikā/Latvia in America

"Perhaps it's the powerful sound of the organ that gives Lauma the strength to be a fighter."

— Taira Zoldnere, Laiks/The Times

BIOGRAPHY

LAUMA AKMENE is a celebrated music director, organist, and conductor, known for her captivating and emotive performances of music from early to contemporary periods. Her career spans prestigious venues across Europe, Canada, and the US, with highlights including the Concert of Sacred Music during the XV Latvian Song and Dance Festival at Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church in Toronto, Canada, and the opening concert at the 37th International Organ Music Festival at Riga Cathedral, Latvia, featuring the world-famous E.F. Walcker & Co organ. Lauma's commitment to promoting diversity in classical music is evident in her programming, which often highlights works by underrepresented composers. In addition to her remarkable solo performances, she has collaborated with the Grammy-winning Pacific Boychoir Academy and the women's vocal ensemble Vox Musica on the program Ode to the Earth and Sky: Secular Music for Organ & Choir.

Lauma’s advocacy for diversity was inspired by her preparation for the Valente Lecture at UC Davis, where she noted the predominance of white male composers in her repertoire. This motivated her to diversify her concert programs and worship services. Lauma also celebrates her Latvian heritage through performances of works by Latvian composers such as Pēteris Vasks and Maija Einfelde. As Artistic Director of the Northern California Latvian Choir, she led the choir in preparation for the Latvian Song and Dance Festival, a UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage event.

Lauma has over 15 years of experience as a church musician in Latvia, Canada, and the US. She is currently the Director of Music at Saint James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and has previously served in prominent roles, including at Riga Old St. Gertrude’s Church and Sacred Heart Church in Sacramento, California. She has also organized benefit concerts for Ukraine in Northern California, raising funds for those affected by the conflict.

Lauma holds a Master of Music in Performance from McGill University, Canada, where she studied organ with Hans-Ola Ericsson, and a Bachelor of Theology in Church Music from Luther Academy in Latvia. She has also studied organ and piano at the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts in Bulgaria and participated in numerous masterclasses across Europe and North America (e.g., Michel Bouvard and Jürgen Essl).

Her awards include a Certificate of Appreciation from the Northern California Latvian Association for her role in preparing the Northern California Latvian Choir for the XXVII Latvian Song and XVII Dance Festival and Third Prize in the Bach Music Competition (Organ Group) in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Lauma’s performances have been covered by major media outlets, including Latvian Public Broadcasting, Latvijas Radio 3, Diena, and Laiks. She actively shares her music updates with over 6,000 followers on her Facebook page. Lauma also has a background in architecture, having studied at Riga Technical University and the Polytechnic University of Valencia.