Egils Upatnieks is the principal oboe of the LNSO since 2009. Often voted best principal musician of the year in the LNSO’s annual poll. Prizewinner of many international competitions. Since 2009, Egils is a member of Denmark-based wind quintet Carion, with frequent performances in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and other countries. Member of the Latvian National Opera Orchestra since 2010. Egils was the principal oboe of chamber orchestra Sinfonietta Rīga since it was founded in 2006 until 2011. Guest performer with chamber orchestra Kremerata Baltica, the Iceland SO, and Nordic SO. Lecturer at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (JVLMA) since 2010.

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Upatnieks learned to play the oboe at Emīls Dārziņš Music School and mastered his skills at the JVLMA, class of professor Vilnis Pelnēns. In 2010, he received his master’s in oboe playing from the JVLMA, class of Normunds Šnē. He also went to Hamburg University of Music and Theatre, where he studied with Rainer Herweg. Egils has attended classes taught by Christian Wetzel, Günther Passin, and Ingo Goritzki.

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Upatnieks has performed as soloist with the LNSO, Sinfonia concertante, Vidzeme Chamber Orchestra, Baltic Academies Orchestra, Odense SO, and others.