Jānis Bētiņš

Jānis Bētiņš (1830–1912) was a pivotal figure in Latvian music, often referred to as the 'Father of Kurzeme Music.' He was instrumental in establishing the traditions of choral singing and orchestral music in Latvia during the 19th century. A graduate of the Irlava Teacher's Seminary, he founded both a mixed choir and an orchestra there, and played a significant role in the organization of the first Kurzeme Song Festival in Dobele in 1870.