Janis Kalejs

Kalejs, Janis

Kalejs, Janis (Voldemars). Violinist, teacher, composer, b Riga, Latvia, 7 Jan 1912, naturalized Canadian 1955, d Wolfville, NS, 7 Nov 1973. He graduated in violin from the State Cons in Riga in 1934 and received advanced training in Berlin under Georg Kulenkampff. He was a violinist in the Latvian National Radio Orchestra and, later, in the National Opera orchestra, performed as a concerto soloist, and taught at the State Cons. Upon his arrival in Canada in 1949 he became head of the string department of the School of Music, Acadia University. He became acting dean in 1965 and dean in 1966. He fostered the growth of the Acadia instrumental music summer camp and was heard in many recitals in eastern Canada and the USA and on many CBC broadcasts. He was married to Felicita Kalejs.