Imants Vanzovics
Latvia- Early Life and Military Service
- Rise to Fame with "Opus"
- Collaboration with Zigmars Liepiņš
- Transition to Water-Musical Shows
- Personal Life
Early Life and Military Service
Born in Latvia, Imants Vanzovič began his musical journey in the Soviet Army's Riga construction battalion. Under the leadership of Colonel Ilya Petrovich Petrov, Vanzovič joined a talented group of musicians in 1963 to form the renowned ensemble "Zvaigznīte." This opportunity provided him with both financial gain and a stepping stone to the professional music scene.
Rise to Fame with "Opus"
Upon completing his military service, Vanzovič joined the State Philharmonic Orchestra. He gained national recognition as a soloist in the vocal instrumental ensemble (VIA) "Opus," alongside the renowned soprano, Mirdza Zīvere. Vanzovič's creative contributions included the naming of the ensemble, "Opus." The duo's performance of the song "Need to Think" earned them an award at the 1984 "Song of the Year" festival.
Collaboration with Zigmars Liepiņš
Vanzovič's collaboration with Zigmars Liepiņš, the leader of "Opus," extended beyond their work in the VIA. He participated in Liepiņš's projects, including the rock opera "Lāčplēsis" in 1988, where Vanzovič performed the role of the villain, Baka Kangars. Together with Zīvere, they became the first Latvians to study stage and mass performance directing at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts (GITIS).
Transition to Water-Musical Shows
In the 1990s, Vanzovič attempted a comeback as a singer, setting the poetry of Ojārs Vācietis to music. However, the lack of public interest in these works led him to retire from singing. In the 2000s, Vanzovič embarked on a new chapter in his career, focusing on the production of water-musical shows. As the official representative of the French company Aquatique Show International, he also heads the collaborating company Imishow International Ltd.
Personal Life
Vanzovič is a Latvian national who has been married three times. His first wife was a musicologist and now serves as the director of the Latvian National Radio. His second wife, Inguna Vanzovič, collaborated with him in producing water-musical shows worldwide. They share at least one child. In 2009, Mirdza Zīvere revealed in an interview that Vanzovič was struggling with alcoholism.
