Madara Eleonora Mežale

Madara Eleonora Mežale is a Latvian-born clarinetist, currently based in Oslo, Norway. She is pursuing her master's degree at the Norwegian Academy of Music (NMH), studying under Professor Björn Nyman and Hans Christian Bræn in the fall semester of 2024. Prior to this, in June 2024, she completed her bachelor's degree at NMH, building on her education from the Emils Darzins Music School, one of Latvia’s top institutions, where she studied with the country's leading clarinet teacher, Gunārs Kļaviņš. Her musical journey began with early education at the Pāvuls Jurjāns Music School, under the guidance of Juris Vanags.

During her early years as a clarinetist, Madara actively participated in various national and international competitions in Latvia, becoming a laureate of the Latvian State Competition for woodwind instruments, the National Competition for Young Talents, and Eduards Mednis International competition among others. Alongside her training in symphonic music throughout her education, she also gained valuable experience through orchestral programs in Norway, including Ungdomssymfonikerne and UngFil. 

Besides her training in orchestral music, Madara developed a strong passion for solo and chamber music. She has performed with various chamber music groups, exploring the most celebrated works in the clarinet chamber music repertoire. Her participation in numerous concerts and festivals, such as the Oslo Chamber Music Festival, further reflects her diverse musical engagements. In addition, Madara was a finalist of the Ungdomssymfonikerne soloist audition in the fall of 2023. She has also taken part in chamber music competitions in Latvia, including the V International Competition for Piano Ensembles and Instrumental Chamber Orchestras with Piano, as well as the VIII International Brass and Rhythmic Ensembles and Orchestra Rhythmic Music Festival - Competition.

Madara's focus on blending classical solo and chamber music with modern and contemporary works represents a thoughtful and forward-looking approach to her master's studies. By selecting works for clarinet and piano written after World War II, she aims to explore often overlooked pieces in the repertoire. This dedication to the rediscovery of underrepresented music, in combination with established core repertoire, not only enriches concert programs but also broadens our understanding of music history. Her philosophy underscores the idea that music history is not a monolithic narrative dominated solely by canonical works. By integrating new compositions, Madara adds depth to how we perceive music. She emphasizes that these forgotten layers offer invaluable perspectives, showing how music has evolved and been shaped by various historical, cultural, and social factors. The fusion of modern pieces with the classical canon creates an innovative framework that invites listeners to reconsider familiar works while gaining insight into the diversity of musical expression throughout history.

This approach also challenges the audience's perception of what defines "important" music. It advocates for a more inclusive understanding of the term, highlighting the importance of different voices in shaping the music world. Through this, Madara opens a space for both traditional and contemporary music to coexist, inspiring fresh dialogues about creativity, context, and the development of musical literature. By crafting concert programs with this philosophy in mind, Madara not only educates but also creates a rich and engaging concert experience, encouraging listeners to appreciate the complexity and depth of the clarinet and piano repertoire from a renewed perspective.

Soundcloud: @madaraemezale

< Noël Rubli