Laima Vaikule

Laima Vaikule is a popular Latvian actress, singer, director and choreographer, best known in Europe and in the Former USSR for such popular hits as "Vernisazh" and "Charley" among other songs. She was born Laima Stanislavovna Vaikule on March 31, 1954, in Cesis, Latvian Republic, Soviet Union (now Cesis, Latvia). Her parents moved to Riga when she was 3. Young Laima Vaikule was fond of music and dancing. In 1966, at the age of 12, she took part in a competition of young singers and was noticed. From 1970 - 1973 she studied nursing at Medical School in Riga, and was planning to become a surgeon. She also continued singing with a band. Eventually she became a lead singer with a local band in Riga and worked night gigs at local clubs and restaurants for several years. In the 1980s she studied acting and directing at Moscow State Institute for Theatrical Arts (GITIS), graduating as actress and director. In 1985, Laima Vaikule made her first hit in the Soviet Union. Since 1986, Vaikule has been enjoying a fruitful collaboration with popular Latvian composer, Raimonds Pauls, and Russian poet Ilya Reznik, who wrote such hits as "Vernisazh", "Charley" and "Skripach na kryshe" (aka.. Fiddler on the roof). She was among original organizers of the Yurmala Festival of popular music, along with Raimond Pauls. During the 1980s and 1990s Laima Vaikule was a regular participant at international music competitions and festivals across Europe. Vaikule was awarded the Golde Lyra at "Bratislavská Lýra, 87", received awards at "Yurmala, 92", and also took part at "AU music world" in Monaco, among other festivals and competitions. She was designated National Actress of Latvia and was awarded the Grand Prix (1996) for her special contribution to the music and culture of Latvia. Laima Vaikule is currently living and working in Riga, Latvia and owns a second home in Moscow, Russia.