Rihards Kolmanis
Education and Training
’19 Berklee College of Music; ’22 MM New England Conservatory
Awards and Recognition
Lielais Kristaps: Best Documentary Film for music in film “Ruch’n’Norie” (2015)
Akka/Laa Copyright Infinity Award for music in film “Ruch’n’Norie” (2016)
T-Bone Walker Award for outstanding achievement at Berklee College of Music (2017)
Jimi Hendrix Award for outstanding achievement at Berklee College of Music (2018)
Garrison Fewell Award for outstanding achievement at Berklee College of Music (2018)
Latvian Heritage Foundation award Oskara Balva for promoting and sustaining Latvian culture in Boston (2019)
Honorable Mention for the Ran Blake Foundation Award (2021)
Rihards Kolmanis
Division: Expanded Education
Department: Contemporary Musical Arts
Instrument: Guitar
Rihards Kolmanis is a Latvian composer, guitarist, improviser, and educator whose work bridges contemporary composition, free improvisation, experimental music, and interdisciplinary performance. As both a composer and performer, his practice integrates acoustic and electroacoustic techniques, extended guitar methods, field recording, sound design, and cross-cultural collaboration, with projects spanning concert music, theater, film, and multimedia performance.
Kolmanis has presented original work throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, including performances and commissions with Mt. Far Ensemble, Harvard Musical Association, New England Conservatory, American Latvian Association, Dailes Theatre, Great Amber Concert Hall, and major festivals in Latvia and Switzerland. His work has been featured in award-winning film productions, international media, and educational and cultural institutions, and he has collaborated with artists across a wide range of musical traditions.
A dedicated educator, Kolmanis serves on the faculties of New England Conservatory’s Expanded Education Division and Phillips Academy Andover, and has taught at Berklee College of Music’s Guitar Sessions. His teaching emphasizes creativity, improvisation, musicianship, technical development, and helping students cultivate an individual artistic voice while building strong musical fundamentals.
Kolmanis holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Music in Contemporary Improvisation from New England Conservatory. He is currently active as a composer, performer, recording artist, and educator, developing new interdisciplinary works that explore sound, ecology, literature, and intercultural dialogue.
Curriculum Vitae
’19 Berklee College of Music; ’22 MM New England Conservatory
- Lielais Kristaps: Best Documentary Film for music in film “Ruch’n’Norie” (2015)
- Akka/Laa Copyright Infinity Award for music in film “Ruch’n’Norie” (2016)
- T-Bone Walker Award for outstanding achievement at Berklee College of Music (2017)
- Jimi Hendrix Award for outstanding achievement at Berklee College of Music (2018)
- Garrison Fewell Award for outstanding achievement at Berklee College of Music (2018)
- Latvian Heritage Foundation award Oskara Balva for promoting and sustaining Latvian culture in Boston (2019)
- Honorable Mention for the Ran Blake Foundation Award (2021)
