According to Rihards Dubra, every composer has their own path to emotions in music, a path that also leads to God, just as every person finds their own individual path to God. His focus on sacred music makes him a remarkable voice in Latvian choral music. He appreciates the authenticity of other "holy minimalists" and describes his own style more accurately as "meditation music," characterized by a modern interpretation of medieval essence. His deep faith forms the basis for compositions of genuine depth.
As cantor at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Riga, Dubra is firmly rooted in the Latvian musical landscape. Choral music occupies a central position in Latvian cultural history and served as a unifying element during the Soviet occupation. Although Dubra had limited access to sacred music under the regime, he was raised by his Catholic grandparents. His profound connection to faith permeates all his works and serves as his primary source of inspiration.
Dubra was born in Riga in 1964 and developed a passion for composition at an early age, influenced by his grandparents' Catholic faith. For decades, Latvia's music scene was subject to political influences, which significantly hampered access to sacred music. Despite these challenges, Dubra worked persistently to develop the spiritual depth of his expressive compositions. Through masterclasses and concerts, he has established himself as a significant contemporary composer.