Oskars Bokanovs, born in 1990 in Riga, began studying double bass at an early age, continuing his education at Emīls Dārziņš Music Secondary School, the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music, and the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts.
Since 2017, he has been Principal Solo Double Bassist of the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, while also teaching double bass at the Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music and Emīls Dārziņš Music Secondary School.
Bokanovs has won awards at international double bass competitions in the Czech Republic and Poland, including first prize at the 8th International František Simandl Double Bass Competition in Blatná.
As a soloist and chamber musician, he has performed across Europe and Japan, collaborating with orchestras and artists such as Kremerata Baltica, Mariss Jansons, Gidon Kremer, Sergei Nakariakov, and Marta Argerich. He has taken part in numerous festivals and concert series, including LNSO chamber music programs, “Baroque Pearls,” and “16 Double Basses and Alice in Wonderland,” and premiered works by contemporary composers such as Kristaps Pētersons.
Oskars also gives lectures and masterclasses for young double bassists throughout Europe, including at international conferences in Brno. His repertoire spans both solo and chamber music, with recordings featured on radio broadcasts and various CD projects. He speaks Latvian, Russian, English, and Czech.