Abram Abramis was born in 1871 in the shtetl of Gorodok in Vitebsk Governorate (now Vitebsk Oblast, Belarus). From an early age his vocal abilities attracted the attention of the Jewish community. Abram received serious vocal training in Italy under Professor Alberto Toma. He later continued his education in Vienna, which helped him become a highly accomplished cantor. His voice — a lyric-dramatic tenor — possessed a rare timbre and exceptional coloratura, which earned him renown among Jewish communities.

In 1903, Abram Abramis moved to Riga together with his wife and young son Yakov. His initial goal was to study under the famous cantor Boruch Leib Rosovsky, who served at the Choral Synagogue on Gogol Street. However, there were no vacancies in the choir at that time, and Abramis took a position as cantor at the prayer house “Iosif-Meyers Minyan.” Thanks to his voice, he soon became known throughout Riga.

By the opening of the new Choral Synagogue on Peitavas Street, Abram Abramis was already a recognized professional. In 1912, he was appointed to the post of chief cantor, a position he held until the war in 1941. Under his direction, a choir was formed consisting of six men and thirty boys. This choir gained fame for the cohesion of its performances and the skill of its director.

Abram Abramis not only sang in the synagogue but also actively performed at various concert venues. He frequently took part in concerts timed to coincide with Jewish holidays, performing both classical and contemporary repertoire.

In addition to his musical career, Abram Abramis actively participated in the public life of the Jewish community of Latvia. He became one of the founders of the All-Latvia Society of Cantors named after Boruch Leib Rosovsky, which was established to protect the interests of Jewish cantors and musicians. The society included not only cantors but also composers, conductors and music teachers.

Abram Abramis made a significant contribution to the development of Jewish musical culture in Latvia. He organized charity concerts and events, promoting Jewish music. His performances and work at the synagogue on Peitavas Street became a showcase of the Jewish musical tradition in Riga.

In 1941, Abram Abramis and his family found themselves among the victims of the Nazi regime. Despite all attempts to save himself and his family, Abram Abramis perished in the first months of the occupation of Riga.

Wife: Fruma Abramis (1874–1941), née Rapoport — perished in the Riga Ghetto.
Son: Yakov Abramis (1903–1977) — pianist and composer. Despite having no formal musical education, Yakov became a talented and renowned accompanist and composer for the Jewish theatre in Riga. He wrote music for productions, including the play “The Empty Basket.” Yakov continued his musical career after the war, becoming a recognized musician.
Daughter: Katya Abramis (1907–1941) — pianist, who studied in France under Professor Achille Philippe. She also graduated from the Paris Russian Conservatory and established her own private piano studio in Riga. Katya regularly gave solo concerts, and her performances were always well received. She perished during the Holocaust.
Son: Israel Abramis (1908–2000) — an outstanding violinist and conductor. After graduating from the Latvian Conservatory, Israel studied in Prague, and upon returning to Riga established a male choir at the Jewish Club. After the war, he became a renowned violin teacher and continued his musical activities in Latvia.

Born in Belarus\\
Born in 1871\\
Cantors\\
Prisoners of the Riga Ghetto\\
Victims of the Holocaust in Latvia\\
Killed in 1941\\
People: Riga\\

Sava krāsa varavīksnē. R., 1997. 45. lpp.
Mikhalets, Marina. “The Phenomenon of the Abramis Musical Family.” Riga, Latvia.