Lifshits (Lifschitz) Toviy (Tovye) Borisovich (1928, Riga) — conductor, violinist.

Toviy Lifshits studied in Alma-Ata with K. Brikner (1941–43) and Ya. Targonsky (1943–44), and later in Riga at the Jazeps Medins Music College (class of P. Smilga). In 1950 (1951?) he graduated from the Lithuanian Conservatoire, violin class of Prof. Ya. Targonsky.

In 1951–53 he worked as a teacher and head of the string department at the Jelgava music school; in 1953–69 he taught at the Jazeps Medins Music College in Riga and at other music schools of the Latvian SSR. He performed at the Latvian Philharmonic as a violinist with classical repertoire in many programmes and solo concerts, and also took part in a Jewish-themed programme compiled by the actor A. Reznik (performing works by E. Bloch and J. Achron).

In 1967, together with E. Bertovskis, he founded the Chamber Orchestra of the Latvian Philharmonic. He was its permanent chief conductor for 25 years, until 1992. The repertoire included works by composers of the 17th–20th centuries. He toured with the ensemble in many European countries (France, Austria, the FRG), as well as in India and the USA, and performed with many outstanding contemporary soloists.

Toviy Lifshits also taught violin at the Emīls Dārziņš Music School in 1978–88.

People’s Artist of the Latvian SSR (1976).

In 2005 he was awarded the Order of the Three Stars, 4th class.

He recorded 22 LPs with the Chamber Orchestra of the Latvian Philharmonic.

Literature: SKV, pp. 42–44.