Uģis Menģelis is the son of sculptor Baiba Pormale and the great-grandnephew of Lūcija Garūta. Her musical legacy holds both a professional and deeply personal significance for him. As a choir master, he has performed Garūta’s works internationally with the Rīga mixed choir of Riga Stradiņš University, while as a choral artist with the Latvija State Choir, he has been part of performances and recordings of her compositions. Menģelis has sung Garūta’s works with choirs worldwide, bringing her music to broader audiences. Additionally, he has contributed to the preservation of Garūta’s compositions by digitizing her scores, including the Piano Concerto, the cantata “Dievs, Tava zeme deg”, and several choral pieces, ensuring their accessibility for future performers and listeners.