christopher festival 2020 - kristupo festivalis

Christopher Festival 2020

It's time to switch the “stop” button to “play”! Let's get together at the Christopher Festival's

concerts from July 22. This year's theme is summer-time discoveries. What they'll be depends on

you. Meanwhile, our most pleasant discovery will not only be that we can't wait to see you, but

that you too can't wait for the festival!

The main festival stage will be in the Grand Courtyard of Vilnius University. Future Cello will

shake the stage with their powerful fix of cello and electronica. The Jacob Gurevitch Trio (loved

by over 20 million fans all over the world) will enchant you with their Spanish melodies. The

forever impressive classical music rock stars, the New Ideas Chamber Orchestra with conductor

Gediminas Gelgotas at the fore, will be taking a new look at the music of Radiohead. Baltos

varnos will dress their music up in the sound of strings, while singer Gabrielė Vilkickytė will fill

your souls with authenticity. And Grammy award winners Kremerata Baltica will gently caress

the hearts of music gourmets like a refreshing summer breeze.

Meanwhile, we'll all be near the fountain in the Bernardine Gardens for some piano music, and

Music on Water will again be heard on the banks of the Neris River. The organ at St Casimir's

Church will be in the hands of the finest organ players around the world, while the Lithuanian

State Symphony Orchestra with maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius and eminent soloists will bring the

festival to a resounding final accord.

Wednesday, July 22, 8 pm

Vilnius University Grand Courtyard (12 Šv. Jono St, Vilnius)

RADIOHEAD: REWRITE

The music of Steve Reich and Gediminas Gelgotas

NEW IDEAS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA (NICO):

AUGUSTA JUSIONYTĖ, DALIA SIMAŠKAITĖ, JULIJA IVANOVAITĖ (violins),

DEIVIDAS DUMČIUS (cello), VINCAS BAČIUS (bass guitar)

Guest performers:

PER LUNDBERG (piano, Sweden), PAULIUS ANDERSSON (piano), VITALIJA

RAŠKEVIČIŪTĖ-GELGOTĖ (viola), VALENTINAS GELGOTAS (flute), MARIUS

KAVALIAUSKAS (clarinet), DŽIUGAS DAUGIRDA (percussion)

Artistic director and conductor GEDIMINAS GELGOTAS

If you'd have to name “one of the few composers who have without a doubt changed music

history”, according to The Guardian, it would be the icon of minimalism, US composer Steve

Reich. His works Radio Rewrite and Clapping Music will be performed at the Christopher

Summer Festival by the New Ideas Chamber Orchestra NICO.

Having inspired various rock and pop groups for years, Reich has unexpectedly found himself

on the other side of the barricades – he wrote Radio Rewrite inspired by the songs of the cult

British group Radiohead, Jigsaw Falling into Place and Everything in Its Right Place. They

shall be heard (arr. Gediminas Gelgotas) just before Radio Rewrite, so audiences will be able to

get into the concert atmosphere vibe and recognise the rock group's melodies in Reich's

composition.

Clapping Music meanwhile gives off a totally different mood. The composer says he always

wanted to create a piece “for which you wouldn't need any instrument apart from your body”.

Clapping Music is performed by clapping out the rhythm, and as it gradually evolves, it is as if

the public is submerged into a trance-like state.

This concert will become an exceptional gem in your collection of experiences, and not just for

its intriguing program, but for the performers as well. “NICO creates an amazing experience.

The effect is mesmerizing, and the result is inspiring to all ages” (J. Newborn). Come and feel

the NICO effect!

Program features S. Reich, G. Gelgotas

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Wednesday, July 29, 8 pm


FUTURE CELLO

The launch of their latest album

FUTURE CELLO (cello, electronica) and invited guests

A powerful fix of cello and electronica – these are the keywords for the launch of the latest

album by Future Cello. In this concert you'll be convinced that the cello's strings can

accommodate both classical music treasures, and the digital future.

While this combination could come across as questionable, once you know the stage name

Future Cello actually belongs to Justas Kulikauskas, the cellist and producer, and one of the best

effects pedal musicians in the world, capable of capturing every one of your senses, you'll be

sure to change your mind.

Justas has won over audiences with his original work and virtuosi musicianship. His talents as a

producer and a performer are highly regarded by Asmik Grigorian, Justė Arlauskaitė (Jazzu),

Jurga Šeduikytė, Petras Geniušas, Linas Adomaitis, the New Ideas Chamber Orchestra (artistic

director Gediminas Gelgotas) and many others.

This performer loves everything that makes the heart beat that little bit faster. So naturally, his

own appearances are also breathtaking. Get ready for an impressive synthesis of original pieces,

popular music, cello sounds and electronica, unfettered by any genre or stylistic framework.

Program features works from the latest Future Cello album

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFb0R1jf6Qs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFApvtrlFRA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8gE1Xv2xG4

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Thursday, July 30, 8 pm


BALTOS VARNOS AND STRING QUARTET

BALTOS VARNOS:

MILDA ANDRIJAUSKAITĖ-BAKANAUSKIENĖ (vocals, violin, guitar)

TERESĖ ANDRIJAUSKAITĖ (vocals, violin, guitar)

JULIUS BAKANAUSKAS (bass guitar), TADAS DEŠUKAS (mandolin)

TOMAS URBANAVIČIUS (drums), MARTYNAS NUGARAS (percussion)

STRING QUARTET: VYTAUTAS MIKELIŪNAS (I violin), JURGITA GAUBYTĖ (II

violin), TOMAS PETRIKIS (viola), ONUTĖ ŠVABAUSKAITĖ (cello)

Arrangements for strings – TADAS DEŠUKAS

Even though these “Baltos varnos” (White Crows) are by no means new-comers in the music

world, they never fail to amaze and enchant audiences with their characteristically magical blend

of text, music and voices. This combination has delighted audiences not just in Lithuania but

abroad as well – this was evident in this year's National Eurovision selection rounds, where the

group earned widespread support for their song Namų dvasia (Home spirit) and further expanded

their crowd of fans.

What is their recipe for success? According to the group's singers, sisters Milka and Teresė, there

is no recipe. There's just the genuine wish to remind us of how beautiful our nation's music

sounds, and to allow each member of the audience to dream, feel nostalgic and discover

themselves in their words.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8gE1Xv2xG4

We believe that this group's wish will come true, especially since “Baltos varnos” will be taking

to the stage with a solid line-up – the multi-instrumentalist Tadas Dešukas and a string quartet.

Program features original songs by “Baltos varnos”

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lf2lTjKCXQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR_abDCAT7I

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Tuesday, August 4, 7 pm


JACOB GUREVITSCH

The most popular Spanish guitar virtuoso

JACOB GUREVITSCH TRIO (Denmark):

Jacob Gurevitsch (guitar)

Jacob Andersen (percussion)

Bastian Sjelberg (bass)

Spellbinding melodies that over 20 million people around the world have fallen in love with –

now it's our chance, at the Christopher Summer Festival!

Jacob Gurevitsch is a Spanish guitar virtuoso, opening the doors to his audience's hearts with his

perfect combination of emotions and technique. According to the musician, the catchy tunes

come to him from things he holds dear to his heart, which you will surely recognise – a drop of

Argentina, motifs from old Italian films, early morning walks through the forests in Spain.

In Vilnius, the performer and his trio will present their latest album, In Search Of Lost Time. As

the title suggests, the dominant theme is nostalgia, which the guitarist looks at as if through a

mysterious, rose-coloured lens.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iNnKYKlXKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enxS9WTfSNE

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lf2lTjKCXQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lf2lTjKCXQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR_abDCAT7I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iNnKYKlXKE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enxS9WTfSNE

Thursday, August 6, 7 pm

Bernardine Gardens (Sereikiškės Park) (8A B. Radvilaitės St, Vilnius)

BY THE FOUNTAIN WITH CHOPIN

Dedicated to mark the 210th anniversary of the birth of F. Chopin

Concert organised in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland and the Vilnius

City Municipality

ONUTĖ GRAŽINYTĖ (piano)

From being the richest botanical garden in Europe, to plots of land rented out for growing

vegetables – the Bernardine Gardens have undergone the most unexpected transformations and is

today again delighting the public with its authentic 19th-century surrounds, which the

Christopher Summer Festival will fill with piano music! Or more precisely, works by the

romantic Fryderyk Chopin, still so loved around the world.

The first performer inviting you to come to this open-air concert space is pianist Onutė

Gražinytė. Her talent is so natural, as sure as the sun rises every morning – from the first notes

she played at the age of five, to the dozens of national and international competition prizes she

holds today. The pianist's star shines ever brighter, drawing the attention of both fans and

professionals: in 2018 Gražinytė was awarded the prize named after the famous Chinese pianist

Haiou Zhango, followed up by a debut performance at the International Music Festival

Buxtehude (where she won the special prize), opening the doors to more than ten prestigious

concert halls in Germany, Italy and China. How glad we are that her concert tour includes a stop

in Vilnius as well!

Program features F. Chopin, B. Dvarionas and others

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dH-fxigbSEk

Free admission

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KREMERATA BALTICA: HOW SLOW THE WIND

Soloists: GUNTA GELGOTĖ (soprano), ANDRIUS ŽIŪRA (clarinet),

DŽERALDAS BIDVA (violin)

KREMERATA BALTICA soloists:

DŽERALDAS BIDVA (violin), RAKELĖ CHIJENAITĖ (violin), DAINIUS PESECKAS

(violin), LINAS VALICKAS (violin), ULIJONA PUGAČIUKAITĖ (violin), GRETA

STAPONKUTĖ-RAKAU (viola), BIRUTĖ ILČIUKAITĖ (viola), GIEDRĖ

DIRVANAUSKAITĖ (cello), RŪTA BALČIŪTĖ (cello), AUGUSTINAS TREZNICKAS

(double bass)

Do you know the feeling of impatiently waiting for a cool breeze on a hot summer's day? That's

just how fans of Kremerata Baltica all around the world feel ahead of each performance by the

orchestra.

The Kremerata Baltica chamber orchestra founded in 1997 by the legendary violinist Gidon

Kremer has today reached its Olympus. Evidence of this is intense concert seasons, exclusive

projects with the most prominent music stars around the world, and recordings that have reaped

prestigious Echo Klassik and Grammy awards.

The Lithuanian members of Kremerata Baltica will take to the stage as part of the Christopher

Festival, together with a team of virtuosi soloists, together performing a charming, minimalistic

program dedicated to summer.

Program features V. Poleva, P. Glass, O. Golijov, A. Vivaldi-M. Richter

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BfmJpilvzE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1CAT9g6aVw

Concert duration: 70 min.

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City Municipality

JULIJA SADAUNYKAITĖ (piano)

Romantic piano music continues to entice contemporary performers – Frederic Chopin, Ferencz

Liszt, Sergei Rachmaninoff.. and Julija Sadaunykaitė is certainly on board, inviting you to a

dreamy meeting at the Bernardine Gardens.

The multiple prize-winning performer with the inborn gift of musicality enchants both critics and

the public alike. Sadaunykaitė has improved her skills at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Royal

Conservatoire of Scotland and numerous master classes. Today, besides her active concert

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BfmJpilvzE

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https://www.google.com/maps/search/B.+Radvilaitės+g.+8A,+Vilnius?entry=gmail&source=g

schedule, she is also sharing her wealth of knowledge with students of the Vytautas Magnus

University Music Academy.

Critics have titled this pianist as a “fairy at the piano”, so there's no doubt that the performer's

stylish interpretations will cast a spell on you as well!

Program F. Chopin, M. Ravel, F. Schubert

Free admission

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St Casimir's Church (34 Didžioji St, Vilnius)

SACRED MUSIC HOURS

In memoriam Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas

Soloists: ASTA KRIKŠČIŪNAITĖ (soprano), LIUDAS MIKALAUSKAS (bass)

Organ: RENATA MARCINKUTĖ LESIEUR, LEOPOLDAS DIGRYS

Love at first sight, a wedding in Vilnius under occupation, the fate of refugees and a new life

beyond the Atlantic. Such was the epic journey, a story fit for the big screen, undertaken by

Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas. This eminent philanthropic pair is the finest example of

nurturing the Lithuanian world view, a civil spirit and warmth towards one's fellow human

beings.

The fact that one of the best organs in Europe can today be heard at St Casimir's Church,

drawing masters of this instrument from all over the globe, is thanks to the enormous efforts of

Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas. The family foundation continuing the tradition they established

has allowed transforming the concert cycle into an international festival of organ music,

becoming the most important highlight in cultural life in the capital every summer.

Program features G. Verdi, K. Jenkins, F. Latėnas, Z. Bružaitė

Free admission

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City Municipality

JORIS SODEIKA (piano)

Joris Sodeika is a pianist who is not afraid to try various roles. Whether it's a theatre stage,

improvisations on the bus, prestigious piano competitions or a stylised 19th-century music salon

– he cannot help but be noticed wherever he performs. This charismatic musician is known for

his universality and adventurous spirit.

In his program, besides works by the most most famous poet of the piano – Chopin, Joris

Sodeika shall also bring in Liszt's rollicking Mephisto Waltzes and end the concert with sounds

from Debussy's Suite bergamasque. This will certainly be a mini musical adventure – and one

you cannot miss.

Program features F. Chopin, F. Liszt, C. Debussy

Free admission

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Friday, August 21, 7 pm


GABRIELĖ VILKICKYTĖ

An acoustic concert

GABRIELĖ VILKICKYTĖ (vocals, piano)

How many performers can you think of who can express your ideas in their own words? No

doubt, the name Gabrielė Vilkickytė would appear at the top of your list. With her spot-on song

lyrics, this performer creates a true oasis of serenity. Each chord, each word fills the soul with

authenticity.

Gabrielė does not rely on knock-out show elements. She is open in sharing her experiences and

stories, which are so involving that you soon forget you're in a hall full of people, not in the

performer's room where she's playing music for her first love at 2 o'clock in the morning.

The singer is convinced that voice and piano is not a boring concept for the modern person.

Quite the opposite – it is a wonderful mix for the cosiest of summer evenings...

Original songs by G. Vilkickytė

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6CM06ueiOE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmkdgO_Y-EY


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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6CM06ueiOE

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SACRED MUSIC HOURS

BERNHARD GFRERER (organ, Austria)

Bernhard Gfrerer is one of Austria's most famous organ players, whose impressive career is

marked by appearances with the most outstanding music stars in the world (including P.

Domingo, J. Carreras, J. King and others) in the greatest halls and churches, and recordings with

major labels. Aside from his solo appearances, the performer is also the organist at the famous

Salzburg Franciscan Church, he is engaged in pedagogical activities and heads master classes,

and participates in competitions as a member of the jury. Gfrerer has been granted an honorary

doctorate (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his musical activities and achievements.

Incidentally, this organist's calling card are his interpretations of W. A. Mozart's works,

astounding audiences with his fantastic performance technique and musicality. And that's just

what Gfrerer will treat the public in Vilnius to – don't miss this chance!

Program features R. Wagner, W. A. Mozart, E. Grieg, H. Mulet, etc.


Free admission

Free admission

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Wednesday, August 26, 7 pm





City Municipality

IEVA DŪDAITĖ (piano)

In her recital, pianist Ieva Dūdaitė will transport the audience to the same yet a very different

Paris. Chopin's dreamy nocturnes, ballads and waltzes will allow you to sense the spirit of 19th-

century salons, while melodies from the soundtrack to Amélie will remind you that even in this

age of cutting-edge technology, it is impossible to flee one's emotions.

Both Chopin and Tiersen were and are creative innovators, according to the pianist, who found

their key to listener's hearts: “Chopin's melodies are refined, memorable and perfectly adapted to

the piano. Tiersen's works on the other hand transport me as a performer to totally different

spaces: the streets, market squares, hills and lofty heights of Montmartre, full of accordion

music... That's the sensation I wish to convey to the public”, says Dūdaitė. And we hope that's

exactly what you feel!

Program features F. Chopin, Y. Tiersen

Free admission

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Vilnius Picture Gallery Courtyard (4 Didžioji St, Vilnius)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LUDWIG!

Dedicated to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of L. van Beethoven

Soloists: JŪRATĖ ŠVEDAITĖ (soprano, Lithuania/USA)

KRISTIAN BENEDIKT (tenor)

LITHUANIAN STATE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Conductor GINTARAS RINKEVIČIUS

From Bonn to Bombay, Vienna to Canberra – this year, the whole world is celebrating Ludwig van

Beethoven's 250th birthday as we continue to delight in the immortal beauty of his works.

Just about all of us would most likely confuse the leitmotif from the Symphony of Fate, or the finale to

the 9th Symphony, but the composer himself named the 7th Symphony as one of his finest. And that's just

what the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Gintaras Rinkevičius will be playing at

this concert. Incidentally, you're sure to have heard one part (Allegretto) of the work: it's featured in the

film The King's Speech that's won over 40 awards (including 4 Oscars).

The second part of the concert boasts an impressive stage pair to enchant us all with the beauty of their

voices and harmony – Jūratė Švedaitė (soprano) and Kristian Benedikt (tenor).

Get set for a festive evening with exceptional musical fireworks!

Program features L. van Beethoven and others

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9UktXrui oM6Zw

(An extract from the film The King's Speech, where part of Beethoven's 7th Symphony can be heard)


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Friday, August 28, 7pm

On the banks of the Neris River between the Green Bridge and King Mindaugas' Bridge

(near the Krantinės arka sculpture)

MUSIC ON THE WATER

To commemorate 30 years since the restoration of Lithuania's independence

Soloist LIUDAS MIKALAUSKAS (bass)

LITHUANIAN ARMED FORCES HEADQUARTERS BAND

Conductor and Senior Director of Music EGIDIJUS ALIŠAUSKAS

This year Music on the Water is inviting audiences not only to enjoy the sights and sounds on the

banks of the Neris, but also wants to remind us that is has been 30 years since news of

Lithuania's independence spread around the whole world. It is symbolic that on this special

occasion, the Lithuanian Armed Forces Headquarters Band will perform a concert on the deck of

the Ryga.

Conductor Egidijus Ališauskas promises an exceptional evening, filled with music to inspire

unity, which the band will perform together with the charismatic bass Liudas Mikalauskas.

Let's gather on the banks of the Neris in the spirit of togetherness, which gave Lithuania the

miracle of independence!

Program features V. Klova, G. Kuprevičius, K. Daugėla and others

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JmhzTn7dsk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB5vn494uoE

Free admission

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Saturday, August 29, 6 pm

Klaipėda Church of St Francis of Assisi (4 Savanorių St, Klaipėda)

SACRED MUSIC HOURS

JUAN PARADELL SOLÉ (organ, the Vatican)

Imagine your workplace is the envy of millions of tourists – the breath-taking Sistine Chapel or

St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican...

For Juan Paradell Solé, a guest of the Sacred Music Hours cycle, there's no need to just dream,

because he is the organ player at the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica. If that weren't

enough, he's also a professor in organ and Gregorian chanting at the Licino Refice Conservatory

in Frosinone and the honorary president of several organ music associations. The performer's

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concert tour routes range from Europe to Syria, and this year he'll be treating audiences in

Klaipėda for the first time ever!

Program features


Free admission

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Sunday, August 30, 1.30 pm

Šiauliai Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (57 Gegužių St,

Šiauliai)

SACRED MUSIC HOURS

AIVARS KALĒJS (organ, Latvia)

MARTINA DOEHRING (soprano, Germany)

One of the most prominent artists in Latvia – the composer, pianist and organ player Aivars

Kalejs is constantly surprising audiences with his creative whims, productivity and premieres.

And for this appearance in Šiauliai, he's put together a program of classical masterpieces with his

long-term stage partner, the soprano Martina Doehring.

According to the performers, they don't try to go too much out of their way to amaze audiences.

Yet they usually have the opposite effect – rather, the performers are often overwhelmed by the

applauding public, basking in rays of warmth and appreciation – a scenario that is even repeated

at halls most spoilt for musical novelties.

Program features


Free admission

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Tuesday, September 1, 7 pm


SACRED MUSIC HOURS

JAUNA MUZIKA Vilnius City Municipality Chamber Choir

Conductor VACLOVAS AUGUSTINAS

The pandemic is far from the gift the Jauna muzika choir expected to receive for their 30th

anniversary. However, one of the most resilient and innovative Lithuanian collectives can

maintain their creative capabilities even in this kind of situation – as part of the Sacred Music

Hours cycle, they will perform a whole bouquet of world premieres born in this abruptly altered

world we live in. They include the work Da pacem, Domine by the choir's artistic director and

conductor Vaclovas Augustinas that earned the attention and admiration of audiences when it

was performed by a virtual choir. This time, it is your chance to hear it live!

Program features M. Hale, J. Kubilius, G. J. Pujats, V. Augustinas and others


Free admission

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Thursday, September 3, 7 pm

Šaukėnai Cultural Centre (2 Juodlės St, Šaukėnai)

IN THE MUSE'S FOOTSTEPS

A Sacred Music Hours cycle concert

RUGILĖ JUKNEVIČIŪTĖ (cello)

MANTAS LEONARDO LIZZI (accordion)

This year, the Sacred Music Hours cycle sponsored by the Kazickas Family Foundation invites

you to a special concert series dedicated to mark the 100th birthday of Aleksandra Kazickienė.

Lithuania's young talents will appear in locations related to the life story of Aleksandra. This

decision was not accidental: the artistically inclined woman dreamed of becoming an artist,

however the war significantly altered any pre-planned life scenarios. Nonetheless, Aleksandra

remained a firm believer in the potential of the younger generation and worked hard to see their

talent nurtured, revealed and presented to the wider community.

So, we'll be guided on our journey “in the muse's footsteps” by the most skilled and talented

young musicians, who have various competition laurels and appearances at the finest halls in

Lithuania and abroad under their belts. That said, they don't over-accentuate their achievements,

reminding us that a number of ambitious challenges await!

Program features

Concert organised in cooperation with the M. Rostropovich Charity and Support Foundation


Free admission

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SACRED MUSIC HOURS

MARIA PERUCKA (violin, Poland)

ROMAN PERUCKI (organ, Poland)

Over 2,500 concerts, tour routes stretching from Europe to Australia, the most famous concert

halls and shrines around the world – including the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Mariinsky

Theatre in Saint Petersburg, and more. This is not just empty statistical data, but actually the

result of Roman Perucki's unrelenting dedication to organ music. He will appear as part of the

Sacred Music Hours cycle with his wife and stage partner – violinist Maria Perucka. According

to the performer, their joint performances are always special: “when we understand one another

without words, there's a kind of “chemistry”. We don't try to surprise audiences especially, but

the effect usually exceeds all our expectations. That's why I like to repeat that there's no better

duet than a family duet”, says Perucki smiling.

So, will you become fans of this duet as well?

Program features J. S. Bach, Z. Kruczek, D. M. Gronau, A. Vivaldi and others


Free admission

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Sunday, September 13, 1 pm

Pumpėnai Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Scapular (10 P. Cvirkos St, Pumpėnai)



RUGILĖ JUKNEVIČIŪTĖ (cello)

UGNĖ KATINSKAITĖ (violin)

PIJUS PAŠKEVIČIUS (oboe)














Free admission

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SACRED MUSIC HOURS

CHRISTOPH SCHOENER (organ, Germany)

Christoph Schoener is one of the most famous church musicians of his generation, highly valued

by critics for his expression and stylish and tasteful interpretations.

Following studies in Heidelberg, Freiburg, Paris and Amsterdam, numerous concert

opportunities were at his fingertips. Nonetheless, the organ player dedicated most of his attention

to his activities at St Michael's Church in Hamburg, where he has been the artistic director since

1998. This elaborate Baroque shrine is one of the city's symbols and one of the five most

important Lutheran churches in Hamburg. Under the leadership of Schoener, festive concert

performances of the Christmas oratorio and St Matthew Passion by J. S. Bach or Brahms'

Requiem have become traditional events in the city.

As a soloist, Schoener has organised recitals in the main churches of Europe, Israel, the United

States and South Africa, and has released numerous CD recordings, two of which have received

ECHO-Klassik awards. Aside from his solo performances, he also takes part in pedagogical

activities, heads master classes and participates in competitions as a member of the jury.

Program features J. S. Bach, G. Litaize, J. Brahms and others


Free admission

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Thursday, September 17, 7 pm

Pasvalys Church of St John the Baptist (5 Vytauto Didžiojo Alley, Pasvalys)



LIEPA JURGUTAVIČIŪTĖ (violin) AMELIJA LAPINSKAITĖ (clarinet)














Free admission

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Friday, September 18, 7 pm


SACRED MUSIC HOURS

Dedicated to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Aleksandra Kalvėnaitė Kazickienė

Soloist IRENA MILKEVIČIŪTĖ (soprano)

Organ: RENATA MARCINKUTĖ LESIEUR, LEOPOLDAS DIGRYS

It is symbolic that as Lithuania celebrates 30 years since the restoration of its independence, so

too do we mark 100 years since the birth of Aleksandra Kalvėnaitė Kazickienė.

This woman, who endured the torment of war and the fate of a refugee, before creating a new life

with her husband in the United States, never forgot her roots. She became one of the most

prominent activists in diaspora, preserving, spreading and nurturing the Lithuanian spirit in a

variety of ways.

A. Kazickienė dreamt of singing on the big stage, yet she became a safe haven for her family,

and a symbol of strength, love and patriotism for all of us.

Let this concert be our modest tribute to a truly great figure.

Program features T. Albinoni, A. Caccini, G. Verdi, C. Franck, F. Latėnas


Free admission

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SACRED MUSIC HOURS

GIAMPAOLO DI ROSA (organ, Italy/Portugal)

Studies with the finest professors from Italy, Germany and France, eight higher education

diplomas and multiple talents to astound both professionals and fans.

This is the organ player, pianist, harpsichord player, improvisor, composer, musicologist and

teacher Giampaolo di Rosa. The distinguishing feature of this performer is the originality of his

interpretations and exceptionally broad repertoire: you'll find works from each epoch, as well as

all the compositions for organ by C. Frank, F. Liszt, R. Schumann and J. S. Bach.

Incidentally, not a single performance by Giampaolo di Rosa can go without impressive virtuosi

improvisations based on a theme suggested by the public. So, before coming to this concert, keep

your favourite melody in mind – perhaps it will become the cherry on top of this recital?

Program features J. S. Bach, R. Schumann, D. Scarlatti, G. di Rosa and others


Free admission

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Saturday, September 26, 6 pm

Kamajai St Casimir's Church (6 Kraštinė St, Kamajai)



JUSTAS DRAKŠAS (trumpet) LIEPA JURGUTAVIČIŪTĖ (violin)



Lithuania's young talents will appear in locations related to the life story of Aleksandra. This decision was not accidental: the artistically inclined woman dreamed of becoming an artist,







reminding us that a number of ambitious challenges await

Program features



Free admission

christopher festival 2020 - kristupo festivalis

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