The City as an Artwork

The inspiration for the programme of the festival’s opening concert came from number 770, which means that it will introduce works by 7 Lithuanian composers, both late and living, and the total duration of their music will comprise 70 minutes.

This concert, presented by the Klaipėda Chamber Orchestra, will begin with two orchestral compositions by the foremost Lithuanian modernist composers written in the 1980s: Jūros atspindžiai (Reflections of the Sea) for string orchestra by Eduardas Balsys (1919–1984) and Das Bachjahr for flute solo, harpsichord and string orchestra and by Osvaldas Balakauskas (b. 1937). They both have been living and studying in Klaipėda for several years. The programme will continue with a posthumous collaboration between two Klaipėda-based composers: the sound of Aušrinė (Morning Star) for piano and string orchestra by Zigmas Virkšas (1946–2001), written in 1997, will be enhanced by adding new electronic tracks by sound artist Donatas Bielkauskas (aka Donis).

To add even more intrigue to this programme, the orchestra will also perform the premiere of a new piece for cello and strings by young composer Matas Drukteinis, which was composed with the financial aid granted by the Lithuanian Composers‘ Union. The solo cello part will be performed by the artistic director of the Klaipėda Chamber Orchestra, cellist Mindaugas Bačkus.

Monika Zenkevičiūtė, another young Lithuanian composer, who has recently been attracting more and more attention for her contagious electronic music under the moniker Monikaze, will be introduced with her diploma composition, the chamber piece Pocket, which was named among the top 10 recommended compositions at the 2019 International Rostrum of Composers.

The City as an Artwork is not only the title of this concert but also of a final work in the programme. It was written in 2018 by Loreta Narvilaitė using text by prominent Lithuanian philosopher, educator, politician Leonidas Donskis who was born and educated in Klaipėda.

Among the soloists featured in this concert are Vytautas Sriubikis (flute), Lauryna Lankutytė-Levickė (piano) and Kristupas Biržietis (actor). Karolis Variakojis, known for his fervid performances of contemporary music, will stand at the helm of the Klaipėda Chamber Orchestra for the first time.

• 50% off for schoolchildren, students, senior citizens and people with disabilities (appropriate cards to be shown);

• 50% off for children under 7 years of age (admitted only to the educational programmes);

• Admission free for persons in wheelchairs (appropriate cards to be shown ) and 50% off for one accompanying person;

• 10% off for group bookings (20 and more tickets for one event);

• 100% off for schoolchildren and students of the Klaipėda art schools (appropriate ID cards to be shown), which include: Klaipėda Stasys Šimkus Conservatory, Klaipėda Juozas Karosas Music School, Klaipėda Eduardas Balsys Gymnasium of Arts, Klaipėda Jeronimas Kačinskas Music School, Klaipėda Faculty of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, Klaipėda Adomas Brakas School of Art. A transaction fee of € 1.20 is applied when purchasing tickets via the BILIETAI ticketing system.