rule, absorbed successively by the Russian Empire, Germany, and Poland. The 20th century brought unimaginable turmoil: two World Wars, the Holocaust that decimated its vibrant Jewish community, and decades of Soviet occupation. Yet, the spirit of Gediminas never faded. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence, with Vilnius as its defiant capital. Today, the city is a dynamic European capital, where its painful past is honoured, and its reborn future is celebrated with creative, joyful energy.
COMPOSERS AND ARTISTS
Classical music in Lithuania has deep roots that intertwine with the nation’s cultural identity, evolving from folk traditions into a vibrant modern scene. The foundations of Lithuanian professional composition were laid in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with pioneers such as Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, whose symphonic poems and piano works blended symbolism, impressionism, and national motifs. He remains Lithuania’s most internationally recognized classical figure. In the mid-20th century, composers such as Balys Dvarionas, Eduardas Balsys, and Julius Juzeliūnas shaped the country’s musical language, introducing rich orchestral textures and contemporary techniques. More recently, violinist Vilhelmas Čepinskis, pianist Muza Rubackytė, and conductors such as Gintaras Rinkevičius and Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla have brought Lithuanian artistry to major international halls. Ensembles like the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, and Čiurlionis Quartet contribute to a lively concert life at home. Today, Lithuania’s classical music scene thrives through festivals, conservatories, and dynamic performers, maintaining a strong link between national heritage and contemporary creativity.
Old town, Vilnius
THE PHILHARMONIJA
The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society — often referred to as the “Vilnius Philharmonija” — is housed in one of Vilnius’s most elegant historic buildings.
ABOUT US
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