Dedication to kotryna jogailaite

Performers:

Lithuanian symphonic wind orchestra

Artistic Director Antanas Kučinskas, Chief Conductor Karolis Variakojis

Kaunas state choir

Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Robertas Šervenikas

Soloist MODESTAS SEDLEVIČIUS (baritone) Conductor KAROLIS VARIAKOJIS Librettist – RIMVYDAS STANKEVIČIUS

Program: LAIMIS VILKONČIUS – oratorio "Neo Nisi Mors" for baritone, choir, and symphonic wind orchestra (world premiere)

In 2026, we commemorate the 500th anniversary of the birth of Catherine Jagiellon, daughter of the Grand Duke of Lithuania and Queen of Sweden. This Renaissance-era Lithuanian, hailing from the powerful Jagiellonian dynasty and having become a queen, is considered one of the most prominent women of that period from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Her life inspired composer and Government Prize for Culture and Art laureate Laimis Vilkončius to create a new musical work.

There has been increasing discussion recently about the personality and historical role of Catherine Jagiellon. She was the youngest daughter of Sigismund the Old and Bona Sforza, sister of Sigismund Augustus, Duchess of Finland, and Queen of Sweden, and her son Sigismund Vasa began the Vasa dynasty of rulers of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

The life story of Catherine Jagiellon, also known as the "Queen of Rose and Stone," and the theme of personal sacrifice and duty, became the narrative axis of L. Vilkončius's latest oratorio, which is symbolically expressed in the work's title "Neo nisi mors" (Lat. Nothing but death) – such an inscription is on Catherine Jagiellon's tombstone in Uppsala (Sweden). Her story still inspires the courage to be oneself, to discover inner strength, and to calmly, trusting one's intuition, accept changes that lead to discoveries.

The libretto for the ten-part oratorio was written by National Prize for Culture and Art laureate Rimvydas Stankevičius, and the work will be performed by the Lithuanian Symphonic Wind Orchestra and the Kaunas State Choir, who do not often appear on stage together, along with talented artists of the younger generation – opera soloist Modestas Sedlevičius and conductor Karolis Variakojis.

REGISTRATION CLOSED! An exclusive opportunity – we invite you to attend this concert, which fosters Lithuanian identity, dressed in national costume! For the first 50 registered listeners, admission to the concert in national costume is free (registration is required by filling out the registration form; registration will be open until November 16, 2026).