Reflections of lithuanian modernism

In the Small Hall

Performer YUSUKE ISHII (piano, Japan–Lithuania)

Program: Works by Claude Debussy, Gražina Bacevič, Vytautas Bacevičius, Osvaldas Balakauskas, Vykintas Baltakas, and Ramūnas Motiekaitis

Japan and Lithuania in one concert! Japanese pianist, composer, and musicologist Yusuke Ishii presents the works of Lithuanian composers Gražina and Vytautas Bacevičius.

Pianist Y. Ishii currently lives in Lithuania and is actively researching the music of Lithuanian modernists. Thanks to him, Lithuanian music has been performed on Japanese stages many times.

In this concert, Y. Ishii presents works by G. and V. Bacevičius recorded on his latest album. The performer seeks to reveal the line of modernism that reached its peak in the early 20th century, which was specifically continued by G. and V. Bacevičius. Reflections of this modernism can be seen in the works of some post-war Lithuanian composers – Osvaldas Balakauskas (whom we lost in April 2026), one of his students Ramūnas Motiekaitis, and Vykintas Baltakas – which will also be performed at the concert. Alongside Lithuanian modernism, listeners will also hear the music of Claude Debussy, considered one of the pioneers of modern music in the world.

Since 2019, Y. Ishii has lived in Vilnius, where he is currently pursuing a doctorate at Kaunas University of Technology. In November 2023, he released a significant vinyl record dedicated solely to V. Bacevičius's piano works, drawing attention to the mystically inspired composer whose modernist language had long been forgotten outside of Lithuania.

Through his multifaceted career, Y. Ishii illustrates the artist-scholar model: a pianist whose virtuosity and vision combine with intellectual depth and cultural curiosity. His work continues to illuminate underrepresented corners of modern music history.