Music
Sounding europe III
About this event
Dedicated to Lithuania's Presidency of the Council of the EU
Performers:
Kaunas city symphony orchestra Chief Conductor Constantine Orbelian (USA), Manager Algimantas Treikauskas
Kaunas state choir Artistic Director and Chief Conductor Robertas Šervenikas
Soloists: MARIJA ARUTIUNOVA (soprano) UGNĖ STRAŽNICKAITĖ (mezzo-soprano) TOMAS PAVILIONIS (tenor) JORIS RUBINOVAS (bass)
Conductor ROBERTAS ŠERVENIKAS
Program: LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN – "Missa solemnis" in D major, Op. 123
In the first half of 2027, as Lithuania holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time in history, the Kaunas Philharmonic is proud to contribute to this significant national event and become an integral part of the socio-cultural program of the Lithuanian Presidency. On this occasion, we present an exceptional concert series, "Sounding Europe," dedicated to commemorating this historic period and honoring one of the most prominent figures in European music history – Ludwig van Beethoven, marking the 200th anniversary of his death. Using L. van Beethoven's music as a universal language, the concert series will invite reflection on the significance of the values of freedom, solidarity, human dignity, democracy, and unity for contemporary Europe, as well as the role of culture in strengthening intercultural dialogue, fellowship, and European cultural identity.
In the third concert of the series, a select group of performers will present L. van Beethoven's "Missa solemnis" – another of the composer's monumental works, often performed on exceptional occasions. At the beginning of the score, L. van Beethoven wrote the words: "From the heart – may it go to the heart," which became the motto for the entire work. "Missa solemnis" is characterized not only by its religious but also its philosophical depth – it reveals the composer's pursuit of the ideals of peace and human brotherhood. In the final part of the mass, "Agnus Dei," the composer marked the episode "Dona nobis pacem" (Eng. Grant us peace) with an additional phrase – "Prayer for inner and outer peace." The end of the work shines as a sign of hope – a call for peace, reconciliation, and inner tranquility.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania