International jazz diamonds

Performers: Klaipėda jazz orchestra Artistic director Kęstutis Sova Soloists: LEONARDAS PILKAUSKAS (saxophone) FRANCESCO DE RUBEIS (drums, Italy)

Program: Compositions by Leonardas Pilkauskas, arrangements of Lithuanian folk music, spontaneous improvisation

Tonight on stage – a meeting of Western Lithuanian jazz energy, international performance experience, and original work by a Lithuanian composer. Listeners can expect an expressive and dynamic big band sound, engaging rhythms, spontaneous improvisations, and music where respect for jazz tradition blends with a contemporary approach and creative freedom.

The spirit of Western Lithuanian jazz – the KLAIPĖDA JAZZ ORCHESTRA, led by Kęstutis Sova, is a professional, vibrant, and ambitious ensemble that has become an important part of Lithuania's jazz culture. The orchestra unites coastal jazz masters, experienced professionals, and promising young performers who create a powerful, colorful, and dynamic big band sound. The ensemble's repertoire features time-tested jazz classics, swing tradition, and contemporary jazz expression. A special place in the orchestra's activities is held by collaborations with prominent Lithuanian and foreign jazz performers, which opens up new musical perspectives and turns every concert into a unique artistic event.

In this program, the Klaipėda Jazz Orchestra presents the work of saxophonist, composer, and arranger Leonardas Pilkauskas. The concert will feature original compositions and arrangements by L. Pilkauskas, revealing the possibilities of contemporary jazz and the author's unique musical thinking. Here, the power of the big band sound meets subtle compositional architecture, rhythmic diversity, improvisational freedom, and unexpected musical turns.

L. PILKAUSKAS is one of the active musicians, composers, and arrangers on the Lithuanian jazz scene, creating and performing on the professional stage since 2006. He graduated from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, studied at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague, and earned a Master's degree in Jazz from the Amsterdam Conservatory. His creative work includes original jazz music, arrangements for big bands and orchestras, and collaborations with various Lithuanian and foreign performers. In his work, rhythmic ingenuity, thematic development, and unique musical dramaturgy combine into a cohesive, distinct musical narrative.

One of the highlights of the program will be the performance by Italian drummer FRANCESCO DE RUBEIS, a jazz and fusion musician with experience on the international stage. F. De Rubeis completed his jazz drum studies at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and has performed at renowned festivals and music centers such as the North Sea Jazz Festival, Bimhuis, WOMAD, and Auditorium Parco della Musica. His professional activities include collaborations with various international jazz projects, as well as work with contemporary dance performers and institutions. His broad musical horizon, rhythmic flexibility, and ability to move freely between different musical contexts add a special color to his playing.