Traditional Lithuanian dance music concert "Silk Strings Dances"

On November 26 at 6:00 PM, the traditional music concert "Silk Strings Dances" will take place in the Events Hall of the Ąžuolynas Library (K. Donelaičio St. 8, 3rd floor). "Silk Strings" is an ensemble that plays traditional Lithuanian music, but its composition is not traditional. The ensemble combines classical and traditional Lithuanian instruments – kanklės, harp, and double bass – and the musicians themselves range from self-taught to professional. It is not only the instrumental composition of "Silk Strings" that is unique, but also the musicians' ability to combine different competencies, experiences, and perspectives. What unites the members of the ensemble? A love for dance and Lithuanian traditions. The ensemble formed during traditional Lithuanian dance evenings in Kaunas. Kaunas traditional dance enthusiasts decided that our national instrument, the kanklės, should also be heard at such events. At first, Laura Lukenskienė played the kanklės, and soon her kanklės students Dovaidė Kurytė and Arvydas Virbickas joined. Joana Daunytė had the idea to join this ensemble with a harp, and Giedrius Balbieris enriched the ensemble's sound with a double bass. The ensemble combines Lithuanian and classical musical instruments, and it is also atypical that various kanklės are often played at the same time – from traditional five-string to concert versions. The musicians perceive the development of tradition from ancient to modern instruments as a whole – after all, all these differently sounding instruments are part of our culture. "The most important thing for the musicians themselves is to maintain the Lithuanian style of music, so that the music sounds Lithuanian, no matter what instruments are played – ancient or modern, traditional or classical," is the conviction of the ensemble leader L. Lukenskienė. This year, commemorating the Year of the Kanklės, the ensemble is implementing the project "Silk Strings Dances". The project is intended to popularize traditional Lithuanian dance music. Soon, the Lithuanian folk dances played by "Silk Strings" will be available to hear online, and while the recordings are being prepared, the project is being presented through live performances. Although the ensemble has accumulated vast experience in dance music, we will hear more than just that in this concert – there will be interpretations and improvisations of Lithuanian folk songs and melodies. Performing: Laura Lukenskienė (kanklės), Dovaidė Kurytė (kanklės), Arvydas Virbickas (kanklės), Joana Daunytė (harp), Giedrius Balbieris (double bass). The project "Silk Strings Dances" is funded by the Lithuanian Council for Culture. The event is free. Please be informed that the event will be photographed and/or filmed, and you may appear in event photos or videos that may be published in various media outlets.