Echoes of čiurlionis. dawn is breaking

As soon as the notes of "Oi giria, giria," "Anoj pusėj Nemuno," or "Beauštanti aušrelė" ring out, images of forests, fields, rivers, and homes dear to every Lithuanian rise before our eyes. These melodies speak to what seems to be encoded in our memory. Čiurlionis did not leave these folk melodies alone – he enveloped them in subtle, unexpected harmonies and wove the voices together, turning the songs into small musical paintings.

They will unfold in all their beauty through the voices of the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art Choir. Wherever they perform, the ensemble wins the warmest sympathy of the audience, most notably for their rare combination of youthful enthusiasm and musical maturity. Diligent work here transforms into a pure, clear, and harmonious sound, in which every subtle turn of Čiurlionis's harmonies can be heard.

Let these young voices carry you to the other side of the Nemunas – to where the dawn rises over the green forest…

Program

Vidmantas Bartulis (1954–2020) Music for mixed choir and organ

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911) Harmonized Lithuanian folk songs: Aš padainuosiu dainų dainelę Bėkit, bareliai Subatos vakarėly Dainų dainelė Vienam kiemely Vai, močiute Anoj pusėj Nemuno Oi giria, giria Lakštangėlė Prapuoliau, močiute Beauštanti aušrelė

Performers: National M. K. čiurlionis school of art choir Director JAUNIUS ŠAKALYS Choirmaster GITANA TRIMIRKAITĖ Organist JURGITA KAZAKEVIČIŪTĖ