Con – From Mozart to Ed Sheeran. Without Boundaries.

What happens when W. A. Mozart’s elegance meets Ed Sheeran’s rhythms, S. Rachmaninoff’s romanticism blends with contemporary musical experiments, and melodies recognised around the world take on an unexpected sound?

On November 17, the German accordion duo Con – Marius Staible and Daniel Roth* – will provide the answer at St Catherine’s Church. Their programme features W. A. Mozart’s Adagio, a waltz by S. Rachmaninoff, S. Reich’s Piano Phase, E. Greenhoe’s For Alvin Lucier, original compositions by the duo, and fresh interpretations of works by Sting, Bill Withers, Ed Sheeran, Bobby Hebb and J. Ben.

Formed in Weimar in 2016, the duo’s name combines two concepts – contrast and trust – reflecting their creative philosophy. The musicians have performed at the Berlin Philharmonie and New York’s Carnegie Hall, won the F. Liszt Prize and the J. Cage Award, and presented more than 30 world premieres. In 2024, their appearance on the television show Das Supertalent attracted more than two million views on YouTube.

Vilnius is already familiar to one of the duo’s members: in 2021, Marius Staible won an international accordion competition here.

Con brings together academic mastery, creative freedom and unexpected musical contrasts that break down the boundaries between classical and popular music.