ANNIVERSARY CONCERT EVENING “EISO LAUKON PAVEIZIETĖ”

An anniversary concert evening marking the 225th birth anniversary of Motiejus Kazimieras Valančius

Almost 200 years ago, Motiejus Valančius celebrated his first solemn Mass (Primicia) at St John’s Church. He later became one of the most important figures in Lithuania’s religious, cultural, social and political life in the mid-19th century. Two centuries later, on the occasion of his 225th birth anniversary, the ideas of the Samogitian Bishop and the spirit of his homeland – Samogitia – will fill the space that once echoed with the voice of a newly ordained priest during the concert “Eiso laukon paveizietė”.

The audience will be treated to a combined programme of Samogitian folklore and instrumental improvisations. An autumnal portrait of Samogitia will be painted by winding melodies, fluttering like a breeze swirling between the hills, powerful and full-bodied polyphonic singing, rich sounds of traditional wind instruments, the majestic resonance of the organ and the distinctive Samogitian word. A special aspect of the event, reflecting the work of Motiejus Valančius, will be the harmony between the folk and sacred worlds: traditional hymns, a collection of which was edited by Valančius himself, will resound with Samogitian strength, while clear and contemplative Samogitian songs will sound like a prayer. The culmination of the evening will be the organ, wind instruments and singers joining together in a common hymn.

This concert is a meaningful cultural encounter inviting audiences to remember the legacy of Motiejus Valančius and experience the strength, lyrical beauty and uniqueness of the spirit of Samogitia.

Programme:

Samogitian songs, traditional hymns, wind instrument and organ improvisations, traditional violin playing, texts read in Lithuanian and Samogitian.

Performers:

VU Folklore Ensemble “Ratilio” (artistic director Vilius Marma)

Vilnius Folklore Ensemble “Labingis” (artistic director Milda Ričkutė)

VU Wind Orchestra “Oktava” (artistic director Donatas Viaževičius)

Organist Vidas Pinkevičius

Readers: Paulius Narušis and Alfonsas Ramonas

Concept and director: Milda Ričkutė

The event is organised by the VU Culture Centre, which brings together 16 artistic ensembles and creative studios. Every year, the Centre invites the University community and the public to experience a wide range of cultural genres. More information: https://www.instagram.com/vukulturoscentras/ and www.kultura.vu.lt.

Photography and filming may take place during the event. By attending, you agree that the material may be used for VU promotional purposes.

The event venue is accessible to people with mobility disabilities. The church can be accessed via a ramp. If personal assistance is required, please contact the organisers in advance.

Visual material from the epavaldas.lt portal is used for event promotion.