Violin Virtuoso Ilya Gringolts Joins the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra in Vilnius

Acclaimed violinist Ilya Gringolts (Switzerland), celebrated worldwide for his exceptional virtuosity and deeply expressive interpretations, will perform in Vilnius this autumn. On 16 October, the internationally renowned artist will appear with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Modestas Pitrėnas, at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic.

The first half of the concert will also feature the celebrated piano trio FortVio, marking its 20th anniversary. Violinist Ingrida Rupaitė, cellist Povilas Jacunskas, and pianist Indrė Baikštytė will perform the world premiere of a new work by Lithuanian composer Kristupas Bubnelis.

Reflecting on one of Gringolts’ performances, Pizzicato wrote:

“This concert was second to none – an unforgettable experience created by a musician inspired and committed to the very marrow of his bones.”

Gringolts performs regularly with many of the world’s leading orchestras, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Filarmonica della Scala, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, NHK Symphony Orchestra, Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic, Rotterdam Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan, and many others.

Highlights of his recent seasons include appearances with the Luxembourg Philharmonic, WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra, and the Düsseldorf Symphony Orchestra.

Suddeutsche Zeitung praised his artistry by writing:

“It is difficult to imagine violin playing that is more expressive or uncompromising.”

Gringolts studied at New York’s prestigious Juilliard School, where he was taught by legendary violinist Itzhak Perlman. In 1998, he became the youngest winner in the history of the Paganini International Violin Competition, a distinction he still holds today. He currently performs on a 1743 Guarneri del Gesù violin.

His performances are admired for combining breathtaking technical brilliance with profound musical insight. According to Pizzicato:

“Ilya Gringolts’ interpretations reveal a deep understanding of the works, complete artistic commitment, and absolute mastery of his instrument.”

His repertoire spans both the great violin masterpieces and lesser-known works, alongside a remarkable commitment to contemporary music. Numerous composers—including Peter Maxwell Davies, Salvatore Sciarrino, Bernhard Lang, Michael Jarrell, Beat Furrer, Christophe Bertrand, Chaya Czernowin, Augusta Read Thomas, and Mirela Ivičević—have written works specifically for him. He also regularly performs music by John Adams, Jörg Widmann, Heinz Holliger, Valentyn Silvestrov, Sofia Gubaidulina, Mieczysław Weinberg, and many of today’s most significant composers.

Chamber music occupies an equally important place in Gringolts’ career. Since 2008, he has served as the first violinist of the Gringolts Quartet, appearing at prestigious venues and festivals including the Salzburg Festival, Lucerne Festival, Edinburgh International Festival, Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Luxembourg Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, and Teatro La Fenice in Venice.

He also collaborates regularly with leading musicians such as cellists Nicolas Altstaedt and Christian Poltéra, violist Lawrence Power, and pianists Alexander Lonquich and Peter Laul.

His extensive discography, released on renowned labels including Deutsche Grammophon, BIS, Hyperion, and Outhere Music, has received widespread critical acclaim. Highlights include complete recordings of Niccolò Paganini’s 24 Caprices (2013) and Igor Stravinsky’s complete works for violin (2018). More recently, his recording of J.S. Bach’s Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord with Francesco Corti received prestigious honours including the Diapason d’Or and Amadeus d’Or.

Tickets are available here.