Town Hall Colonnade | From Ragtime to Swing

The Festival’s First Concert to Resonate under the Colonnade of Vilnius Town Hall!

On stage – the Lithuanian Symphonic Wind Orchestra (LSWO) – a professional ensemble renowned for its outstanding quality, dynamic repertoire, and inspiring performances.

The Lithuanian Symphonic Wind Orchestra is a versatile and open-minded group performing music across various genres and styles. The orchestra regularly collaborates with some of the country’s most prominent soloists – such as the percussion ensemble Giunter Percussion (“Drum & Brass”), pianist Petras Geniušas (“20th Century Rhapsody”), cellist Vytautas Sondeckis, and many others. Its mission to remain modern, contemporary, and energetic is reflected in its interdisciplinary concert programs. The orchestra works closely with diverse artists and blends stage genres such as theatre, contemporary dance, and more.

In recent years, theatrical performances for the whole family, created in collaboration with actress and director Birutė Mar, have been a great success. These include “The Little Wind in Trumpet Town”, “The Flight of the Trumpet”, and “Musical Numbers”. Constantly seeking new formats, the orchestra also collaborates with Lithuanian and international composers, commissions new works, and engages in music publishing, educational projects, conductor workshops, and masterclasses.

Ragtime, one-step, foxtrot, boogie-woogie, swing – the lively dance music of early jazz will come alive thanks to the Lithuanian Symphonic Wind Orchestra. Infectious rhythms and vibrant melodies will transport you to the swinging worlds of New Orleans and Chicago. Early jazz is not just music – it’s history, emotion, and pure joy. Come and feel the magic of vintage jazz!

PROGRAMME:

• George Gershwin – Ambulatory Suite

• The Original Dixieland Jazz Band – Livery Stable Blues, Original Dixieland One-Step, Clarinet Marmalade Blues

• Paul Whiteman – Everybody Step, Charleston 1, Wistful and Blue

• Louis Armstrong – Heebie Jeebies (His Hot Five), King of the Zulus (His Hot Five)

• James Fletcher Hamilton Henderson – Harlem Madness

• Benny Goodman – Sing, Sing, Sing

• Count Basie Orchestra – Time Out, Doggin’ Around

• George Gershwin – I Got Rhythm (arranged by Kunio Fujisaki)

Conductor: Karolis Variakojis

Celebrate the start of summer with live music in the very heart of the city!

Festival organized by: Vilnius Town Hall
Patron: Vilnius City Municipality
Partners: Lithuanian Armed Forces, Polish Institute in Vilnius, Delfi, Znad Wilii
Sponsors: JCDecaux, Restaurant Kristoforas, Hotel Imperial, Apsaugos komanda, SMART Agency, Mineral Water Akvilė