Christopher’s picnic. An evening by the Dnieper

ALLA CHERES (bandura, Ukraine)

Concert organised together with the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vilnius and the Polish Institute in Vilnius

Have you heard of the bandura? This instrument, half-harp, half-guitar, sounds something like a violin flirting with a harpsichord, and is still a rare guest in Lithuania. But, Christopher’s Picnics is the perfect place to make such an unexpected acquaintance!

Alla Cheres is a Ukrainian performer currently living in Vilnius, yet she’s appeared in concerts all over Europe and beyond – and she’s convinced that the bandura does not belong in a museum. In her hands this unique instrument which can have more than 50 strings becomes a surprisingly modern musical tool combining traditional and contemporary sounds.

This time the Bernardine Gardens will play host to Ukrainian composers’ works and folk songs filled with the history of this nation, its joys, troubles, love and longing. It’ll be beautiful, somewhat mystical, and no doubt – wonderful.

Can an old folk instrument be as intriguing as the latest pop music experiment? Alla Cheres says, “Yes”, inviting you to come and be convinced yourself.

Programme features works by Ukrainian composers and folk songs

Free admission