SERENADES: FROM OGINSKI TO CHOPIN

𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐔𝐍 𝐃𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀 || 𝐍𝐎 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐒
Concert Marathon Festival
Summer 2025 – June to August

9:00 PM – SERENADES
FROM OGINSKI TO CHOPIN
Šviesė Čepliauskaitė (piano)

July 6 – Lithuanian Statehood Day – marks not only the historical coronation of King Mindaugas but also calls us to reflect on what binds us to Europe: culture, music, and the longing for freedom. On the eve of this celebration, July 4, the concert “From Oginski to Chopin” invites audiences on a unique musical journey through epochs, states of the soul, and national sentiment.

Michał Kleofas Oginski, a nobleman of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, diplomat, and composer, wrote his famous polonaise “Farewell to the Homeland” in exile, deeply grieving the lost struggle for his country’s freedom. Decades later, Fryderyk Chopin, born on the borderland of Polish and Lithuanian culture, also experienced exile and composed intimate musical miniatures filled with melancholy and dreamy elegance—echoing a longing for the past and an unrelenting thirst for liberty.

This concert is not only a meeting of two musical geniuses; it is also a reflection of national identity and a heartfelt connection to the homeland.

Renowned for her delicate sensitivity to Romantic music and refined interpretation, Šviesė Čepliauskaitė presents piano recitals that skillfully combine the works of various composers. Her performances are enriched by insightful storytelling about the lives of composers and the contexts in which their music was created.

Founded in 2024 by the Lithuanian Musicians’ Union, the nighttime concert marathon festival “Nessun Dorma… No One Sleeps…” presents chamber and jazz programs by Lithuanian performers. Each night features “Serenades” (classical music) starting at 9:00 PM, followed by “Jazz Nights” at 11:00 PM. The festival brings warmth and artistic energy to Vilnius’ long summer evenings, captivating locals and guests alike.

Held in the intimate and community-focused Music Lounge, these events continue a longstanding Lithuanian tradition of close, interactive performances. Audiences can engage directly with musicians, ask questions, and explore the music on a deeper level. The venue is graced with a grand piano once played by Saulius Sondeckis, adding a special charm. In this acoustically superb setting, each professional concert becomes a true luxury—the music resonates with stunning overtone richness.