Evening Event: “150 Years Since the Birth of Prof. Konstantinas Galkauskas”

June 6, Friday 6:00 PM Vilnius Reformed Church (Pylimo g. 18)

Join us for a special evening commemorating the 150th anniversary of Prof. Konstantinas Galkauskas (1875–1963) – a composer, conductor, choir leader, organist, and teacher born in Vilnius.

About the Composer

Between 1918 and 1940, Galkauskas served as organist at the Vilnius Reformed Church and was the author of hymns for the Reformed community. A prominent cultural figure, he collaborated not only with Lithuanians but also with the Russian, Belarusian, Jewish, and Polish communities of Vilnius. He even composed a hymn for the Old Believers.

Galkauskas began his music education at the Vilnius Boys’ Gymnasium, later studying in St. Petersburg, where he composed an opera and was awarded a medal — a rare honor for a student at that time. Returning to Vilnius, he founded a symphony orchestra, led choirs, organized concerts in Bernardinai Garden, and after WWII, taught at the conservatory.

Program Highlights

The evening will include presentations by:

• Vaclovas Juodpusis – musicologist
• Artūras Savko – historian, Lithuanian Theatre, Music and Cinema Museum
• Aliaksandr Adamkovich – Chairman, Belarusian Cultural Society in Lithuania

The event will feature live performances of Galkauskas’ music:

• Aušra Liutkutė (soloist) & Elina Maslakova (piano)
• Valdas Striužas (soloist) & Vilgailė Striužaitė (guitar)
• Rasa Mikalajūnienė (organ)
• Liudvikas Lahayne (violin)
• Tatjana Skorienė & PraDziva Choir – Belarusian Cultural Society
• Ave Verum Choir from St. Casimir’s Church, directed by Igoris Larionovas

Hosted by: Pastor Holger Lahayne, Vilnius Reformed Church

The Lithuanian Theatre, Music and Cinema Museum houses a rich collection of Galkauskas’ personal materials — preserved by his daughter Tamara — including photographs, posters, memorabilia, and original scores, many of which will be performed during the concert.

Organizer: Vilnius Reformed Church