Reconstructing Čiurlionis: The First Concert of the Lithuanian Art Society in Vilnius

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis was a multifaceted talent – renowned as a composer, musician, and a visionary painter ahead of his time. One symbolic event that embodies this fusion of his artistic abilities is the First Concert of the Lithuanian Art Society, held on May 17, 1908, in Vilnius, at the Pagiriai Railway Club (now better known as the Vaidila Theater). This date holds great significance in the history of Lithuanian art, marking the emergence of a new Lithuanian artistic movement. That evening also featured one of the very few documented concerts personally performed by Čiurlionis in Vilnius. Despite strict limitations and limited publicity, the event included prominent performers of the time. The evening’s program featured Lithuanian folk songs arranged by Čiurlionis and his cantata De Profundis, which on this occasion was performed in an arrangement for piano and choir (with Čiurlionis himself at the piano).

In 2023, to commemorate the 115th anniversary of this concert, the Vilnius Sacred Music Choir Adoramus initiated a reconstruction of the original event. In collaboration with Dr. Charris Efthimiou, a researcher at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Graz and a member of the international musicological working group dedicated to Čiurlionis’ musical heritage, the original 1908 concert program was authentically restored from original manuscripts, along with critical editions of the compositions.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the composer, the Vilnius Sacred Music Choir ADORAMUS – celebrating its tenth anniversary (artistic director and conductor Dr. Imantas Jonas Šimkus) – together with the MOMENTUM choir (also led by Dr. Imantas Jonas Šimkus) and pianist Rokas Zubovas, invites you to experience this authentically reconstructed concert at the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Senoji Varėna.

It was in this very church that M. K. Čiurlionis was baptized, and where his father served as the church organist. The concert will be held in conjunction with the annual celebration of Čiurlionis’ birth anniversary, initiated by the Varėna District Municipality, which also honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the region’s culture with the awarding of the Silver Bee distinction.

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EVENT INFORMATION

Date & Time: September 2025

Venue: To be announced

Address: To be announced

Duration: ~1.5 hours

Tickets: Coming soon

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ORGANIZERS

Sacred Music Choir Adoramus

Vilnius Choir Momentum

Contact: adoramuschoras@gmail.com / +37062074203

Program

Concert “Reconstructing Čiurlionis” at Old Varėna

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