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The Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra dedicates this concert to the memory of Eugenijus Urbonas (1946–2023), the violinist and long-time principal violin of the LCO. Since 1972, for 46 years, Urbonas was a member of the orchestra, at the one point taking the position of an artistic director, organising its concert activities in Lithuania and abroad. He was extremely professional, diligent and demanding. His loss has deeply affected his family and colleagues, thus the concert featuring works by his favourite composers is a very meaningful sign of remembrance and respect. Monika Urbonaitė, Urbonas’ daughter and violinist, recalls that “my father was very fond of Romantic music, the works of Johannes Brahms, Antonín Dvořák, and often listened to the latter’s Piano quintet in A major, so we wanted to have it performed at the memorial concert”.

“We feel Eugenijus’ presence every day, because no rehearsal passes without his thoughts; his insights into music and life have become quotes and aphorisms. He was able to communicate the greatest truths of life with humour and was quite self-ironic. He was an extremely refined, elegant and exceptional personality. He never insulted or humiliated anyone and was a great authority to all of us. In the eyes of the audience, he was the face of the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, the ‘Paganini’, as he was called by many. Eugenijus’ contribution not only to the life of the orchestra, but also to the entire history of Lithuanian culture is immeasurable”, are the thoughts of his colleagues, the members of the orchestra.