The audience’s favourite maestro Victorien Vanoosten, the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO) and the winner of the International Jascha Heifetz Violin Competition, rising Japanese star Yuki Hirano, invite you to experience the spirit of the Nordic countries on the occasion of Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU). On December 20, the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society will host a symphonic concert featuring works by Danish composer Carl Nielsen and Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. 

The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society carries on with the tradition of commemorating diplomatic events via the universal language of music. This time, in cooperation with the Embassy of Denmark, an event of importance to Denmark will be observed – its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is an extremely important role that ensures stability in European affairs. The countries that take turns in the presidency for six months find themselves at the centre of political attention. From July 1 to December 31, 2025, Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The concert is dedicated to the legacy of one of Denmark’s foremost composers, Carl Nielsen. The programme will begin with the overture to his opera Maskarade (Masquerade) and will conclude with his Symphony No. 4, one of the composer’s most dramatic opuses.

With his Symphony No. 4, the composer sought to express the spirit of life, so the title of the symphony, The Inextinguishable, directly symbolizes a vibrant desire to live. This motif is particularly important to the Danish people, as it embodies the spirit of national resilience, especially in the face of misfortune and adversity. Composed during the WWI, the symphony is a powerful testimony to the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges, confirming the vitality of life itself. The themes of struggle, survival, and the triumph of the human spirit are closely linked to Denmark’s national identity and cultural heritage, making them the most important focus in Sounding North.

The Nordic sound will be deepened by Yuki Hirano (Japan), winner of the International Jascha Heifetz Violin Competition, performing Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ Concerto for violin and orchestra in D minor.

The soloist’s performance will remind the audience that the International Jascha Heifetz Violin Competition, held every four years in Vilnius, is not only a significant musical event, but also a diplomatic one, attracting talented young musicians from all over the world to Lithuania. This competition pays tribute to and continues legacy of the famous violinist Jascha Heifetz, who was born in Vilnius. Held at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Concert Hall, the winners’ concerts are a wonderful musical gift to the audience made possible by this competition and the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society. 

The programme will be conducted by Victorien Vanoosten (France), the principal guest conductor of the LNSO, always warmly welcomed by both the orchestra and the audience. Particularly admired for his interpretations of French music, this time the maestro will steer the orchestra towards the musical landscapes of the north. 

Sounding North will take place on Saturday, December 20 at 19.00 in the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Concert Hall. For the full program of the LNPhS 85th season please visit www.nationalphilharmonic.lt  LNPhS 85th concert season is sponsored by NORFA.

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