The Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra (LNSO), conducted by Modestas Pitrėnas, is preparing a programme Symphonic Elements, which promises a powerful musical wave, raised by three mighty symphonic opuses: the monumental Symphony Cosmique (Cosmic) by Vytautas Bacevičius, Lithuanian avant-garde composer, Concerto for cello, accordion and orchestra Azul (Blue) by Osvaldo Golijov, Argentinian composer of Jewish origin, and a suite from Richard Strauss’ scandalous opera Elektra. The LNSO will be joined by one of Lithuania’s most active accordionists, Tadas Motiečius, and perhaps the most versatile cellist in Lithuania, Mindaugas Bačkus. 

Vytautas Bacevičius, whose 120th birth anniversary was celebrated last year, was an exceptional figure in the history of Lithuanian music, one of the first Lithuanian avant-gardists, who spread the constructivist spirit during the interwar years and called for the creation of a modern Lithuania. He was known as a radical modernist who did not compromise with public taste and promoted the latest Western European musical trends. The composer was fascinated by the technological process, which was reflected in his symphonic canvases. The Symphony Cosmique (No. 6) is one of his late, most original works, in which the idée fixe of the cosmos took on a pure, organized musical form, determined by the composer’s intense intellectual and spiritual efforts.  

Born in La Plata, Argentina, to a family of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, Osvaldo Golijov grew up as a musical polyglot, listening to and mastering various musical styles and genres: early classical music, cantorial singing, klezmer music, tango, Latin American folklore. Elements of all these different influences merge into an original musical canvas in his music. Golijov’s Concerto for cello, accordion, and orchestra Azul, featured in the LNSO’s programme Symphonic Elements, cleverly combines various influences with a new, original vision.

For soloists Tadas Motiečius (accordion) and Mindaugas Bačkus (cello), renowned for their originality, Golijev’s opus is a natural continuation of their concert experience. Both performers are active ambassadors for their instruments, engaging in unique artistic projects with representatives of various musical genres, constantly seeking new forms and challenges, striving to demonstrate the versatility of their instruments and expand their audience. As soloists, they perform with various orchestras and ensembles. Thus, their performance with the LNSO promises to be an unforgettable musical experience.

The symphonic programme will be crowned by Richard Strauss’ Suite from the opera Elektra (arrangement by Manfred Honeck). Opera Elektra is the second of the composer’s two modernist operas. At the time, connoisseurs of the opera genre in German-speaking countries were divided into two camps: some adored it, while others criticized it mercilessly. Today, Elektra is one of the most frequently staged operas based on classical Greek mythology. 

Orchestral music concert Symphonic Elements. LNSO, Modestas Pitrėnas, Tadas Motiečius, Mindaugas Bačkus will take place on Saturday, January 24 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.

LNPhS inf.