On 9 April, the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra (LCO), cellist Mindaugas Bačkus and conductor Vykintas Baltakas will present an original programme Dispute with Schubert. The concert, dedicated to the memory of Wolfgang Rihm, one of the greatest German composers of the 20th century, will also feature works by Franz Schubert, Rihm’s significant inspiration, as well as Rihm’s pupil Vykintas Baltakas, and Dieter Schnebel.

What will be discussed by dint of music opuses? The conceiver of this programme, Baltakas, introduces the intriguing idea as follows: ”The concert programme is akin to crossroads between tradition and its continuation, between the past and the present. The concert is dedicated to the memory of Wolfgang Rihm (1952–2024), one of the greatest German composers of the 20th century, who passed away last year. Rihm was inspired by the late Romantics and was particularly influenced by the ideas of Franz Schubert (tonight the audience will hear Schubert’s Symphony No. 5 in B flat major, composed in 1816). This programme does not focus on differences between the periods, but aims to show the common values, the constant creativity and the desire to search for deeper artistic truths, beyond satisfying the audience’s needs. Rihm was also my teacher, so his works are the centre of the programme, from which bridges are built on the one hand, into the past, towards Schubert, and on the other hand, through my music, into the present”.

In addition to Schubert’s magnificent Fifth Symphony, the programme will feature Schnebel’s Schubert-Phantasie (version for string orchestra), Rihm’s Erscheinung. Skizze über Schubert (Appearance. Sketch for Schubert) and Nature Morte – Still Alive for strings, Baltakas’ Spicules II for cello and string orchestra and Eine kleine Nachtmusik for solo cello (premiere).

With this concert Baltakas, the initiator of a dynamic programme in memory of his teacher Rihm, will remind the National Philharmonic audience of his daring and remarkable musical journey. After his composition and conducting studies in Lithuania, upon restoration of the independence of Lithuania Baltakas (then known as Bieliauskas) went to study abroad and eventually successfully integrated into the international contemporary music scene. The Lithuanian composer’s musical style was significantly influenced not only by his composition studies with Rihm and conducting studies with Peter Eötvös, but also by his musical experiences as a conductor specializing in 20th century music.

Baltakas has conducted European contemporary music ensembles, including Ensemble Modern (Frankfurt am Main), TrioLong (Munich), Klangforum Wien (Vienna), Musikfabrik (Düsseldorf), ICTUS and Het Collectief (both Brussels), Ensemble Resonanz (Hamburg), Scharoun Ensemble (Berlin), Bavarian Radio, Berlin Radio and other symphony orchestras as well as Lithuanian, Munich and St. Christopher chamber orchestras. As a conductor and composer, he has participated in international contemporary music festivals. Baltakas’ works are distinguished by their well-considered ideas and precise manipulations of musical material, as well as aesthetic purity of structures. In this concert he will appear as both conductor and composer.   

It should be added that Mindaugas Bačkus, one of today’s most prominent Lithuanian cellists, will share the stage with the LCO in works of Baltakas. Bačkus is a graduate of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and the Royal College of Music in Manchester (UK). Since 2009, he has been the artistic director of the Klaipėda Chamber Orchestra, and with this ensemble he has delivered more than 500 concert programmes with world-renowned performers, both in the Klaipėda Concert Hall as well as in other national and international venues. Bačkus is a true cello enthusiast; on his initiative the International Cello Festival and Competition has been held in Klaipėda since 2017, and the Klaipėda International Cello Academy since 2018. Among his many recordings, the cellist has released two personal CDs, El cello (2005) and Pas de deux (2007). These include music by contemporary Lithuanian composers, with some of the pieces written especially for Bačkus.

The concert Dispute with Schubert. LCO, Vykintas Baltakas, Mindaugas Bačkus. In memoriam Wolfgang Rihm will take place on Wednesday, 9 April at 19.00 at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Concert Hall. For full information on the concerts of the LNPhS 84th season, please visit www.nationalphilharmonic.lt  LNPhS 84th concert season is sponsored by NORFA.

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