An Anniversary Concert Celebrating the 225th Birth Anniversary of Motiejus Kazimieras Valančius.

Almost 200 years ago, Motiejus Valančius celebrated his first solemn Mass (Primiz) at St John’s Church. He would later become one of the most important figures in Lithuania’s religious, cultural, social and political life in the mid-19th century. Two centuries later, on the occasion of his 225th birth anniversary, the ideas of the Bishop of Samogitia and the spirit of his homeland – Žemaitija – will once again fill the space that once echoed with the voice of the young priest, in a concert entitled Eiso laukon paveizietė.

The audience will be treated to a programme combining Samogitian folk music and instrumental improvisations. An autumnal portrait of Žemaitija will unfold through winding melodies, fluttering like a breeze swirling among the hills; rich, full-bodied polyphonic singing; the resonant harmonies of traditional wind instruments; the majestic sound of the organ; and the distinctive sound of the Samogitian language.

A special feature of the programme, reflecting the work and legacy of Motiejus Valančius, is the harmony between the folk and sacred worlds. Traditional hymns, from a collection edited by Valančius himself, will resound with the strength characteristic of Žemaitija, while clear and contemplative Samogitian songs will unfold like a prayer. The evening will culminate in the organ, wind instruments and voices of the singers coming together in a shared hymn.

This concert is a meaningful cultural encounter inviting audiences to remember the legacy of Motiejus Valančius and experience the strength, lyrical beauty and distinctive character of the spirit of Žemaitija.

Programme:

Samogitian songs, traditional hymns, wind instrument and organ improvisations, traditional fiddle playing, and texts read in Lithuanian and Samogitian.

Performers:

VU Folklore Ensemble Ratilio (director Vilius Marma)
Vilnius Folklore Ensemble Labingis (director Milda Ričkutė)
VU Wind Orchestra Oktava (director Donatas Viaževičius)
Organist Vidas Pinkevičius
Readers: Paulius Narušis and Alfonsas Ramonas

The concert was conceived and directed by Milda Ričkutė.

The event is organised by the VU Culture Centre, which brings together 16 artistic groups and creative studios. Each year, the Centre invites the University community and audiences from across the city to experience a diverse range of cultural events. More information: https://www.instagram.com/vukulturoscentras/, www.kultura.vu.lt.

Getting to the Church of St Johns. Due to ongoing renovation works, the VU Grand Courtyard, K. Sirvydas Courtyard, Church of St Johns and Bell Tower can currently be accessed only from Pilies Street, via the Library Courtyard and M. K. Sarbievijus Courtyard.

Photography and filming may take place during the event. By attending, you agree that this material may be used for VU communication and publicity purposes.

Before the event, please switch your mobile phone to silent mode. If you take photos or videos during the event, please make sure not to disturb the participants.

When sharing moments from the event on social media, we invite you to tag the VU Culture Centre and RATILIO accounts.

Accessibility. The event will take place in the historic premises of Vilnius University, which have limited physical accessibility for people with mobility impairments. The event will not be streamed online.