Closing Concert of the 13th International M. K. Čiurlionis Music Festival

“Cosmic Čiurlionis” – a visionary dialogue between saxophone and piano, tradition and improvisation

The festival’s final evening, “Cosmic Čiurlionis”, presents an exceptional on-stage encounter between legendary saxophonist Petras Vyšniauskas and acclaimed pianist Aleksandra Žvirblytė – a musical dialogue where freedom, imagination, and intellect merge into one.

Here, Čiurlionis’ music is reborn not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing creative force. Tradition is challenged by contemporary ideas, and improvisation reimagines Romantic visions. The program brings together compositions by Čiurlionis, his contemporaries and influences – Leopold Godowsky, Claude Debussy, Carl Nielsen, Levko Revutsky, Frédéric Chopin – and later composers like Anatolijus Šenderovas, whose works reflect and extend Čiurlionis’ spirit. All of this is interwoven with Vyšniauskas’ spontaneous improvisations, creating a vivid and unrepeatable musical experience in real time.

“Cosmic Čiurlionis” is not only one of the most anticipated and successful projects of the Čiurlionis Festival – it has also enjoyed international recognition. The program has toured concert halls throughout Lithuania, was broadcast by LRT and Lietuvos Rytas TV, released as a CD (2020), and later presented abroad in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Poland, Latvia, and even South Korea, where it was enthusiastically received.

Critics say:

“The concert by Petras Vyšniauskas and pianist Aleksandra Žvirblytė was mesmerizing. The concept was incredible. The impact – overwhelming. Not only because Petras takes risks, but because the music is so subtle and intense, it brings tears to your eyes. A truly unforgettable performance.”

— Emmanuel de Gouvello, France

“Soprano saxophone master Petras Vyšniauskas from Lithuania, in my view, is one of the most original players of this instrument – his bold phrasing unfolds in daring intervals, and his sound is powerful – stronger and more precise than Sam Rivers, denser and more focused than Steve Lacy, possibly even polyphonic like Evan Parker.”

— Howard Mandel, New York, USA

“Aleksandra Žvirblytė paints an emotional musical picture on stage – with freedom and vitality. Her playing is not only technically flawless, but also spiritually rich; technique becomes a mere tool to express her unique artistic vision.”

— Steen Søgaard, Morgenavisen Jyllandsposten, Denmark

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EVENT INFORMATION

Date & Time: July 19, 2025, 8:00 PM

Venue: Palanga Kurhaus Concert Hall, Palanga

Address: Grafų Tiškevičių Ave. 1, Palanga

Duration: ~2 hours

Tickets: HERE

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ORGANIZERS

Public Institution “Klasika LT”

Contact: info@ciurlionisfestival.com / +370 650 63373

MKČ25 koncertas: Petras Vyšniauskas (saksofonas) ir Aleksandra Žvirblytė (fortepijonas) | Uždarymo koncertas „Kosminis Čiurlionis“

MKČ25 koncertas: Petras Vyšniauskas (saksofonas) ir Aleksandra Žvirblytė (fortepijonas) | Uždarymo koncertas „Kosminis Čiurlionis“

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