“Čiurlenimai” – The Spirit of M. K. Čiurlionis in Palanga

For the 26th summer in a row, the Palanga Orchestra continues its unique role as a living link between the old European cultural tradition, the Tiškevičius family's Palanga, and the modern seaside resort with its guests. Since 1953, the orchestra has invited audiences to rediscover the long-standing tradition of open-air concerts in Palanga’s parks—today known as Orkestro vasara (Orchestra’s Summer)—which traces its origins to the initiative of Count Józef Tiškevičius.

Symbolically, in 2025, this deep and meaningful tradition will be enriched by the presence of one of Lithuania’s most prominent artists – Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.

It is well known that between 1889 and 1893, Čiurlionis studied at the music school of Michał Ogiński’s manor orchestra in Plungė, where he played the flute and received a foundation in music theory. He frequently performed with the orchestra in Rietavas, Riga, and also in Palanga.

This lesser-known chapter of Čiurlionis’ life not only reveals a different side of the artist—as a flautist and orchestral musician—but also invites us to reconsider the roots of Palanga’s orchestral concert tradition. The time he spent in Palanga was deeply significant for his artistic development, personal life, and the wider cultural landscape.

The program Čiurlenimai seeks to explore Čiurlionis' authentic ties to Palanga through two key themes: his involvement in orchestral music and his blossoming relationship with Sofija Kymantaitė. This is an invitation to experience Čiurlionis not only as a genius, but also as a human being—tender, passionate, and deeply connected to this place.

Concerts by the Palanga Orchestra in Birutė Park offer perhaps the most authentic backdrop for honoring Čiurlionis’ time in the resort. While the original concert rotunda stood near the Kurhaus and was only relocated to Birutė Park in 1927, Čiurlionis’ presence can still be felt throughout Palanga—especially in the park and by the sea, where he spent much of his time.

Arrangements of Čiurlionis’ music for wind orchestra, as well as works he might have performed in Palanga with the orchestra, will help recreate the atmosphere of the era and offer audiences a new way to experience Čiurlionis—as a performer, a flautist, and a member of an ensemble.

The second thematic thread of Čiurlenimai is the time spent in Palanga by Čiurlionis and Sofija Kymantaitė—not only a romantic interlude, but also a creatively and intellectually vital period. Though they met in 1907 in Vilnius, their bond deepened in Palanga during the summer of 1908. There, they not only grew closer as a couple, but also inspired each other creatively.

Sofija, an educated and intellectual woman, writer, and critic, deeply understood and supported Čiurlionis’ artistic quest. In Palanga, she became not only his life partner but also a close advisor and critic of his work. Their conversations—about art, literature, and philosophy—formed a deep intellectual connection that left a lasting impact on both of their creative paths.

This profound bond will be brought to life in the Palanga Orchestra’s concerts through narration, acting, and subtle directorial choices that blur the boundaries between time, reality, and imagination.

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Throughout the summer of 2025, 36 wind orchestra concerts will take place in Palanga’s Birutė Park every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 6:30 PM. The program will present three distinct musical themes, each telling its own story. One of them—Čiurlenimai—is dedicated entirely to Čiurlionis’ time in Palanga. This series of 12 Saturday evening concerts will explore his connection to the resort, his orchestral roots, and the creative and personal happiness he found by the sea.

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EVENT INFORMATION

Date and Time: August 16, 2025, at 6:30 PM

Venue: Rotunda of Birutė Park, Palanga

Address: Vytauto St. 15, Palanga (Palanga Botanical Park)

Duration: ~1 hour

More info: HERE

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ORGANIZERS

Public Institution Palangos orkestras

Contact: info@orkestras.pro / +370 618 59000