This concert is an opportunity to embark on an enchanting musical journey, led by stars of the younger generation of the performing arts – Aistė Baliunytė, a graduate of the Paris National Conservatory and winner and laureate of numerous international competitions, and the exceptionally talented virtuoso and winner of international competitions Giedra Julija Tutkutė.
From European classical music traditions to fiery Latin American rhythms, audiences can look forward to a colourful programme revealing the remarkable possibilities of two harps and the elegance of their sound, combined with an exhilarating performance.
The concert programme will feature Ottorino Respighi’s subtle Siciliana, rhythmic works by Luigi Boccherini and Isaac Albéniz, as well as the spirited dances of Enrique Granados and Astor Piazzolla. Music by Alfred Holy and Ignacy Jan Paderewski will lend elegance to the programme. A special place is reserved for the music of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, transporting listeners to the elegant atmosphere of the salon era.
The duo, which has been performing together since 2023, nurtures the rare genre of the harp duo – expanding the possibilities of the instrument, creating distinctive arrangements, and revealing to audiences the unexpected richness of colour offered by this instrumental combination.
A B O U T T H E P E R F O R M E R S:
Aistė Baliunytė – a former student of the M. K. Čiurlionis National School of Arts, she currently teaches at Lithuania’s most renowned school of the arts. She is the principal harpist of the orchestra of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre and collaborates with other orchestras in Lithuania and abroad. Aistė studied in Paris for eight years, graduating from the Paris National Conservatory in the class of Prof. I. Moretti. She is a winner or prize-winner of numerous international competitions.
Despite her young age, graduate of the M. K. Čiurlionis National School of Arts Giedra Julija Tutkutė is far more than simply an outstanding professional. A scholarship recipient of the Mstislav Rostropovich Foundation “Support for the Children of Lithuania”, over the past several years alone she has participated in seven international harp competitions, winning first place in every one of them.
Moreover, Giedra Julija is an accomplished composer. For several years, her chamber works have been winning first prizes in national competitions for young composers organised by the Lithuanian Composers’ Union, as well as at an international composition competition held in Kazakhstan. Her works have also been performed in many other European countries. While still a school student, she was awarded the “Little Christopher” statuette twice and received a letter of appreciation from the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Dalia Grybauskaitė.
P R O G R A M M E:
Luigi BOCCHERINI (1743–1805)
Introduction and Fandango from Quintet in D major, G. 448
(Arranged for two harps by Elisabeth Colard)
Isaac ALBÉNIZ (1860–1909)
“Cuba” (Notturno) from Suite Española, Op. 47
(Arranged for two harps by Elisabeth Colard)
Ignacy Jan PADEREWSKI (1860–1941)
Tatra Album, Op. 12:
- Allegro con brio
- Andantino
- Allegro con moto
- Allegro maestoso
(Arranged for two harps by Giedra Julija Tutkutė and Aistė Baliunytė)
Alfred HOLY (1866–1948)
Scherzo-Waltz, Op. 15
Enrique GRANADOS (1867–1916)
“Andaluza” (“Andalusian Dance”) from Danzas españolas (“Spanish Dances”), Op. 37
(Arranged for two harps by Carlos Salzedo)
Mikalojus Konstantinas ČIURLIONIS (1875–1911)
Waltz in B-flat minor, VL 144
Mazurka in B minor, VL 234
Polonaise in B-flat minor, VL 190
(Arranged for two harps by Giedra Julija Tutkutė)
Ottorino RESPIGHI (1879–1936)
Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No. 3, P. 172
III. Siciliana: Andantino
(Arranged for two harps by Phyllis Schlomovitz)
Ástor PIAZZOLLA (1921–1992)
Libertango
(Arranged for two harps by Aistė Baniulytė)
Arturo MÁRQUEZ (b. 1950)
“Danzón” (“Cuban Dance”) No. 2
(Arranged for two harps by Elizabeth Jaxon and Marta Power (Atlantic Harp Duo))
The International M. K. Čiurlionis Music Festival is organised by VšĮ “Klasika LT”.
By purchasing a ticket to the concert, you agree that the event may be photographed and/or filmed, and that the resulting visual material may be published on the websites and social media accounts operated by VšĮ “Klasika LT” and/or in the media.