From 2nd to 7th August, the international summer music festival “Vivace Vilnius” will once again bring together an exceptional classical music community in the capital of Lithuania – from world-renowned performers to the most promising young talents from various countries around the world.
Organised for the fourteenth time, the festival has become an integral part of Vilnius’ cultural life, strengthening Lithuania’s presence on the international music scene and creating a unique space for artistic dialogue between different generations and cultures.
This year’s festival is marked by a special milestone – on 2nd August, the 100th “Vivace Vilnius” concert will take place at Vilnius Town Hall. This significant achievement represents an important chapter in the festival’s history, reflecting its continuous growth, international recognition, and long-term contribution to the education and development of young musicians.
The festival’s founder and artistic director, violinist Eglė Jarkova, emphasises that over more than a decade “Vivace Vilnius” has evolved from a concert series into an international creative platform where world-class educators, performers, and the new generation of musicians come together.
Born in Šiauliai, Lithuania, Eglė Jarkova studied at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts, later continued her studies in Italy and at the United World College, and completed her higher musical education at the Boston Conservatory and Boston University. Today, she lives and works in Boston, actively performs in the United States and Europe, teaches violin, and consistently nurtures young musical talents. The desire to connect Lithuanian and international music communities became the central idea behind “Vivace Vilnius”, which has successfully flourished for fourteen years.
During the festival, traditional masterclasses will take place at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts. This year, young performers will have the opportunity to learn from outstanding educators and internationally recognised stage artists: pianists Mūza Rubackytė, Petras Geniušas, and Christina Wright-Ivanova, violinists Boris Brovtsyn and Irina Mureșanu, as well as world-renowned bass-baritone Simon Robinson.
The uniqueness of the festival lies not only in its concerts but also in its intensive educational programme. Individual lessons, open masterclasses, chamber music projects, and continuous interaction with musicians from different countries provide young performers with invaluable professional experience. Many former festival participants are now successfully performing on prestigious stages around the world.
The Historic 100th Concert – Featuring Mūza Rubackytė
The highlight of the festival will be the celebratory concert dedicated to the 100th “Vivace Vilnius” concert, taking place on Sunday, 2 August, at 5:00 PM at Vilnius Town Hall.
This special occasion will feature one of Lithuania’s most distinguished pianists, Mūza Rubackytė – an internationally acclaimed piano virtuoso who performs in the most prestigious concert halls across Europe, Asia, and America.
For decades, the artist has been recognised as one of the world’s leading interpreters of Franz Liszt’s works. Her recordings have received the highest praise from international music critics, while her performances are distinguished by exceptional artistic power, elegance, and emotional depth.
Mūza Rubackytė’s performance will symbolically crown the first hundred concerts of “Vivace Vilnius” and become a memorable milestone in the festival’s history.
Schubert’s World in the Hands of Two Masters
On Tuesday, 4 August, at 7:00 PM, audiences at St. Catherine’s Church will be invited to the concert “The Entire Universe of Schubert.”
The stage will bring together two exceptional musicians – internationally acclaimed violinist Boris Brovtsyn and one of Lithuania’s most outstanding pianists, Petras Geniušas.
The entire evening will be dedicated to the music of Franz Schubert, revealing both its subtle lyricism and dramatic emotional power.
Boris Brovtsyn has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, while Petras Geniušas is renowned among Lithuanian audiences for his distinctive musical thinking, improvisational freedom, and ability to transform each composition into a unique artistic narrative.
Their joint performance promises to become one of the most remarkable evenings of the festival.
Festival Favourites Return to Vilnius
On Wednesday, 5 August, at 7:00 PM, St. Catherine’s Church will host the concert “Vivace Vilnius Art Song Gala.”
Following the great success of last year’s performance, the festival welcomes back the charismatic bass-baritone Simon Robinson and pianist Christina Wright-Ivanova.
Their appearance last year received exceptional acclaim from audiences and critics alike, making their return one of the most anticipated events of this year’s festival.
The artists will present a refined vocal chamber music programme, where poetry, musical sensitivity, and the highest level of interpretative mastery come together. They will be joined by violinist Irina Mureșanu, who will be visiting Lithuania for the first time.
Music Unites the World
On Thursday, 6 August, at 5:00 PM, the Samuel Bak Museum will host the concert “Music Unites the World.”
This event will become a true celebration of the festival’s young musicians. The stage will feature festival students and pupils from Lithuania, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Romania, South Korea, and other countries around the world.
The concert will reflect the central mission of “Vivace Vilnius” – to create an international community where music becomes a universal language connecting people regardless of national borders or cultural differences.
Closing Concert – Celebrating the Friendship Between Lithuania and America
On Friday, 7 August, at 6:00 PM, the festival will conclude with a gala closing concert entitled “Bridges Across the Atlantic: Lithuania and America.”
The concert will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States of America. This symbolic programme will highlight the cultural ties between Lithuania and the United States, their long-standing cooperation, and the shared values that have been nurtured by the festival for many years.
The evening will feature festival participants, while music will become a bridge connecting two countries, two cultures, and several generations.
Over fourteen years, “Vivace Vilnius” has grown into one of Lithuania’s most important international classical music festivals. It is a place where world-class masters meet future stars of music, where creative partnerships and intercultural connections are created.
Every summer, Vilnius becomes a vibrant international music centre, hosting concerts of the highest artistic quality, masterclasses, and the development of a new generation of talented musicians.
Festival organisers:
Vivace Vilnius and Vilnius Town Hall
Festival partners:
DELFI, JCDecaux Lithuania, Imperial Hotel, mineral water AKVILĖ, GO Vilnius