Date: 5 August 2026 (Wednesday)
Time: 7:00 PM
Venue: St. Catherine’s Church
Performers
Simon Robinson – bass-baritone
Christina Wright-Ivanova – piano
Irina Mureșanu – violin
Inga Vyšniauskaitė – piano
Programme
Francesco Paolo Tosti
- Non t’amo più
- L’ultima canzone
- La Serenata
- Donna, vorrei morir
- Malìa
Cesare Andrea Bixio
- Mamma
Ralph Vaughan Williams
- Songs of Travel (complete song cycle)
Louis Spohr
- Works for violin, voice and piano
George Enescu
- Works for violin and piano
Pablo de Sarasate
- Carmen Fantasy
Vivace Vilnius Art Song Gala
Following the great success of last year’s performance, festival favourites return to “Vivace Vilnius” – internationally acclaimed bass-baritone Simon Robinson and pianist Christina Wright-Ivanova.
This year’s “Vivace Vilnius Art Song Gala” programme will feature gems of Italian vocal lyricism, complemented by one of the most significant works of English chamber vocal music – Ralph Vaughan Williams’ song cycle Songs of Travel.
Making her festival debut, internationally recognised Romanian violinist Irina Mureșanu will perform works by Louis Spohr, George Enescu, and Pablo de Sarasate, including the spectacular Carmen Fantasy.
The evening’s programme will unite vocal and instrumental chamber music, revealing the diversity, emotional richness, and virtuosity of 19th- and 20th-century European musical traditions.
The concert will also feature pianist Inga Vyšniauskaitė together with four additional singers – participants of Vivace Vilnius: Sophie Krieger (Germany), Sarah Keller (Germany), Gerda Bornhauser (France / Switzerland), and Liepa Spakauskas (Lithuania / Canada).
The programme will also include works by Viardot, Handel, and Mendelssohn.
Simon Robinson – Biography
Simon Robinson is an internationally acclaimed British bass-baritone performing across Europe and North America. He completed his prestigious musical studies in the United Kingdom and quickly established himself as an exceptional performer of opera and chamber music.
His repertoire spans a wide range of musical periods – from the Baroque era to contemporary works. Vocal chamber music and song cycles hold a special place in his artistic career, allowing his sensitive understanding of poetry and refined interpretative style to shine.
Robinson is a regular guest at international festivals and collaborates with renowned pianists and conductors. He is also actively involved in education, conducting masterclasses for young singers and mentoring future opera performers.
Christina Wright-Ivanova – Biography
Christina Wright-Ivanova is a pianist, educator, and chamber music specialist based in the United States. She performs as a soloist and as a member of chamber ensembles, actively collaborating with singers and instrumentalists.
The pianist is recognised for her exceptional artistry in accompaniment, her ability to respond sensitively to musical partners, and her talent for creating a unified musical narrative. Her repertoire encompasses a wide range of styles, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions.
In her educational work, Wright-Ivanova places particular emphasis on chamber music and the development of young performers. She regularly gives masterclasses and participates in international music projects.
Irina Mureșanu – Biography
Born in Romania, violinist Irina Mureșanu is one of the most distinguished performers of her generation, celebrated for her virtuosity, stage charisma, and musical versatility.
She studied in Romania and the United States and today performs in leading concert halls throughout North America and Europe.
The artist has received numerous international awards and has appeared with a wide range of orchestras and chamber ensembles. Her repertoire includes both classical and contemporary music, with a particular focus on the works of Romanian composers.
Irina Mureșanu is also an active educator, teaching at higher music institutions in the United States and conducting masterclasses around the world.
Inga Vyšniauskaitė – Biography
Inga Vyšniauskaitė is a Lithuanian pianist who actively performs as a soloist and chamber musician. She participates in various international projects and collaborates with Lithuanian and international instrumentalists and vocalists.
The pianist is recognised for her sensitive musical approach, stylistic versatility, and ability to reveal the distinctive character of music from different historical periods.
A significant part of her artistic activity is dedicated to chamber music. Inga regularly participates in concert projects in Lithuania and abroad, creating programmes with both young and established performers.
Her interpretations are distinguished by technical precision, musicality, and a strong sense of artistic dialogue with her stage partners. The pianist is also actively involved in teaching, educational projects, and masterclasses.
Festival organisers:
Vivace Vilnius and Vilnius Town Hall
Festival partners:
DELFI, JCDecaux Lithuania, Imperial Hotel, mineral water AKVILĖ, GO Vilnius