Great Cellists and Cello Microhistories

Opening of the “Portraits” art exhibition by painter Darius Tamkevičius and talks about the less known facts from the history of the cello in Lithuania

With the participation of: music historian Dr. Danutė Petrauskaitė (“Centenary of the Cello School in Lithuania 1923–2023”), instrument maker and restoration expert Gerardas Rūkas (“The Old School of Instrument Makers in Vilnius”)

Moderator Agnė Bukartaitė

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As the week begins, we begin to get to know the instrument of a thousand faces – the cello, which unfolds in new and unexpected musical guises every spring. Every day during this week, we will hear about the cello that jazzes, sings, crouches and even dances, and the music that captivates audiences around the world! History and present time, music and art, the great masters of musical performance and instrument making mark the beginning of the festival. Representatives of different ‘crafts’ invite us to experience it all. In the run-up programme before the festival’s opening concert we offer an exhibition by artist Darius Tamkevičius, featuring portraits of the great cellists Mstislav Rostropovich, Pablo Casals and Jacqueline du Pré. In his work, the artist is not so much preoccupied with experimentation, but is seeking contact, relationship, dialogue with the viewer, whom he looks at with respect and curiosity, hoping for a reaction, a response, an emotion. Thus, the objects he creates are first and foremost a way of meeting and talking about the essence and meaning of our existence in this world.

In a brief discussion, moderated by journalist Agnė Bukartaitė, music historian Danutė Petrauskaitė will talk about a little-known fact – the centenary of the cello school in Lithuania, which dates back to 1923 and begins in Klaipėda. Gerardas Rūkas, a master and expert of instrument making and restoration, will reveal the secrets of old luthiers of Vilnius.

We invite you to learn, hear and see the secrets of the cello!

INFORMATION FOR CONCERT GOERS

• We ask all visitors to stay at home, if you have fever (at least 37.3 C) or experienced symptoms that cannot be attributed to a pre-existing condition or injury (cough, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath or difficulty of breathing, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, muscle or body aches, etc.).
• As organisers we have the right to ask authorized professionals to photograph or film our events. Photographs and/or video recordings may be used in our printed publications and/or on our website, in social media, in other publicity materials, or in third-party media. Please be aware of such possibility while attending our events. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed in the above manner (without the attribution of your identity), you have a right to request that your image be removed from the digital server and from any publicity material on the web by email gidone.vaitkuviene@koncertusale.lt or telephone +370 650 17988.