Motiejus, Mykolas and Benediktas Bazaras | Photo by the festival organisers
This spring, the National Gallery of Art will host the Vilnius Spring Festival for the third time — an international music festival initiated by the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, inviting audiences to experience four exceptional concerts.
As stated in the press release, this year’s programme, taking place in May, is dedicated to the musical tradition of the Nordic countries and its contemporary interpretations. The festival stage will feature outstanding performers from Lithuania and the international music scene.
The festival’s initiator and director of the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, Nerijus Masevičius, is pleased that the event has already become a tradition in Vilnius’ cultural life.
“We are very happy that the festival is taking place for the third time this year. Over this period, it has developed its own identity and direction. The first festival was dedicated to Lithuanian creators, last year we focused on Baltic music, and this year we are naturally moving forward — turning our attention to the Nordic countries. We want to show how diverse and contemporary the music of this region can sound,” says N. Masevičius.
Nerijus Masevičius | Photo by D. Putinas
According to him, the festival is becoming increasingly international and aims to foster dialogue between different musical traditions. “For us, the Vilnius Spring Festival is an opportunity to introduce audiences to very different musical worlds — from newly created works to inspirations drawn from folklore or vocal traditions. We want this festival to remain vibrant, open, and constantly expanding its geographical reach,” says the orchestra’s director.
The festival will open on May 7 with the concert ArtDeCounterPoint, inviting audiences to take a closer look at the very process of musical creation. It will be an evening dedicated to the moment when a musical idea is still taking shape and a composition is searching for its final form. Specially composed music for this concert will be performed by brothers Motiejus, Mykolas, and Benediktas Bazaras, who will appear on stage together with the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra.
A moment from the Vilnius Spring Festival | Photo by D. Putinas
The creative process will be brought together and guided by conductor Modestas Barkauskas, while the concert itself will become a play of counterpoints between written score and improvisation, between the individual voice and collective energy.
On May 14, the festival stage will welcome one of the most prominent Nordic folk ensembles in the world — the Danish trio Dreamers’ Circus. Its members also perform in other renowned Danish groups, and it is precisely this project that brings together such a wide range of musical styles.
Dreamers’ Circus | Photo by S. Lynggaard
The group consists of Nikolaj Busk (piano, accordion), Rune Tonsgaard Sørensen (violin), and Ale Carr (cittern). Their music brings together traditional Nordic folk, the lyricism of classical music, and jazz improvisation, while their live performances combine precise musicianship with spontaneous energy.
Throughout their career, the trio has released seven albums and performed on major stages across Europe, North America, and Japan. Their latest album, Handed On, reflects on musical heritage and the tradition of passing it on.
On May 21, the festival programme will feature the concert “If We Were to Return” by composer Laimis Vilkončius, presenting songs about Vilnius and dedicated to the city.
Laimis Vilkončius | Photo by M. Endriuška
This evening will present a freely curated programme that invites audiences to rediscover works created in different periods. The composer himself will appear on stage (vocals, keyboards), joined by a choir and the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra conducted by Modestas Barkauskas.
The concert will bring together lyrical sensitivity and dramatic intensity, allowing listeners to experience the evolution of creativity as a living musical process.
The festival will conclude on May 28 with the Swedish vocal quartet Ringmasters and their programme 20 Years Good Vibrations. “We are especially delighted that the quartet has chosen Vilnius as part of their anniversary tour. This closing concert of the festival will present a distinctive and previously unheard programme,” says Nerijus Masevičius.
Ringmasters | Photo from the group’s archive
In 2012, they became the first performers from outside North America to win the international quartet championship of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Since then, their name has been associated with flawless vocal harmony, dynamic stage presence, and an exceptional culture of ensemble performance.
The quartet’s repertoire includes barbershop classics, Swedish choral music, songs made famous by The Beatles and Elvis Presley, as well as contemporary arrangements. At the festival’s closing concert, the audience will also hear a work created especially for this occasion.
Vilnius Spring Festival 