On the occasion of World Art Day, works by M. K. Čiurlionis were performed in Šiauliai

On April 15, 2025, the Šiauliai Cultural Center hosted a concert "Peace" organized on the occasion of World Art Day, dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of M. K. Čiurlionis. The Kaunas String Quartet, assisted by pianist Kotryna Kaklauskaitė, actor Henrikas Savickis and visualization operator Leonas Povilaitis, left no one indifferent. It was not only a musical evening, but also an exciting artistic experience that combined music, art, theater and poetry into a single, sensitive whole.
Organizer – Šiauliai Cultural Center.

The audience gathered on April evening not only celebrated World Art Day, but also deeply felt the work of the symbol of the Lithuanian artistic spirit – M. K. Čiurlionis. The concert featured one of his most significant chamber music works – the String Quartet in C minor, which revealed the subtle harmony, colorful timbres and deep feelings – characteristic of all the work of this genius.

On stage, the audience was moved by the recognized and widely appreciated Kaunas String Quartet, assisted by pianist Kotryna Kaklauskaitė, actor Henrikas Savickis and visualization operator Leonas Povilaitis. Thanks to them, the evening program turned into a multifaceted artistic story – between the musical works, M. K. Čiurlionis’ letters to Sofia were played, allowing a glimpse into the composer’s inner world, and his paintings were shown on the multimedia screen, including the symbolic “Peace”.

The emotions were further enhanced by excerpts from the work of composer Zita Bružaitė “Ramybė” and drawings by students of Kaunas Art Gymnasium, inspired by Čiurlionis’s work. These details helped the audience feel not only the artist’s genius, but also the closeness to his worldview.

After the concert, the audience was in no hurry to disperse – emotions were in the air. Many shared their impressions, and more than one admitted that during the concert they not only felt a deep inner concentration, but also rediscovered Čiurlionis’s work. “It was like meditation,” said one spectator. “From the first moment I felt uplifted – the music, the images, the texts – everything merged so harmoniously,” shared another visitor.

The Šiauliai Cultural Center team is pleased to have been able to create such a sensitive and meaningful celebration, inviting not only to commemorate significant dates, but also to experience art anew – through a sense of togetherness.

Information is provided by Rita Šimkienė, cultural events organizer of the Šiauliai Cultural Center’s Event Organization Department, tel. +370 672 59 987, e-mail rita.simkiene@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Liubov Yarmoshenko