A Homecoming That Touched Hearts: Eglė Jarkova’s Exceptional Concert Resonated in Šiauliai

On the evening of 1 August 2026, the Chamber Hall of Šiauliai Culture Centre became a place where world-class artistry, heartfelt emotions and a special homecoming story came together. The concert “Homecoming”, a gift from the international summer music festival “Vivace Vilnius” to the City of the Sun as it celebrates its 790th anniversary, left no one indifferent – the audience rewarded the performers with enthusiastic applause, while the emotions of the evening lingered in the hall long afterwards.
Organised by Šiauliai Culture Centre.

After many years, one of the honorary ambassadors of Šiauliai’s 790th anniversary, internationally acclaimed violinist Eglė Jarkova, returned to her native Šiauliai for a concert. Currently based in Boston (USA), the performer began her musical journey in Šiauliai, making the concert not only a musical event of the highest artistic level, but also an emotional return to the city where her first steps towards the international stage began.

Eglė Jarkova is the founder and artistic director of the international summer music festival “Vivace Vilnius”. Over fourteen years, the festival has become one of the most important summer classical music events in Lithuania, bringing together world-class performers, educators and the most promising young musicians from various countries around the world. It is symbolic that during Šiauliai’s anniversary year, this festival’s gift was a concert in the performer’s hometown.

The evening’s programme featured one of the most remarkable masterpieces of chamber music – César Franck’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, performed by Eglė Jarkova together with pianist Christina Wright-Ivanova (USA / Canada / UAE). The audience was captivated not only by the performers’ artistry, but also by their subtle musical dialogue, which allowed listeners to experience a special emotional journey.

The concert was also enriched by young talents from the international summer music festival “Vivace Vilnius” – pianist Povilas Ušinskis and violinist Bernadeta Januškaitė. Together with pianist Inga Vyšniauskaitė, Eglė Jarkova performed a symbolic programme of three musical greetings, which became a touching expression of friendship, unity and dialogue between different cultures.

Performers of different generations came together on stage, united by a common language – music. Professionalism, sensitive interpretations and a sincere connection with the audience created a special atmosphere, which listeners rewarded with enthusiastic ovations. For many, it was not only a concert, but also a memorable cultural event that once again reminded everyone of music’s ability to connect people, cities and the world.

The concert “Homecoming” became another meaningful highlight of the Šiauliai 790th anniversary programme – an evening where memories of the hometown, international professionalism and love of music came together.

Information is provided by Edita Smindriūnaitė, Head of the Exhibitions Department of Šiauliai Culture Centre, mob. +370 656 13 886, e-mail edita.smindriunaite@siauliukc.lt.

Photo by Darius Ančerevičius.