International Jazz Day Celebration

“Džiazo priešpiečiai” (Jazz Brunch), the event organised by the Lithuanian Jazz Union and the Lithuanian National Commission for UNESCO that has now become a tradition, will bring together two memorable occasions: International Jazz Day and the 150th anniversary of the birth of M. K. Čiurlionis, which is being celebrated together with UNESCO.

The only open and free presentation in Vilnius of the project “Paskui Čiurlionį” (After Čiurlionis) will take place on Wednesday 30 April, from 11:45 to 12:45, in the courtyard of the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art, beside the monument to Lithuania’s most famous artist.

The programme features M. K. Čiurlionis’s piano preludes, arranged and performed by saxophonist Jan Maksimovič and pianist Dmitrij Golovanov. It is an interpretation of M. K. Čiurlionis’s music by well-known Lithuanian jazz masters, a distinctive dialogue between classical music and contemporary jazz.

Both jazz musicians are prominent and active figures in cultural life, as well as distinguished and dedicated teachers, known for their exceptional approach and devotion to the art of music. Having developed an almost telepathic connection, the duo transforms M. K. Čiurlionis’s music, translating it into the improvisational forms of jazz.

In its interpretation of the preludes, “Paskui Čiurlionį” leaves jazz stereotypes behind, drawing instead on authentic elements of M. K. Čiurlionis’s music, his harmony and his musical language.

In the open school courtyard, the audience will be able to enjoy not only jazz but also the spring, and rise for a moment above everyday life.

Pupils, guests, and both regular and new “Džiazo priešpiečiai” listeners are invited to bring a snack and spend their lunch break listening to jazz.