On September 4–5, 2026, the 3rd International Orchestra Festival returns to Klaipėda, bringing a particularly strong lineup of big bands and wind orchestras to the port city’s public spaces.
Traditional wind and military bands performed at the first festivals. This year’s program features a strong jazz focus, and the opening concert will be presented by the guest ensemble “Mirage Jazz Orchestra” from Latvia. The lineup of soloists is also exceptionally impressive: vocalists Kotryna Juodzevičiūtė, Daumants Kalniņš, Normunds Rutulis, and Evilena Protektore will join the orchestras. The grand closing concert of the festival will take place on the picturesque Jono Kalnelis Island.

Festival Program
September 4 (Friday)
7:00 p.m. ► Klaipėda Castle Square
FESTIVAL OPENING CONCERT
Mirage Jazz Orchestra (Latvia). Conductor: Lauris Amantovs; Soloist: Normunds Rutulis
Host: Justina Mikniuvienė

September 5 (Saturday)
12:00 p.m. MIDDAY MUSIC IN KLAIPĖDA
Musical performances by festival participants at various locations (to be announced)
4:00 p.m. ► Danė River Embankment near the Bendrystės Bridge
BETWEEN THE TWO BANKS OF THE DANĖ. Musical showdowns between orchestras
Jelgava’s Big Band (Latvia). Conductor Raitis Ašmanis, soloist Evilena Protektore
Mirage Jazz Orchestra (Netherlands/Lithuania/Latvia). Conductor: Lauris Amantovs; soloist: Normunds Rutulis
Šiauliai Big Band (Lithuania). Conductor: Raitis Ašmanis; soloist: Daumants Kalniņš
Vilnius JJAZZ Ensemble (Lithuania). Conductor: Jievaras Jasinskis, Soloist: Kotryna Juodzevičiūtė
Orchestra of the 8th Samogitian Riflemen Unit of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Conductor: Linas Senkus
Moderators: Justina Mikniuvienė and Irmantas Pilis

7:00 p.m. ► Jono Kalnelio Island
FINAL FESTIVAL CONCERT
The Lithuanian Armed Forces Grand Duchess Birutė Uhlan Battalion Orchestra. Bandmaster: Senior Lieutenant Ramūnas Valatis;
The Lithuanian Armed Forces Navy Band. Director Egidijus Miknius, Conductor Zenonas Šimkus;
The Lithuanian Armed Forces Air Force Band. Director Captain Remigijus Terminas;
The Orchestra of the 8th Samogitian Riflemen Brigade of the Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union. Director: Linas Senkus.
Soloists: Deividas Norvilas-Deivis and Renata Norvilė
Hosts: Justina Mikniuvienė and Irmantas Pilis

The festival’s artistic director is Egidijus Miknius, director and principal conductor of the Lithuanian Armed Forces Naval Band

*By participating in this free event, you agree to be photographed and filmed (for promotional purposes).

Organizers: Klaipėda City Municipality, Žvejų Rūmai Cultural Center

For more information, call +370 46 410565; info@zvejurumai.lt