How would the hymns that people sang in churches, at home, during holidays, processions, and vigils more than 150 years ago sound today?
The Šiauliai State Chamber Choir “Polifonija” invites you to a concert where the classic hymnal by Motiejus Valančius will be paired with works by a new generation of Lithuanian composers.
To mark the 225th anniversary of the birth of Motiejus Kazimieras Valančius, Bishop of Samogitia, three composers— Lukas Butkus, Dovydas Baltrimavičius, and Deividas Kukta, each selected three hymns from the “Kantičkų” collection and used them as the basis for nine new compositions for mixed choir.
This is certainly not a reconstruction of the 19th-century sound; rather, it is a young composer’s contemporary perspective on the old hymnal, where historical text, modern choral music, and living cultural memory come together.
The concert will be complemented by visual dramaturgy created by video artist and director Kristijonas Dirsė, in which music and imagery will blend with the architecture of the church, creating a unique journey between the past and the present.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Saulius Stumbra will speak about the history of the Kantičkai, their place in Lithuanian religious culture, and the tradition of chanting.
October 2 | 7:00 p.m. Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Klaipėda Performed by the Šiauliai State Chamber Choir “Polifonija”
Conducted by Povilas Vanžodis
Composers: Lukas Butkus, Dovydas Baltrimavičius, Deividas Kukta
Visuals by – Kristijonas Dirsė
Introduction to Kantičkas by – Rev. Prof. Dr. Saulius Stumbra
Conducted by Povilas Vanžodis
Composers: Lukas Butkus, Dovydas Baltrimavičius, Deividas Kukta
Visuals by – Kristijonas Dirsė
Introduction to Kantičkas by – Rev. Prof. Dr. Saulius Stumbra
Programme:
Lukas Butkus
“I, a Sad Man, Speak”
“Rejoice, Heaven”
“O, the Folly of Man”
“I, a Sad Man, Speak”
“Rejoice, Heaven”
“O, the Folly of Man”
Dovydas Baltrimavičius
“Hello, Early Star”
“Oh, What Shall We Do?”
“A Happy Man”
“Hello, Early Star”
“Oh, What Shall We Do?”
“A Happy Man”
Deividas Kukta
“Eternity”
“Like Snow Falling on the Soul”
“Holy God”
“Eternity”
“Like Snow Falling on the Soul”
“Holy God”
The event is free.
