We welcome spring at Paliesius Manor with classical music! From early music to opera-inspired fantasies, from Clara Schumann to F. Chopin—our visiting musicians have prepared intriguing programs that invite audiences to explore the most diverse corners of the classical world. On the very first day of the month, we will listen to flutist J. Mačys and pianist M. Katinas perform “Souvenirs from Italy,” a program resounding with the most deeply felt moments from opera. Later, we will celebrate Women’s Day with “Women’s Conversations,” brought to life by violinist Silvija Vaitkevičiūtė and pianist Eglė Kižytė-Ramonienė! March 22 marks a truly special performance: for the first time in the Baltics, the legendary countertenor Gérard Lesne and the baroque ensemble Le Concert Universel will take the stage. The month concludes with one of Latvia’s most renowned pianists, Andrejs Osokins, revealing the profound beauty of F. Chopin and R. Schumann’s music. Let us welcome spring with music!
Source: 7MD.LT
March 1, 4:00 PM | “Souvenirs from Italy”
Two talented soloists unite in a creative tandem: flutist Justinas Mačys and pianist Mantautas Katinas. Together, they have prepared a spring-inspired program full of virtuosic flute melodies titled “Souvenirs from Italy,” centered around the queen of the stage—opera. The composers of the melodies featured in this concert—Giuseppe Gariboldi, Giulio Briccialdi, and Pietro Morlacchi—were all virtuoso flutists and principal players at Milan’s La Scala opera house. They intimately understood the Italian operatic tradition, weaving it into transcriptions for flute and piano, and entrusting this brilliant instrument to reveal the most vivid and emotional moments from the operas Carmen, Rigoletto, Norma, and La traviata.
March 8, 4:00 PM | “Women’s Conversations”
In celebration of Women’s Day, we present the concert “Women’s Conversations.” Violinist Silvija Vaitkevičiūtė and pianist Eglė Kižytė-Ramonienė invite you to experience a program featuring some of the most beautiful, rarely performed works for violin and piano. The afternoon highlights pieces written by female composers Clara Schumann and Amy Beach, alongside works by male composers—such as Enrique Granados, Olivier Messiaen, Manuel de Falla, and others—who dedicated their creations to women. The story behind the birth of each piece is fascinating and full of intrigue. The performers themselves will guide the audience through these narratives, not only playing the music but intimately introducing its history to the room.
March 22, 6:00 PM | Gérard Lesne & Le Concert Universel: “Quintessence”
The very first performance in the Baltics by the legendary singer and countertenor Gérard Lesne and the baroque ensemble Le Concert Universel! Though his musical career began as a rock singer, G. Lesne is now one of the most prominent early music performers in the world. Welcomed in the most renowned halls, he has released over 70 highly acclaimed, award-winning albums and received the prestigious French honor of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Together with Le Concert Universel, an ensemble performing on period instruments, he has prepared a special program for the Paliesius audience titled “Quintessence”—which, like the thread of life, will draw you into an evening overflowing with deep emotion and musical brilliance.
March 29, 4:00 PM | Dedication to Chopin and Schumann: Andrejs Osokins (Piano, Latvia)
Latvian classical pianist Andrejs Osokins will grace our stage. A laureate of the world’s most prominent piano competitions, he is described by critics as impeccably stylish, praised for his powerful intellect and charisma, his wide palette of expressive sound, and his highly compelling performances across a diverse repertoire. He is the founder and artistic director of the annual Osokins Freedom Festival in Latvia, as well as a member and organizer of the piano dynasty project, Three Osokins.
At Paliesius Manor, he will perform a program dedicated to one of the most distinguished composers of the 19th century, whose life was profoundly impacted and disrupted by the Russian invasion of his homeland, after which he never returned to Poland and composed in exile until his passing—Frédéric Chopin. This resonates deeply with our own times, as so many Ukrainians have been forced to flee their country and become refugees due to Russian aggression. The afternoon will also feature the works of R. Schumann, whose piano music serves as a true window into the composer’s soul.