The warmest month of the year brings an abundance of everything: vibrant greenery, blossoming flowers, rich scents, brilliant sunlight, and occasionally, even storms. This captivating richness is beautifully mirrored in the repertoire at Paliesius Manor. In mid-July, we await one of Paliesius’s most spectacular events of the year: the return of maestro Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica orchestra festival, this time featuring four concerts and a multitude of renowned guest soloists. Following the festival, Leopold Godowsky’s exotic “Java Suite” will resonate in Lithuania for the first time, performed by pianist Dainius Vaičekonis. The month then concludes with brilliant talents of the younger generation—the dynamic Lithuanian violinist Ieva Pranskutė and Croatian cellist Mislav Brajković, celebrating ten years of performing together on stage.
Source: 7MD.LT
July 11-12 | Kremerata Baltica Festival at Paliesius Manor | 2025
The wonderful Kremerata Baltica festival returns to Paliesius Manor! Hosted at the manor for the second time, this year’s festival will offer even more concerts, exceptionally talented performers, and masterfully executed works. The program weaves together jazz, classical music, and fragments of Gidon Kremer’s letters. Four concerts will take place: July 11 at 19:00 and 20:45, and July 12 at 16:00 and 19:00.
The festival will feature one of today’s most renowned violinists, Gidon Kremer, his Grammy Award-winning orchestra Kremerata Baltica, and distinguished guest soloists. The American saxophonist Joe Lovano, recipient of numerous awards including a Grammy, will take the stage alongside Olli Mustonen, one of Finland’s most fascinating musicians, widely recognized for his distinct style on the piano. They are joined by the young Belgian violinist Pauline van der Rest, who has claimed first prize in multiple international competitions, and the Ukrainian vibraphonist Andrei Pushkarev, Kremerata Baltica’s principal percussionist, often described as a true magician of his instrument. Texts will be read by the well-known actor, musician, and reciter Giedrius Arbačiauskas.
July 20, 16:00 | Dainius Vaičekonis (piano, USA)
For the first time in Lithuania, Paliesius Manor will host a performance of the indescribably beautiful and complex “Java Suite”, composed by the legendary Litvak pianist, composer, and pedagogue Leopold Godowsky. This twelve-piece cycle was deeply inspired by the unique Indonesian nature, architectural monuments, and musical and cultural traditions the composer experienced during his 1922 visit to the island of Java.
The “Java Suite” will be performed by pianist Dainius Vaičekonis, a professor and head of piano studies at Seattle Pacific University (USA), who has spent many years dedicated to reviving Godowsky’s legacy. An actively performing pianist, he has delivered dozens of solo and chamber music programs. He is a winner of the International F. Walton Concert Tour Competition (Seattle, USA) and the Washington State University Concert Competition, as well as a laureate of the International F. Schubert Piano Competition (Dortmund, Germany).
July 26, 16:00 | “10 Years Together on Stage”
Paliesius Manor presents the concert “10 Years Together on Stage.” The evening features the dynamic Lithuanian violinist Ieva Pranskutė and Croatian cellist Mislav Brajković, performing together as Xylos Duo. They are one of the most prominent young string duos in Vienna. The duo has captivated audiences with their electrifying performances in such illustrious halls as Vienna’s Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus, RadioKulturhaus Wien, and beyond. The musicians’ artistic journey transcends the boundaries of different eras, offering audiences a diverse repertoire that spans from classical masterpieces to modern 21st-century works. Xylos Duo’s performances have been broadcast across various radio and television programs, including ORF and Ö1 in Austria, as well as Croatian and Lithuanian national television and radio. This has firmly cemented their position as one of the most sought-after string duos in Vienna. Their artistic endeavors have also been recognized by the Embassy of Lithuania in Croatia, which honored the duo for their cultural contribution to both nations. The duo’s program includes Bach, Mozart, and a premiere performance of Zita Bružaitė’s “Užburtas kalnas”.