“European Fantasy”: Petras Vyšniauskas (saxophone), Aleksandra Žvirblytė (piano)

October 10 at Paliesius Manor brings a special concert by two renowned Lithuanian artists: saxophone grandmaster Petras Vyšniauskas and pianist Aleksandra Žvirblytė.

Two worlds: classical and the art of improvisation. Coming from different musical realms, these two bright personalities play and provoke, forging a new alloy. A new music is born—unique and unexpectedly organic.

The projects of these two musicians have already captured the hearts of music lovers in Lithuania and across Europe. Both audiences and critics marvel at their supreme mastery, unique artistic ideas, and the intriguing fusion of classical masterpieces with spontaneous improvisation—thoughts and concepts born in the here and now. The concert will feature original works and improvisations based on the music of all 27 European Union countries.

“I am not Žvirblytė, but I fly. I am not Classical, but I found it—I have seen nothing freer and nothing finer. I felt it. Time runs on, and I want to rise again,” says Petras Vyšniauskas. Aleksandra Žvirblytė adds: “To play what you know intimately, while simultaneously not knowing where fantasy will carry you. To let yourself be provoked and to provoke, thereby arriving at freedom of thought. A true artistic trance.”

“Petras Vyšniauskas’s concert with pianist Aleksandra Žvirblytė was spellbinding. The concept is simply incredible. The effect is breathtaking, not only because Petras takes relentless risks, but also because the music is so subtle and intense that tears unwittingly begin to gather. An unforgettable concert…” – Emmanuel de Gouvello, France

“The Lithuanian soprano saxophonist Petras Vyšniauskas is, in my opinion, one of the most original musicians focusing on this instrument—his vivid phrasing expands with resolutely original intervals, and his sound is powerful: stronger and more precise than Sam Rivers, denser and more concentrated than Steve Lacy, perhaps even as polyphonic as Evan Parker.” – Howard Mandel, New York, USA

“Aleksandra Žvirblytė unrestrictedly paints a sensual musical portrait right here on stage. Her playing is not only technically perfect but spiritually rich; brilliant technique becomes merely a means to express her distinct perception of music.” – Steen Sogaard, Morgenavisen Jyllandspoeten daily, Denmark