FOLK TRIO | “Virsmas”

As spring slowly gives way to summer, nature fills with life, light, and anticipation. This time of year is special—alive with preparation for the approaching summer festivities. But how was it in the past?

The “Virsmas” program invites you on a musical journey along the wheel of the year, to remember the ancient Lithuanian worldview, the bond between humanity and nature, and to listen closely to the wisdom encoded in folk songs. You will hear Lithuanian folk songs, along with tales of the meaning behind calendar holidays and the human relationship with the sun, the earth, water, and flora.

In this program, traditional melodies intertwine with modern improvisations, while renowned Lithuanian musicians imbue the songs with new colors and unexpected harmonies. This is not merely a concert, but an invitation to pause, to feel nature’s transformation, and to welcome the awakening summertime together—a season full of light, fellowship, and life.

Ineta Meduneckytė – a performer, as well as an initiator, organizer, and educator of ethnic culture projects.

Since 2001, she has performed actively with the ceremonial and ritual folklore group Kūlgrinda, later becoming the vocalist, manager, and project lead for the folk-rock band Žalvarinis. Over nearly two decades with the group, six albums were recorded, and she collaborated with well-known Lithuanian musicians and organizers of festivals and cultural events.

Through various musical projects, Ineta has presented Lithuanian ethnoculture not only in Lithuania but also abroad—in England, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Austria, China, Japan, and other countries. For several years, she was the concert host for Month Juodaragis, one of the largest festivals of Baltic culture and alternative music.

Since 2018, Ineta has led the public institution Etnoprojektai, initiating and implementing projects that spread ethnic culture both in Lithuania and abroad. She performs actively with the ethno-music project FOLK TRIO, where she, alongside Jan Maksimovič and Nerijus Bakula, seeks modern sonic forms for Lithuanian folk music, uniting tradition, improvisation, and the language of contemporary music. With this project, she represented Lithuania at a world music festival in Japan and performs at various festivals in Lithuania and abroad.

Since 2019, Ineta has also organized the annual ethnoculture festival FOLK RATU, bringing together performers and purveyors of traditional and modern ethno-music.

Nerijus Bakula – an accordion virtuoso, educator, initiator of cultural projects, and active community member.

The performer gives concerts in Lithuania and abroad, and his repertoire encompasses French, cinematic, jazz, retro, tango, and chanson music that touches every listener. Nerijus prepares diverse concert programs with various instrumental ensembles and renowned Lithuanian artists, including Evelina Sašenko, Chris Ruebens, Liudas Mikalauskas, and other musicians.

In Varėna, he initiated the professional music festival “Vasaros sonata”, which aims to foster a high level of artistic culture in the regions, reduce cultural exclusion, and popularize the Varėna area. The festival pays special attention to honoring the memory of M. K. Čiurlionis, who was born in Senoji Varėna, inviting professional music to resound surrounded by the nature of Dzūkija.

Jan Maksimovič – one of Lithuania’s most prominent jazz saxophonists, composers, and educators, distinguished by his unique musical signature, free improvisation, and broad stylistic range.

He completed his saxophone studies at the Balys Dvarionas Decennial Music School, studied at the J. Tallat-Kelpša Conservatory, and in 2001, graduated with a master’s degree from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. He teaches at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre as well as other music education institutions.

Jan has been active on the jazz scene since 1996. Throughout his creative journey, he has collaborated with the most prominent Lithuanian and foreign jazz and academic music performers, participated in international projects, and performed across Europe, the United States, Israel, Japan, and other countries.

As a composer and the leader of various musical projects, Jan creates original music that bridges elements of jazz, improvisation, and contemporary academic music. His exceptional sound, expressive musicianship, and ability to subtly interpret music of differing genres have earned him numerous awards and recognition on both the Lithuanian and international jazz stages.