Source: Schoeps Mikrofone
About ten years ago, deep within the embrace of the Lithuanian forests at Paliesius Manor, Aleksandra and Vilius Keras created an exceptional space—a recording studio and residency. Nestled within the grounds of the 17th-century estate, the horseshoe-shaped concert hall, built of stone, glass, and wood, has become a creative space where artists such as Gidon Kremer, Lucas Debargue, David Geringas, Martynas Levickis, Zhu Xiao-Mei, Yunjie Chen, the Klenke Quartet, and many others have recorded.
“We have a very magical place in Lithuania, in the middle of nowhere, in the woods,” Aleksandra shares. The studio’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that the most vital element of any recording session is the performer’s emotional state. “The artists’ feelings must always come first. When performers feel comfortable, we achieve the best results.”
At Paliesius, musicians live and work together from morning until evening, fully immersed in the music and the recording process, yet always with the opportunity to unwind and rest. Aleksandra and Vilius involve the performers directly—inviting them to listen to the recorded versions and explore what different microphone choices can change in the post-production process. Recently, Lithuanian mezzo-soprano Justina Gringytė recorded her album in the studio; Vilius considers this space ideal for vocal and chamber music. Last December, Aleksandra and Vilius also recorded a program by Danish composer Poul Ruders, and the atmosphere of Paliesius Manor—surrounded by forests and nature—was ideal for this project.
Full interview (in English)