The Marco Scacchi Early Music Festival in Lithuania highlights the works of composer M. Scacchi and various contemporary musicians across a broad historical range, starting with the music of the Middle Ages.
The Marco Scacchi Early Music Festival has commenced in Lithuania, celebrating the works of the composer Marco Scacchi, who historically worked in the Vilnius Royal Palace. Significantly, a portion of the concert programs will focus on Scacchi's compositions alongside the music of his contemporaries, teachers, and followers. However, the festival also aims to transcend a narrow chronological scope, showcasing music from various historical periods—from the mystical Middle Ages to the beautiful late Baroque compositions. Collaborations are extended to artists from Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain, enriching the festival's diverse cultural tapestry.
The inaugural concert featured the works of Francesco Cavalli, one of the standout composers of 17th-century opera. This year marks the 350th anniversary of Cavalli's death, and notably, this is the first time Lithuania has hosted a concert program dedicated entirely to his music. The international early music ensemble "Canto Fiorito" took on the responsibility of bridging this historical gap by presenting an engaging program comprising excerpts from ten different operas by Cavalli, thus allowing Lithuanian audiences to experience his significant contributions to the operatic genre for the very first time.
Looking ahead, the festival will continue with performances from other esteemed early music ensembles, including the "Šviesotam" ensemble, which is scheduled to perform next week on March 12. The festival not only commemorates significant historical figures in music but also seeks to invigorate the appreciation for early music within the contemporary cultural landscape of Lithuania, fostering connections among different countries and traditions through shared musical heritage.
