A concert celebrating the 150th anniversary of M. K. Čiurlionis features performances of his sacred works and a lecture on his connections with Edvard Munch.
The University of Oslo hosts a concert featuring the works of Lithuanian composer M. K. Čiurlionis, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of his birth, which was widely celebrated in Lithuania last year. The concert will showcase sacred compositions performed by pianist Sonata Alšauskaitė alongside Norwegian singers. A lecture will precede the concert, shedding light on the connections between Čiurlionis and renowned artist Edvard Munch, fostering a dialogue around their artistic influences.
Art historian Laima Marija Petrusevičiūtė, author of 'Melancholy and Sun: Munch and Čiurlionis', will deliver the introductory lecture, discussing the interplay between art, music, and cultural connections. This engaging academic discussion will feature reproductions of Čiurlionis' paintings, offering an enriching context for attendees before they experience the live performance. Through merging scholarly insights and live music, the event aims to deepen the understanding of Čiurlionis' legacy.
The concert will prominently feature Hungarian composer Franz Liszt’s 'Via Crucis', a deeply spiritual and dramatic work composed of fourteen parts depicting the Stations of the Cross of Jesus Christ. Expected to be a highlight of the evening, Liszt's composition complements the sacred themes explored through Čiurlionis' music, evoking profound reflections on spirituality and artistry. Overall, the event underscores not only the artistic contributions of Čiurlionis but also the ongoing cultural exchange between Lithuania and Norway, reinforcing the value of international collaboration in the arts.
