Lithuanian Musical Landscapes: Choir “Polifonija” to perform works by M.K. Čiurlionis in Wrocław
On Friday, 27 June, Wrocław will host a global celebration of the Year of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis – the Lithuanian artist, composer, and painter. At 5:00 p.m., the baroque Aula Leopoldina at the University of Wrocław will resound with the concert Hommage à Čiurlionis. The performance will be given by the State Chamber Choir “Polifonija” from Lithuania, widely regarded as one of the finest choirs in Europe.
Hommage à Čiurlionis is a unique encounter with the work of an artist who, unlike any other, could visualise sound. Čiurlionis transformed sounds into paintings and paintings into music. On the 150th anniversary of his birth, Wrocław joins the international programme of events dedicated to his legacy.
“Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis left behind a remarkable, multidimensional world of art,” says Ana Kočegarova-Maj, Cultural Attaché of the Republic of Lithuania. “He created nearly 400 musical compositions and over 300 paintings. His legacy also includes literary, photographic, poetic, and graphic works. His art, blending music and painting, has inspired generations of artists and continues to stir deep emotions. It is precisely these emotions that we hope to share with you, together with our partners – the University of Wrocław, the Lithuanian Institute, and the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the Republic of Poland,” she adds.
About the concert
The audience will hear compositions by Čiurlionis as well as works inspired by his creative output. It will be a musical journey through sonic landscapes, symbolism, and exquisite sensitivity.
Performing on stage will be the State Chamber Choir “Polifonija” from Šiauliai – a group that has been enchanting audiences for 50 years with precision, emotional power, and an exceptional sound. The choir, which has earned international awards including Grand Prix at prestigious competitions in Poland and Spain, brings to Wrocław a programme deeply rooted in Lithuanian culture and spirituality.
The choir is led by artistic director Linas Balandis, a conductor acclaimed for his interpretations of both early and contemporary music. He will be joined by Povilas Vanžodis, with choral masters Inga Petrauskienė and Mindaugas Žalalis ensuring vocal precision.
An artist of two nations
Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis was born in 1875 in Orany. His most important artistic works include painterly sonatas, preludes, and fugues – cycles of 2–4 paintings based on musical tempos (allegro, andante, scherzo, finale), themes, and narrative structure. In these works, Čiurlionis depicted the spiritual unity of the cosmos, nature, and human existence. His music is no less original – imbued with deep tranquillity and a sense of nature’s infinite mysteries. During his short life, Čiurlionis composed around 300 works for orchestra, piano, organ, string quartet, and choir. He was also the first Lithuanian composer to create both symphonic and chamber music.
Although Čiurlionis’s life was closely tied to Lithuania, Poland also played a significant role in his biography and artistic development. He studied at the Warsaw Music School and later at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. The Polish capital was where he honed his skills, found inspiration, and forged important relationships with other artists.
Čiurlionis died in 1911 in Pustelnik, yet to this day he remains a key figure in Lithuania’s national identity. The painter and composer continues to symbolise close cultural ties between Poland and Lithuania.
The Year of Čiurlionis is being celebrated not only in Lithuania but also around the world — including in Poland, Germany, France, Japan, and the United States. We warmly invite you to join the celebration. For more information about current events in the Year of Čiurlionis, please visit: Lithuanian Art and Culture in Poland [link].
CONCERT DETAILS:
The concert will take place on 27 June 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Aula Leopoldina of the University of Wrocław. The State Chamber Choir “Polifonija” from Šiauliai will perform under the baton of conductors Linas Balandis and Povilas Vanžodis. Choral direction will be provided by Inga Petrauskienė and Mindaugas Žalalis. Admission is free.
PROGRAMME:
The programme will include both original compositions and dedications by other composers inspired by Čiurlionis’ work.
Lithuanian folk songs harmonised by M.K. Čiurlionis:
- „Beauštanti aušrelė” – conducted by Inga Petrauskienė
- „Oi giria, gira” – conducted by Inga Petrauskienė
- „Anoj pusėj Nemuno” – conducted by Inga Petrauskienė
- „Šėriau žirgelį” – conducted by Mindaugas Žalalis
- M. K. Čiurlionis – „Dainų dainelė” oraz V. Augustinas – „Anoj pusėj Dunojėlio” – conducted by Mindaugas Žalalis
Dedications to M. K. Čiurlionis:
- Donatas Zakaras – „Laiškai Sofijai” – conducted by Inga Petrauskienė
- Jurgis Kubilius – „Sofijos sapnas” – conducted by Linas Balandis
- Zita Bružaitė – „Ar vėjai pūtė” – conducted by Mindaugas Žalalis
- Vidmantas Bartulis – „Saulutė šviesioji” – conducted by Linas Balandis
- Gintautas Venislovas – „Nodus” – conducted by Linas Balandis
Media contact:
Magdalena Kosińska
PR Manager, K+ PR
mkosinska@kplus.agency
+ 48 609 555 400
Date of publication: 17.06.2025
Added by: M.K.
