ČIURLIONIS STRING QUARTET PERFORMS IN SEOUL TO COMMEMORATE LITHUANIA‘S RESTORATION OF INDEPENDANCE AND M.K.ČIURLIONIS 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
On February 17, in celebration of the 107th anniversary of Lithuania’s Restoration of Independence and the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’ birth, the Čiurlionis String Quartet from the Lithuanian National Philharmonic performed to a large audience at Seoul’s main Catholic sanctuary – Myeongdong Cathedral.
Welcoming the audience, Ambassador Ričardas Šlepavičius highlighted how the annual concerts hosted by the Lithuanian Embassy at Myeongdong Cathedral to celebrate Lithuania’s Restoration of Independence have become a cherished and highly anticipated tradition. However, this year’s performance was especially meaningful, as it also paid tribute to Lithuania’s musical and artistic genius, M. K. Čiurlionis.
The ambassador stressed Čiurlionis’ significant influence on preserving Lithuania’s national identity, which laid the foundation for the restoration of the independent State of Lithuania, as well as his lasting impact on both Lithuanian and European art. “Čiurlionis’ artistic heritage cannot be introduced just with one single event. He was a composer, a painter, a photographer, a writer, and an active member of Lithuanian cultural life,” said Ambassador Šlepavičius.
During the concert, the Čiurlionis String Quartet performed works by M. K. Čiurlionis and other composers, whilst the screens in the cathedral displayed the artist’s paintings and photographs, allowing the audience a deeper insight into his art.
Later this week, audiences in Daejeon, Busan, and Daegu will also have the opportunity to enjoy M. K. Čiurlionis’ music performed by renowned Lithuanian musicians.
