LENsemble Vilnius (LT). Baltic & Estonian Music Days

One of the most exciting ensembles of contemporary music in the Baltic states gives a concert that connects the brand new works of Andrius Maslekovas, Timo Steiner, and Toivo Tulev with the compositions of Jānis Petraškevičs, Gundega Šmite, and Vykintas Baltakas. The concert will present a wide spectrum of Baltic music, encompassing various colours, influences, and generations.

LENsemble Vilnius (Lithuanian Ensemble Network) is a collective that connects musicians from some of the most experienced ensembles in the Lithuanian contemporary music scene, such as the Chordos Quartet, Kristupas Wind Quintet, Kaskados Piano Trio, and others. Since its inaugural concert at WDR Cologne (2009), it has promoted Baltic contemporary music at numerous important international venues and various festivals in Lithuania. The open structure of the ensemble allows for experimentation with unconventional formations. For the concert in Tartu, three composers (Andrius Maslekovas, Timo Steiner, and Toivo Tulev) have composed new works for an unusual formation: two clarinets, oboe, accordion, violin, viola, and electronics. These compositions are complemented by works from Latvian composers Jānis Petraškevičs and Gundega Šmite, as well as LENsemble’s founder, Vykintas Baltakas. This concert will showcase a broad spectrum of Baltic contemporary music, encompassing different influences, generations, and colours.

PROGRAMME
Andrius Maslekovas – Rhizomes d’ombre (2024, premiere)
Gundega Šmite – Five Illuminations (2015) for accordion
Timo Steiner – Amidst the River, a Flower Blooms… (2024, premiere)
Toivo Tulev – To ebb, to flow, perchance to dream (2024, premiere)
Jānis Petraškevičs – Madman’s Glove II (2020) for solo viola
Vykintas Baltakas – Cladi III (2021)

Estonian Music Days is the most important continuously held contemporary music festival in Estonia. Over the decades it has become undeniably the most significant platform for Estonian composers, new musical creations, and artistic growth. What makes the festival unique is the abundance of premieres of Estonian composers’ newly commissioned works.

In 2024 Tartu is the cultural capital of Europe. Therefore the festival Estonian Music Days will join forces with three neighboring countries to become a larger event that unites Baltic and Estonian Music Days. In addition to recognized Estonian ensembles and soloists, musicians from Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland are also expected.

The Festival Baltic and Estonian Music Days is a part of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 main programme.

If you want to grab a bite or need a place to stay, see what the Tartu 2024 hospitality network offers in the area: https://tartu2024.ee/recommendations-tartucity