VISIONARIES AND TRAILBLAZERS: FROM ČIURLIONIS TO MESSIAEN
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911) and the 120th anniversary of Vytautas Bacevičius (1905-1970), the pianist Gabrielius Alekna juxtaposes works of these two giants of Lithuanian music, showcasing them in the context of stylistically related works by their contemporaries Szymanowski, Janáček, Scriabin, Hauer, Jolivet, and Messiaen. The program illuminates the sometimes-unexpected interactions, influences, and interconnectedness of artistic developments of the time.
Described by Daniel Barenboim as “a highly gifted pianist and musician,” Gabrielius Alekna has built a prolific performance and recording career bridging the cultures of his birth country of Lithuania and his present home of the United States. Graduate of the Juilliard School with a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree, Gabrielius Alekna is the winner of the second prize at the 2005 International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna, Austria. His performance credits include solo recitals at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, National Gallery in Washington, D.C., and Weill Recital Hall Carnegie Hall; concerto appearances with the Vienna Radio Symphony, Juilliard (New York), and Bilkent Symphony (Turkey) Orchestras as well as with every major orchestra and ensemble in his native Lithuania. He recorded and premiered works by composers such as Žibuoklė Martinaitytė and Vytautas Bacevičius on “Ondine,” “Toccata Classics,” and “Naxos” labels. More information at www.gabrieliusalekna.com
Sponsors: Permanent Mission Of The Republic Of Lithuania To The United Nations, Consulate General Of The Republic Of Lithuania New York, Lithuanian American Community New York Chapter, Lithuanian American Community Kultūros Taryba, Lithuanian Foundation, Inc.
