The International Opera and Symphonic Music Festival "Musical August by the Sea", organised by the Klaipėda State Music Theatre from 1998 to 2020, has become one of the most important points of attraction for fans of classical music on the Lithuanian seaside at the height of the holiday season. Born out of the initiative of conductor Stasys Domarkas, the festival has consistently fulfilled its mission of fostering the professional performing arts in Western Lithuania, presenting opera, operetta and dance performances, symphonic and vocal music programmes every year.