The latest symphonic composition by Gediminas Gelgots "Vilnius Sarabanda", which premiered in 2023, on the eve of Lithuania's Independence Day, will once again be played in Vilnius. The piece was performed for the second time in October this year and was again sold out - the tickets were sold out instantly, and the great enthusiasm of the audience inspired new performances of the piece. This time, the event will take place in an unexpected place for concerts of the classical genre - the cultural bar "Kablys". On the day of the event, even two performances by artists are planned: at 18:00 and 20:30.
"Vilniaus Sarabanda" is the latest work of world-renowned Lithuanian composer Gediminas Gelgot and writer Kristina Sabaliauskaitė, intended to mark the 700th anniversary of the city's name. The musical composition is performed by the orchestra, the choir "Jauna muzika" and the string ensemble NIKO. Critics have compared the sound of this opus to the soundtrack of an action movie - here slow-paced episodes are replaced by fast ones, thus creating plot tension that draws the listener into a performance imbued with southern temperament.
The words for Gediminas Gelgot's composition were written by Kristina Sabaliauskaitė, who is currently considered the most read author of contemporary Lithuanian prose in European countries. The writer claims that "Vilnius Sarabanda" is neither an ode, nor a hymn, nor simply a traditional poem for the city, based on which music would be created. It is a symphonic and personal piece that reveals a unique creative vision. The libretto is performed in Lithuanian, and the words sung by the vocalists sound like magical spells that do not overshadow the music.
Sarabanda is a popular Spanish folk dance that has existed in different eras. The question arises, what do sarabanda and Vilnius have in common? On the one hand, Vilnius developed back in the days of the LDK, when many nationalities and temperaments mingled in the city. On the other hand, in the 17th century Sarabandos also sounded in Vilnius. So in this sense, the performance is like returning to the roots of Vilnius.
The composition commissioned by the Lithuanian National Philharmonic was also inspired by the complex history of Vilnius. According to the composer Gedimins Gelgot, the city's strongest feature is its ability to resurrect itself after wars, plagues and fires and rise from the ashes with a triple force, which the listeners can feel through the rhythmic, repetitive climaxes of the musical narrative.
An exclusive concert venue is an integral part of the conception of these "Vilnius Sarabanda" performances. During them, listeners will be able to experience the synthesis of modern culture and classical creativity, to see a real musical performance up close. So even those listeners who have already had the opportunity to hear "Vilnius Sarabanda" live will be pleasantly surprised.
