To commemorate the 210th anniversary of the birth of one of the most famous classical music composers and the greatest virtuoso of his time – Franz Liszt– Vytautas Magnus University organizes an exceptional classical music project, which will last throughout October, culminating in a new international pianist competition dedicated to Lisztas.

Vytautas Magnus University, this year and on its own commemorating the centenary of its founding, is preparing this unique musical project, which includes live concerts of the most talented pianists of the VMU Academy of Music in Lithuania, as well as joint pianist performances with Japanese, South Korean and French musicians on the Internet and the most important project event – the international pianist competition online.

The members of the jury of the competition are well-known pianists in the world: G. Katsarava (professor from Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris, France), R. Hayroudinoff (professor from the Royal Academy of Music in London, United Kingdom), D. Račys (associate professor from VMU Academy of Music, Lithuania), Min Jung Lee (professor from Seoul National University, South Korea), H. Eijsackers (professor from R. Schumann Academy of Music, Düsseldorf, Germany).

When will it take place?

Live concerts are planned: in Prienai (October 1, commemorating International Music Day), Trakai Castle (October 9), Klaipėda (October 13), Kaunas (October 22, the real birthday of Lisztas). There are also concerts on the Internet, where, as far as we know, for the first time the joint project will bring together pianist students from Japan, South Korea, France and Lithuania (October 29).

All events culminating in an international competition will be broadcast online from 29 to 31 October.

What is the aim?

To disseminate and popularize the art of classical music: we strive to present the highest quality concerts not only in major cities, but also on the periphery. All concerts will be free of charge and available to a wide range of the public.

To develop international cooperation in the field of culture: we hope that the joint concert together with pianists from France, Japan and South Korea, as well as an international competition will initiate joint musical projects in the future, create new opportunities for Lithuanian artists internationally.

Bridging the divide: the pandemic has undoubtedly slowed down the lives of musicians, and travel and joint projects must now take on new forms. Therefore, we are holding a joint concert of the best pianists from universities in different countries. These broadcast concerts will also be available to anyone who cannot leave the house but who wants to hear the wonderful music performed by the world’s most talented youth.

With competition prizes (wallets and concerts), we try to motivate young pianists and give the winners the opportunity to perform on the best scenes in Lithuania.

We hope that thanks to all our efforts, this event will become traditional and will contribute to the development of Lithuanian culture and its dissemination in the world. We believe that in two years’ time we will be able to organise this competition live and it will become an important starting point for young artists.