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Čiurlionis Reimagined: A Historic Lithuanian Symphony Debut on Stage+ by Deutsche Grammophon

Čiurlionis Reimagined: A Historic Lithuanian Symphony Debut on Stage+ by Deutsche Grammophon

A Historic Debut on the World Stage

This week, on April 19 and 20, Lithuania marks a cultural milestone: for the first time, a performance by a Lithuanian orchestra will be broadcast on Stage+, the premium streaming platform of Deutsche Grammophon — the world’s oldest and most prestigious classical music label. The featured concert, Čiurlionis Code II, was recorded at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall in Vilnius and features internationally renowned conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla leading the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and Trio Agora. The programme is a tribute to the genius of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, whose 150th birth anniversary is being marked this year. Alongside Britten’s Four Sea Interludes and Joel Hoffman’s Self Portrait with Čiurlionis, the concert culminates in a special performance of Čiurlionis’s own symphonic poem The Sea, presented in its original version, reconstructed by Greek musicologist Dr. Charis Efthimiou and conducted with profound sensitivity by Gražinytė-Tyla.

A Return to the Composer’s Original Voice

In the photo Rūta Prusevičienė/Photo by Živilė Zimnickaitė

This rare version of The Sea offered a revelatory experience. Unlike the more familiar posthumous editions, this performance stayed true to Čiurlionis’s handwritten score. As Philharmonic Director Rūta Prusevičienė notes, it was Mirga’s express wish to perform the authentic, unedited version — a decision that deepened the artistic integrity of the program. The concert was recorded by Baltic Mobile Recordings, led by Aleksandra and Vilius Keras, whose award-winning work has been praised across Europe and the U.S. Following the performance, musicologist Laimutė Ligeikaitė reflected on the emotional depth and precision of the evening, writing that Gražinytė-Tyla elevated both the orchestra and audience “to something sacred,” while offering “a grounded, professional journey into the original score.”

A Family Conversation and a Global Future

The broadcast also includes a personal and thoughtful conversation between Mirga, her sister Onutė Gražinytė, a pianist of growing international acclaim, and their father, choral conductor Romualdas Gražinis. Together, they reflect on Čiurlionis’s legacy and artistic vision in a discussion that blends deep respect with family warmth. “Why is Čiurlionis still relevant today?” Mirga asks. “Like all geniuses, he speaks about essential things — simply, uniquely, and profoundly.” This global exposure is just the beginning: Deutsche Grammophon will soon release a vinyl LP of Čiurlionis’s music, while Baltic Mobile Recordings continues to prepare new releases — including ancient sutartinės, Čiurlionis’s Preludes, and the symphonic poem In the Forest, recorded with the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra. From Vilnius to the world, Čiurlionis’s voice is rising once more — timeless, powerful, and deeply human.

(Recording from the concert at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic on March 15)
https://www.stage-plus.com/artist/artist_85P78QBJEHFJ2D9M68