Chicago Lithuanian Opera Voices to Mark Kazickas' Love Anniversary

The Kristupas Festival will host a special concert on August 16 to mark the 85th wedding anniversary of patrons Aleksandra and Juozas Kazickas. The event will showcase the 70-year-old Chicago Lithuanian Opera choir, its artistic director and soprano Nida Grigalavičiūtė, and prominent Lithuanian opera soloists.

The Kazickas couple has been a dedicated patron of the festival's "Sacred Music Hours" series since its inception. Their tradition of support continues through the family foundation, enabling free concerts for Vilnius residents and visitors.

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Opera began in 1956 with a men's choir. More than forty singing men gathered then – they were opera singers and amateurs who had left Lithuania. The choir held concerts, then decided to stage an opera. The first production was Giuseppe Verdi's "Rigoletto." The men sang in Lithuanian; since then, our choir has never sung any other way – operas in Chicago are performed only in Lithuanian, so even world-class works are translated into Lithuanian.

This year's concert also highlights the 70-year history of the Chicago Lithuanian Opera. Founded in 1956 by émigrés, the choir has staged over 40 operas, with a core principle of performing in Lithuanian. Grigalavičiūtė explained that the opera began with a men's choir of former Lithuanian opera singers and enthusiasts, who decided to stage Verdi's "Rigoletto" in Lithuanian. Since then, all performances, including international classics, are translated and sung in the native language.

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Since professional musicians make up only a small part of the ensemble, each program requires many rehearsals and personal commitments from us. The ensemble is sustained by donations, and its members pay for rehearsal spaces and venues themselves, as well as for travel. For larger productions, we seek support from foundations, patrons, and the community.

While the choir last performed in Lithuania in 1989, its current members include many who moved to the U.S. after Lithuania regained independence. Most members are not professional musicians but come from various professions, including healthcare, education, and banking. Grigalavičiūtė noted the significant rehearsal commitment required and that the choir relies on donations, with members covering rehearsal space and travel costs.

Despite the challenges, the desire to sing in Lithuanian and uphold this tradition drives the choir. Grigalavičiūtė emphasized the importance of community and intergenerational continuity, expressing hope that the involvement of younger members will attract more youth. The 70th anniversary of the Chicago Lithuanian Opera was celebrated in Chicago this year.

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We strive for people not only to sing together but also to communicate and become friends. We already have young people, and I hope they will attract even more young people.