Kristupo Piknikai Festival to Feature New Talents and Forgotten Stories in Vilnius

The Kristupo Festival is set to transform Vilnius' Bernardinų Garden into a vibrant summer music venue with its free "Kristupo Piknikai" event from July 7-10.

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The sense of community does not appear on its own – it needs to be created. That is why "Kristupo Piknikai" are one of the most sensitive and beautiful parts of the festival for me. These are moments when you see with your own eyes how music sounds and brings the community together.

Festival director Jurgita Murauskienė emphasizes the event's role in fostering community through music. "Kristupo Piknikai" will feature a diverse program, including classical piano, sung poetry, original compositions, and unexpected musical discoveries. Murauskienė notes the blend of familiar and new works creates a unique atmosphere, with some pieces celebrating centuries-old traditions while others showcase contemporary musicians.

Opening the festival on July 7, Polish pianist Aleksandra Bobrowska will present a program exploring 19th-century European music, highlighting composers like Fryderyk Chopin, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, and Maria Szymanowska. Bobrowska is known for her international performances and her focus on lesser-known European composers, presenting classical music as an engaging narrative.

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Some pieces will remind us why we have loved them for two hundred years, others will let us hear what today's musicians are living with. It is precisely this harmony of the familiar and the new that creates the special atmosphere of "Kristupo Piknikai" every year.

The evening of July 8 will feature original songs and sung poetry by Saulius Mykolaitis Prize laureates Emilija Statinaitė and Živilė Mackevičiūtė. Their work combines Lithuanian poetry, personal experiences, folk motifs, and a deep connection to lyrics, reflecting the younger generation of Lithuanian sung poetry artists who prioritize sincerity and audience connection.

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This evening will be not only an introduction to F. Chopin's era but also an invitation to hear its lesser-known voices.

On July 9, singer-songwriter Gebrasy will offer an intimate performance, focusing on his voice, guitar, and songs. Known for his participation in national "Eurovision" selections, Gebrasy's performance will center on storytelling, inviting listeners to connect with his lyrics. The festival will conclude on July 10 with a concert by Polish pianist Weronika Chodakowska, which is described as both a musical evening and a historical discovery.

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The bard music has a special power to reveal small but important universes of a person's inner world.