Čiurlionis Days in Canada
In October, a series of concerts and educational events took place in Canada to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of one of the Lithuania’s most prominent artists – composer and painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.
On October 16 - 19, the Čiurlionis Quartet of the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society – known for its long-standing tradition of chamber music – performed in Canadian cities of Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Niagara. Together with soprano Monta Martinsonė, the quartet presented works by M. K. Čiurlionis and other distinguished Lithuanian composers to Canadian audiences. A highlight of the concert series in Canada was the premiere of "Sketches of Letters", a composition by Mantautas Krukauskas. The piece uniquely blends excerpts from Čiurlionis’ letters with electronically recreated sounds of nature and live string quartet music.
Čiurlionis’ work was also introduced in Lithuanian heritage schools across Canada. In cooperation with the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum, the Embassy of Lithuania in Canada organized seminars and creative workshops for students of various ages. Led by museum educators, the workshops allowed young participants to explore Čiurlionis’ art and techniques firsthand. They had the chance to use the same materials the artist once used and learn how to compose shapes on paper just as this renowned creator did.
