A solemn concert marking the 120th anniversary of the Great Seimas of Vilnius took place at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, a historic venue where, in 1905, Lithuanians gathered to publicly and unanimously express their aspiration to establish their own state for the first time.

The second part of the concert was dedicated to contemporary Lithuanian music, which explores themes of faith, memory, and historical experiences. These works were composed in a different era, yet they continue to echo the nation’s experiences: reflections on war, exile, spiritual quests, and hope.

The programme featured Donatas Zakaras’ Gloria Patri from Magnificat, based on a liturgical text and continuing the tradition of sacred music in Lithuanian contemporary music. Linas Rimša’s Cantus. Amemus brings together different historical layers – the piece is based on Latin texts by Jonas Radvanas and Motiejus Kazimieras Sarbievijus, evoking the cultural heritage of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Algirdas Martinaitis’ oratorio Invokacijos tikėjimui ir vilčiai (Invocation to Faith and Hope), combining texts from the Holy Scriptures as well as poems by Lithuanian poets and freedom fighters, explores themes of faith and memory. The concert featured the fifth movement of the oratorio, Himnas meilei (Hymn to Love).

The concert concluded with Vytautas Kernagis’s song Baltas paukštis (White Bird), a piece that has become a symbol of freedom, hope, and spiritual unity, subtly encapsulating the essence of the entire concert.