In memoriam Anatolijus Šenderovas

The music of Anatolijus Šenderovas, one of the most famous contemporary Lithuanian composers, recipient of the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize, stands out for its

individualistic style, open emotionality, melodiousness and moderate use of modern sometimes even the most radical expression means. Thanks to his sincere music, the composer was able to conquer the heart of every listener. “Because of that bright side, people relate to my music, for they link it with life,” said Šenderovas in his last conversation with musicologist Kamilė Rupeikaitė, who has succinctly summarized the marvel of the maestro’s work: “Admired by both performers and audiences, the composer is a phenomenon of Lithuanian musical culture, appealing on a European or even global scale, because his works reveal common, universal issues – the beginning and end of life, the fragility of human existence.”

The concert dedicated to the memory of Šenderovas features well-known, vivid and emotional works by the composer: Cantus in memoriam Jascha Heifetz for solo violin, Four Miniatures for cello and piano, Op. 18, Songs of Shulamith for cello and piano, Under the Wings of Sorrow for flute, viola and piano, Concerto for Percussion and Strings … per Giunt and Concerto for Violin and Orchestra.

The composer’s daughter Žaneta Brandt, musicologist K. Rupeikaitė, the LNSO’s artistic director and principal conductor Modestas Pitrėnas, the LCO’s concertmaster, violinist Džeraldas Bidva, pianist Indrė Baikštytė and percussionist Pavel Giunter share their memories of A. Šenderovas.

“This concert is one more smile of the Lord upon Anatolijus”, says maestro M. Pitrėnas.