In 2025, the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society hosted the closing concert of the Vilnius Festival, bringing together the star of the world opera scene, internationally acclaimed American tenor Jonathan Tetelman, the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, and maestro Modestas Pitrėnas.

One of the most prominent voices of the younger generation in the world of opera, Tetelman has successfully debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Royal Opera House in London, and theatres in Dresden, Berlin, Turin, Barcelona, Rome, Naples, San Francisco and many other prestigious venues. His performance at the Vilnius Festival was a true celebration of music, combining the drama of opera, the richness of the orchestra, and the beauty of different European musical traditions.

Conducted by Modestas Pitrėnas, the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra presented a programme that revealed a wide emotional spectrum – from Italian romanticism and French elegance to Nordic melancholy. The programme included Giacomo Puccini’s early orchestral works – the dance scene La Tregenda (Witches’ Dance) from the opera Le Villi (The Willis), the Intermezzo of subtle beauty from the opera Manon Lescaut, and the rarely performed Preludio a Orchestra, showcasing the young composer’s melodic flair and elegant orchestral language. The programme was complemented by Jean Sibelius’ Valse triste (Sad Waltz), revealing the transparent world of Nordic melancholy, as well as the characteristic dances Castillane and Navarraise from the ballet suite of the opera Le Cid (The Cid) by Jules Massenet.

With his captivating voice and spirited expression, Tetelman created an enchanting emotional journey through the treasure trove of Italian and French opera – from the moving aria Pourquoi me réveiller? (Why Do You Awaken Me) from Massenet’s opera Werther to the realm of Puccini’s operas: Pinkerton’s poignant farewell Addio, fiorito asil (Farewell, Flowery Refuge) from Madama Butterfly, Roberto’s lyrical aria Torna ai felici di (Return to the Happy Days) from Le Villi (The Willis) and Cavaradossi’s aria Recondita armonia (Hidden Harmony) from Tosca. Amilcare Ponchielli’s Enzo romance Cielo e mar (Sky and Sea) from the opera La Gioconda, Ernesto De Curtis’ songs Non ti scordar di me (Don’t Forget Me) and Torna a Surriento (Come Back to Sorrento), as well as Eduardo di Capua’s O sole mio (O My Sun) became the concert’s emotional climax, saturated with Italian bliss and feeling.

For an encore, the soloist treated the audience to Agustín Lara’s temperamental Granada and one of the most impressive operatic masterpieces – Calaf’s aria Nessun dorma (None Shall Sleep) from Puccini’s opera Turandot.