BNN offers you a selection of cultural events in Lithuania for the week between July 6 and July 12.

June 6:

3D audiovisual projection «Lithuania, we are strong!»; the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Katedros sq. 3, Vilnius;

For the first time ever, history of Lithuania visualizes in a 3D audiovisual projection «Lithuania, we are strong».

National Museum Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania invites everyone to celebrate the state’s birthday on July 4 – 6 2015. Three nights in a row, in a special Statehood event which will take place in the courtyard of Grand Dukes Palace, country’s history from the first written mentioning till today, will reborn with a help of modern technology. This will be the first public and mass story telling of Lithuanian history, from both, narrative and volume perspectives. For three nights in the courtyard of the palace, modern reconstruction of our country’s development will unfold by using the world famous innovative technological tools on the palace walls.

July 6, 11am-7 pm:

Days of archeology in Kernavė; Cultural Reserve of Kernavė, Kerniaus st. 4a, Kernavė;

Festival of experimental archaeology is dedicated to the commemoration of the Coronation of Mindaugas – the Statehood Day. Each year at the beginning of July the magnificent solitude of mounds is disturbed by the awakening past. Just like many centuries ago archers’ arrows fly and many skilled craftsmen demonstrate their art on the Castle Hill and in the Pajauta valley… The indescribable impression is emphasised by the sounds of ancient music and flavours of delicious meals prepared according to medieval recipes. The festival introduces the restored crafts of prehistoric and early medieval periods, ancestors’ lifestyle. Visitors have an opportunity to strike the flint, throw pottery, mint a coin, and try their hand at archery. Visitors will gain enjoyment from spending time in the historical environment in nature, immersing into the merry festival uproar and sensing the genuine medieval spirit.

July 6:

Coronation of Duke Mindaugas; various Vilnius venues;

The celebration, dedicated to the coronation of Duke Mindaugas, the founder of Lithuanian State, is the national day. On July 6 1253 the first and the only one Lithuanian king – Mindaugas was crowned.

On 1251, after Mindaugas accepted to be christened, Great Duchy of Lithuania was pronounced catholic Kingdom of Lithuania by Papal Bull, written by Pope Innocent IV in Milan. Thus Mindaugas, Lithuanian Great Duke, later becoming Lithuanian King, made the step towards the international acknowledgement of Lithuanian state in Europe. However, the coronation of king Mindaugas and duchess Morta became even a more significant achievement for Lithuania, when Lithuanian Diocese was established in Lithuania by the order of the Pope, and at the same time Lithuanian state also was formed.

July 7, 5.30 pm:

A summer competition of young groups «Lrt Opus»; LRT Opus Summer Terrace, Švitrigailos st. 29, Vilnius;

«Ryšių kiemelis 837» («The yard of connection 837») and Art Factory «Loftas» unite their forces so that the young bands of Lithuania shine brighter and are noticed and can find their way to the hearts of the audience.

Only one step forwards – a wish to be the best – separates one from a visit to professional music record studio «Hot Records», the attention of the press, the cheque, established by the sponsors to acquire the required sound equipment, performances in the concerts, taking place in Kaunas, Vilnius and Palanga, participation in «Loftas Fest 2015» and many other entertainment. It is a great opportunity to watch what‘s new in music and to be the first viewers of freshly baked bands.

July 7, 7pm:

Sacred Music Hours; St. Casimir’s Church, Didžioji st. 34, Vilnius;

Part of Christopher Summer Festival, which is the largest and one of the most impressive summer music festivals in Lithuania, and runs for during July and August, the series of Sacred Music Hours is one of the festival’s 50 original concert events that are presented to the public, taking place in different spaces in Vilnius and other Lithuanian districts. This festival does not easily fit into any stylistic frame – its motto being «all genres are good, except the boring ones». So, alongside classical music masterpieces there is jazz, world music, experimental projects, and traditional organ, piano music cycles.

July 8, 5 pm:

«Uoga Uoga Midsummer Birthday Fest»; Neris Embankment near the White Bridge;

This year the festival celebrates its 5th birthday. «For this great occasion on the 8th of July, from 5 till 8 PM we invite you to visit our great fest near the White bridge on the meadow. We want to meet and surprise you, therefore we invited talented musicians, dancers, make-up artists and other artists to celebrate!», organizers say.

Program includes yoga classes, games for children and family, natural cosmetics workshops, make-up and hairstyle sessions, food and beverages tasting and much more.

July 11, 9 pm:

A piano recital New York- Vilnius by Ieva Jokubavičiūtė; St. Catherine‘s Church, Vilniaus st. 30, Vilnius;

New York -Vilnius: this is a route pianist Ieva Jokubavičiūtė does not travel as often as she’d like. That’s why every performance she makes in her homeland is a celebration – not just for audiences, but for her as well: «I am very glad to have the opportunity to play in concert in Vilnius, to share with audiences those works closest to my heart», the performer admits. Jokubavičiūtė has arranged an impressive programme: the piano sonatas of W. A. Mozart and R. Schumann will draw a historic line between two epochs, captivating miniatures will paint in sound location landscapes, a night’s secret will be transformed into a musical journal… The most influential publications in the world do not hide their sympathies for this performer either: «admirable technique, a subtle temperament, and convincing insight» (The New York Times), «penetrative and witty» (The Washington Post). Programme includes works by W. A. Mozart, C. Debussy.

July 11, 4 pm:

Erwib Wurm, Interpretation; gallery «Vartai», Vilniaus st. 39, Vilnius;

Galerija Vartai is pleased to announce the opening of the exhibition Interpretation by Erwin Wurm, one of the world’s most renowned artists. This is Wurm’s second solo show at Vartai, curated by the Vienna-based curator Amer Abbas. At the same time, another exhibition by Wurm will open at the Contemporary Art Centre, where a massive architectural object titled Narrow House will be installed. Viewers are invited to visit both of the artist’s exhibitions.

July 11, 10 am:

Žagarės Cherry Festival; Žagarė;

The traditional festival is inviting one this year again; those who want a comfortable ride, is asked to gather at noon at the parking lot of Kaunas Castle; on the organized tour one will swing by some places of interests while on the way to the festival; the trip costs 27 еuro per person;

July 12, 7pm:

Summer Festival of Kairėnai. Linas Adomaitis; VU Botanical Garden in Kairėnai, Kairėnų st. 43, Vilnius;

The program by Linas Adomaitis and guitar player Andrius Murencevas (Pacas) has been tested on many stages of the festivals. During this concert, the audience is going to be pleasantly surprised when Linas performs his all time famous musical pearls in a sensitive and precise way, accompanied by guitar, without forgetting the hits from his latest album «Laiko mašina» («Time Machine»). The program, specially designed for this concert, and the repertoire are going to reveal one more special quality of Linas Adomaitis, which is capability to manage the music of different genres.

July 12, 8am-noon:

Vilnius Collectors Club; Tauras Hill, Vilnius;

Vilnius Collectors Club invites everyone who wishes to visit the collectors’ event, which takes place every Saturday on Tauras Hill (Vinco Mykolaičio Putino St. 5). One will be able to find various coins, banknotes, stamps, postcards, vintage dinnerware, furniture, medals, awards, military insignia, silverware, porcelain, household appliances, watches, musical records, paintings, artwork, tools, utensils, etc. By engaging in conversation you will learn the history and circumstances of those times, the purpose of the objects and their value, current news and other interesting information. The club regularly attracts foreign guests who also bring their collections, change and trade them.

Ref: 020/111.111.111.2601