The Synthesis of Arts in the Heart of Šiauliai

The Šiauliai Days programme at Prisikėlimo Square was crowned on Saturday by a special, one-night-only artistic encounter – “Regina Libertas Vol.2.” This project is part of a creative residency organized by the “Polifonija” State Chamber Choir, dedicated to commemorating the distinguished Baroque poet Motiejus Kazimieras Sarbievijus. His texts became an inspiration for eight emerging composers from Lithuania and Poland, who created brand-new pieces of contemporary choral music. Four works were written during the first residency three years ago, and four more were composed in May this year during the second residency in Šiauliai. On the evening of September 13, all eight pieces were performed together for the first time, offering the audience a unique musical experience for both the ears and the heart.

The music was performed by the Šiauliai State Chamber Choir “Polifonija” (artistic director and chief conductor Povilas Vanžodis) under the baton of the project’s initiator Linas Balandis. This choir is one of the most prominent forces in Lithuanian choral art, known for its mastery in interpreting complex contemporary scores. The concert featured: “Rota Fortunae” by Dovydas Baltrimavičius, “Ad Diviniam Sapientiam” by Magdalena Gorwa, “Ad Apes Barberinas” by Monika Sokaitė, “Ex Sacro Salomonis Epithalamio” by Aleksander Jan Szopa, “Vitas sollicitae” by Michał Malec, “Lampades Eius Lampades Ignis” by Julia Janiak, “Lampades Eius Lampades Ignis” by Michał Szarowicz, and “Ignis” by Zuzanna Koziej. The composers’ diverse styles and creative visions merged into a cohesive dramaturgical tapestry, revealing the multi-layered richness of Sarbievijus’s texts.

The programme was further enriched and visually enhanced through the language of contemporary dance. Sharing the stage with the choir were dancers from the “Extreme” dance school – Gabrielė Steponkevičiūtė, Meida Dambrauskaitė, Fausta Rukaitė, Emilija Stasiūnaitė, Gerda Kalakauskaitė, Aistė Norkutė, and Aleksandra Gerasimova. Their choreographic movements were created by Olga Gerasimova and Darius Marcinkus. Dance became an organic part of the musical narrative, creating an intense emotional space in which each musical phrase acquired an additional visual and emotional dimension.

The poetry of Sarbievijus was heard in Lithuanian through the voice of the charismatic actress Nomeda Bėčiūtė, while the entire musical fabric was subtly enriched by the accompaniment of pianist and improviser Rytis Borusevičius. This synthesis of the arts created a cohesive, compelling and emotionally moving dramaturgy, in which poetry, music and movement acted as equal elements.

“Regina Libertas Vol.2” became a striking example of how professional art can involve young creators, encourage international collaboration and enrich the cultural landscape of the region. This concert not only paid tribute to M. K. Sarbievijus, but also gave new meaning to his creative legacy within the context of contemporary music. The audience’s response, full of admiration and gratitude, showed that the project succeeded in its goal – to create an extraordinary artistic experience that will resonate in Šiauliai’s cultural memory for a long time to come.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania and the Šiauliai City Municipality.
Partners: Šiauliai Cultural Centre and Concert Hall “Saulė.”