"Visionaries & Trailblazers: Čiurlionis to Messiaen" by Gabrielius Alekna

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911) and the 120th anniversary of Vytautas Bacevičius (1905-1970), the Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture together with the Lithuanian American Community Cultural Council welcome you to a performance by pianist Gabrielius Alekna on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at 2 PM at historic Ganz Hall located in the Auditorium Building, Roosevelt University, 430 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60605. Mr. Aleksa will juxtapose the oeuvre of these two giants of Lithuanian music in a piano recital format. The recital program will showcase some of the most characteristic works by Čiurlionis and Bacevičius in the context of stylistically related works of their international contemporaries. This will help illuminate the sometimes-unexpected interactions, influences, and interconnectedness of historical and artistic developments of their time.

In 2025, marking the 150th anniversary of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis and the 120th anniversary of Vytautas Bacevičius, pianist Gabrielius Alekna will bring together the works of these two giants of Lithuanian music in a program that combines their characteristic and notable works with stylistically similar works by their contemporaries, including Szymanowski, Hauer, Skriabin, Messiaen and others. [See the full program below.] The juxtaposition of these works reveals unexpected contexts and similarities among successive generations of composers.

The decision to juxtapose the works of Čiurlionis and Bacevičius was prompted by various moments connecting the two composers, which have received little attention until now. The works of both composers are like two giant steps in Lithuanian music, far ahead of the Lithuanian art of their time (in Čiurlionis' case, this refers to his works for piano after 1904, when he began painting). Čiurlionis' significance needs no proof. Meanwhile, composer and pianist Vytautas Bacevičius (1905-1970) is widely recognized today as the most important figure in Lithuanian musical culture in the mid-20th century. Bacevičius was unmatched among his contemporary Lithuanian composers in the abundance and originality of his piano and orchestral works. In pre-war Lithuania, Bacevičius was the main leader of the modernist music movement and was also the only Lithuanian performer to gain international recognition (it was not until much later, in the 1970s, that instrumental soloists of his rank appeared in Lithuania).

Čiurlionis and Bacevičius are linked by their constructivist compositional style, especially in their later works. Both artists' work is also characterized by a cosmic, visionary impulse, particularly in Čiurlionis' art and Bacevičius' creative method, the titles of his works, and his self-image as an artist.

The works of both Čiurlionis and Bacevičius are now considered the greatest achievements of Lithuanian musical culture in the early and mid-20th century, but at the time they were either misunderstood and underappreciated or simply unknown. After his period in Vilnius, Čiurlionis sought recognition unsuccessfully in St. Petersburg, while Bacevičius did so in New York after his period in Kaunas. The modernism of both artists seemed to "fail to take root," and their musical language was not continued by any obvious students or followers.

Both artists were linked by their Polish childhood and youth and their decision to be conscious Lithuanians as already largely established creators. However, their Lithuanian identity and perception of their homeland were severely tested. When Čiurlionis was creating, Lithuania did not exist as a state. Bacevičius spent most of his creative life in the United States, cut off from Lithuania by the Iron Curtain.

In the face of today's geopolitical challenges, the fates and works of these artists reinforce and nourish our own national identity and connection to our homeland and people, while also helping us to appreciate the rich and vibrant cultural ties that have always united Lithuania with its neighbors.

In addition to works by Čiurlionis and Bacevičius, the recital program includes works by Karol Szymanowski, Josef Matthias Hauer, Alexander Skriabin, Leoš Janaček, Arnold Schoenberg, Grazyna Bacewicz, and Olivier Messiaen.

More about pianist Gabrielius Alekna: www.gabrieliusalekna.com

• General Admission – $35
• Student Tickets – $15
• Patron Tickets – $100

Patron Tickets include exclusive seating in the first two rows of the venue. Your Patron ticket also directly supports our nonprofit’s operations, helping us continue our mission and provide valuable services to the community.

The program of the solo recital will include works by Čiurlionis and Bacevičius, and will draw on a selection from the following composers/compositions –Čiurlionis – Cycle of little landscapes The Sea („Jūra“), VL 317a-c; selected preludes

Bacevičius – Poème astral, Op. 7; Quatrième mot, Op. 31; Trois pensées musicales,

Op. 75

Karol Szymanowski – from Preludes, Op. 1

Josef Matthias Hauer – from „16 pieces after Hoelderlin“, Op. 25

Skriabin – 2 Poèmes, Op. 71

Leoš Janáček – V mlhách („In the Mists“): I. Andante

(Arnold Schoenberg – Six Little Pieces, Op. 19)

(Grażyna Bacewicz – from 3 Groteski

Grażyna Bacewicz, sister of Vytautas Bacevičius, was a renowned Polish composer. Both siblings had a close relationship throughout their life, maintaining intense correspondence even across „iron curtain.“ The case of two siblings, both prominent composers, each representing different nation, is truly unique.)

Olivier Messiaen – from Preludes

(Olivier Messiaen – Regard du Fils sur le Fils, Vingt Regards sur

l'Enfant-Jésus)

Described by Daniel Barenboim as “a highly gifted pianist and musician,” Gabrielius Alekna has built a prolific performance and recording career bridging the cultures of his birth country of Lithuania and his present home of the United States. Graduate of the Juilliard School with a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree, Gabrielius Alekna is the winner of the second prize at the 2005 International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna, Austria. His performance credits include solo recitals at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, National Gallery in Washington, D.C.; concerto appearances with the Vienna Radio Symphony, Juilliard (New York), and Bilkent Symphony (Turkey) Orchestras as well as with every major orchestra and ensemble in his native Lithuania. He recorded and premiered works by composers such as Žibuoklė Martinaitytė and Vytautas Bacevičius on “Ondine,” “Toccata Classics,” and “Naxos” labels. More information at www.gabrieliusalekna.com

One of the true gems of Chicago architecture, Rudolph Ganz Memorial Hall is a stunning performance space that sparkles with refined ornamentation. Stained glass windows, gold-leaf stenciled arches, intricate steel chandeliers, and hand-painted murals combine for a breathtaking whole, whether you are performer or audience.

Featuring the work of French painter Albert Fleury, designer Louis Millet and his collaborator George Healy, and architects Louis Sullivan, Dankmar Adler, and Frank Lloyd Wright, the hall is one of our city’s ultimate examples of artistic collaboration. In 2003, Ganz Hall received the Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence, and in 2005 was honored with the American Institute of Architects Chicago Design Excellence Award.

Host or Publisher Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture