CONCERT PROGRAMME
A. Dvořák. Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104
J. Sibelius. Lemminkäinen Suite (“Four Legends from the Kalevala”), Op. 22
Ivan Karizna is one of the most unusually expressive musicians of the young generation, equally known for his poetic interpretations and impressive powerful presence on stage. His playing has been appreciated by living legends from the musical world such as pianist Sir András Schiff, who described Ivan as “one of the best cellists of his generation”, and Gidon Kremer who has stated once that “Ivan has something special to say through music”.
Having studied at the Paris Conservatory from the age of 17 and later at the Kronberg Academy in Germany, I. Karizna became a laureate of the prestigious international P. Tchaikovsky (Moscow), Queen Elisabeth (Brussels), Guilhermina Suggia (Porto) and many other competitions. In recent years, the cellist has performed with the Stuttgart Chamber Orchestra, Frankfurt Radio, Brussels Philharmonic, Montreal, Ukraine and other symphony orchestras. In 2023, the cellist made his debut at the Concertgebouw concert hall in Amsterdam with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra. “The sensitivity and nobility of I. Karizna’s musical interpretation contrast with his impressive appearance. He has the qualities of a rock star, which are both enchanting and disturbing at the same time,” – wrote the French cultural magazine “Branchés Culture”. I. Karizna will perform Antonín Dvořák's (1841–1904) Cello Concerto in B minor in Vilnius, which the composer wrote for his friend, cellist Hanuš Wihan.
In the second part of the concert, the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra will perform Jean Sibelius' (1865–1957) impressive “Lemminkäinen” suite, the full title of which is “Four Legends from the Kalevala”. The four symphonic poems depict the adventures of one of the most famous Finnish mythical heroes, the handsome red-haired Lemminkäinen, described in the Finnish national epic “Kalevala”.
The Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Arvo Volmer, one of the most prominent Estonian conductors. The internationally acclaimed conductor is particularly appreciated for his interpretations of music by German and Nordic composers. Currently, A. Volmer is the artistic director and chief conductor of the Estonian National Opera.