VII International Stasys Vainiūnas Piano and Chamber Ensemble Competition

31 March – 6 April 2014 This year one of the most significant quadrennial competitions of professional music in Lithuania commemorates a nice anniversary: the first Lithuanian laureate of the international competition, the pianist, composer and educator Stasys Vainiūnas would have turned 105 on 2 April of 2014. Stasys Vainiūnas’ imposing contribution to the history of Lithuanian music of both as a brilliant performer and a talented composer cast him as one of the leading figures of the national music.

This date of prominence is reflected in an exceptionally numerous and colourful group of participants of the competition. This year the audience in Lithuania have the opportunity to listen to the playing by 45 young pianists (up to 30 years old) and 25 chamber ensembles (up to 35 years old). The participants will be judged by two international juries composed of first class musicians representing eight countries world over. The competition, started in 1965, bears the name of Stasys Vainiūnas since 1991. It went international in 1993 and was enriched by a section of chamber ensembles in 2006. Each time the event brings concerts of young performers of impeccable standards who play a rich and diverse repertoire. At the same time, the competition has a significant role in the dissemination of Stasys Vainiūnas’ piano and chamber music globally. In 2011 the International Stasys Vainiūnas Competition became a member of the international Alink-Argerich Foundation. This year the 1st and 2nd round performances take place at the Grand Hall of the central building (Gedimino Av.42) of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and the Chamber Hall of the second building of the Academy (Congress Hall, Tilto St. 16). Piano final starts at 4 pm on April 5 at the Grand Hall of the Lithuanian National Philharmonic; the same day chamber ensembles finals start at 11 am and at 2 pm at the Grand Hall of the central building of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. The closing of the competition, the concert of the laureates and the awarding ceremony are held at the Grand Hall of the Lithuanian National Philharmonic at 5 pm, April 6. VII International Stasys Vainiūnas Piano and Chamber ensemble Competition is organized by the International Cultural Programme Centre, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. It is under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Lithuania H.E. Dalia Grybauskaitė.