Brussels ∧ Ghent ∧ Strasbourg

July–December 2013

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union

CU­ URE CULTU R E – this play of letters is an incredibly simple and clever idea, which manifests for me first of all the role of culture in our lives: culture has a unique quality of being all-embracing, pervasive and engaging, inspiring, and life-changing. It also delightfully mirrors the role culture plays in Lithuania and the role of Lithuania in culture. Culture in Lithuania and Lithuania in culture is the main theme of our cultural programme to celebrate Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The first Presidency, therefore for us even more challenging and exciting. Our desire is to use this opportunity to highlight the richness of Lithuanian culture and its influence in Europe and the rest of the world, to present at least a small fraction of our talented artists. Some of them are well established internationally and influence ‘the weather’ on the stage of the art world, others are young and ­upcoming, drawing the attention of peers through their innova- tive and inspiring ideas with their work heard and shown at the best international venues and galleries. What is important is that they exist in the broad spectrum of world culture as refreshing and challenging collaborative partners.

2 | 3 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme The ­CU LTU R E programme reveals a good mixture of features which we usually connect with Lithuanian culture: its playful, sometimes quirky, intellectually charged nature, its leaning towards the lyrical, poetic and metaphoric, its preoccupation with history and memory, ritual and non-pragmatic ways of doing things. From the symbolism of the beginning of the 20th century starting with the work of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, a composer and visual artist of equal stature through to Jonas Mekas with his reflections on the dramatic turns of the 20th century and a search for what has been lost forever; from poetry readings to poetic documentaries and auteur films; from clas- sical virtuosos and opera ­divas to mesmerizing concert installations and thought-provoking ­theatre performances, you will find it all in this programme for your attention and delight. This vibrant programme is also the best proof of our European and international experiences of the last 20 years, the cultural connections between artists and cultural organizations, the involvement of the Lithuanian representations abroad and our network of cultural attachés, as well as all our hardworking partners and supporters who put this fantastic programme together. We could not be more proud of what we The Presidency of the Council of the European Union is an important have achieved during this period and are excited by the challenges and historical event for Lithuania. For the first time we will be taking a opportunities that lie ahead. considerable amount of responsibility for the future of Europe. We are The most important asset Europe has is culture. And Europe is able ready to be an honest broker, and help find joint solutions that are to deliver culture of true quality. And this programme is one more proof in the best interests of all EU members. Lithuania’s presidency of the of that. EU Council logo is a symbol of joint activities for the benefit of Europe – the ­Lithuanian tricolour flag uniting common European values. We will have to work hard to return trust in the European financial markets and to strengthen the EU’s economy. Together with the EU’s partners, we will strive for a competitive and innovative common market that creates new jobs, is open to innovation, and attentive to the citi- zens of Europe. We will pursue an open EU that will become an example Šarūnas Birutis and centre of attention for our closest partners and neighbours. Minister of Culture of the Republic We are also happy that over this half-year we will be better under­ of Lithuania stood and become more recognizable members of the EU family. ­Lithuania’s diplomatic representations will contribute to this by organiz- ing various events to present Lithuania’s cultural, artistic and economic achievements.

4 | 5 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme I’m sure that you will find the resonance of Lithuanian culture in Belgium a pleasant surprise. This half-year, artists from Lithuania should be sought there where experts in art and culture will be: the Festival of Flanders, the Klara Music Festival, the Flagey Arts Centre, and the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts. We present a diverse picture of Lithuanian culture: the pride of Lithuania – opera singer Violeta Urmana and the Ąžuoliukas Boys’ and Youth Choir, active for 54 years, an exhibition of works by Jonas Mekas, godfather of American avant-garde cinema, and a composition by the young composer Justė Janulytė, our documentary cinema and contem- porary Lithuanian theatre, which has been recognized worldwide. These different artistic performances, analyzing the topics shared by the citizens of Europe, serve as an example of creativity which sometimes proves vital when dealing with key issues. We are pleased to … Enjoy discovering the diverse culture of Lithuania.

… present a programme of cultural events to mark ­Lithuania’s six months as Chair of the Council of the European Union. The programme brings together the most highly regarded Lithuanian artists and performers, Linas Linkevičius and has been given the inclusive title of ­CU LTU R E. This title describes Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic an ephemeral phenomenon, which remains alive for only as long as of Lithuania people are open to knowledge and new ideas. At the same time, it is the most universal of media, which allows us to understand different worlds better, and to find similarities between them. An artist is the one who is able to open up and join the different cul- tures of different countries. Born and bred in a particular environment, artists outgrow both their time and their place. Their work recognises no political borders or natural divisions: no walls, no seas, no gulfs. That is why, when we look at the geographical range and the wide recogni- tion of the composers, directors and artists we have selected, we no longer call them only Lithuanian. Each one of them represents both the Lithuanian and the multiple European cultural identity. In putting together this cultural programme, our aim was not to offer surprises. We want people to be moved by a branch of already well-

6 | 7 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme known, but slightly different, European art, which has been born out of the rich cultural and political conjunctures and contradictions between the East and the West. Brought together by their friendship with George Maciunas, two prominent figures, Jonas Mekas, the godfather of American avant- garde cinema, and Vytautas Landsbergis, the first head of state of the reestablished Republic of Lithuania, who was also one of the initiators of Fluxus performances in Lithuania, will meet on the same stage. Their conversation about friends, their homeland, politics and art, led by Paul ­Dujardin, the director of the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts, is expected to be fascinating. This meeting between two fellow-countrymen will reveal the ever-changing world of Jonas Mekas, and will help us to understand the programme of films and the exhibition ‘Jonas Mekas / The Fluxus Stanisław Filibert Fleury. Wall’. Fluxus is part not only of art history, but also of history of Lithu- Portrait of Mikalojus ania: though playful and apparently devoid of any more problematic Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Vilnius, 1908 meaning, it became a source of inspiration to politicians and the society, as it strived for freedom in the late ’80s – freedom that was never un- derstood only in terms of political independence and liberties, but also as an essential characteristic of human life. Brussels, and Šarūnas Bartas, whose films are premièred in Cannes, The fruitful collaboration between cultural institutions in Lithuania Venice and Berlin. and Belgium has turned into an exceptional line-up of exhibitions and Just before Christmas, the crystal-clear voices of the boys and youth concerts. The Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, along with of the Ąžuoliukas choir will ring out alongside that of Asta Krikščiūnaitė the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts and the KlaraFestival, presents Violeta and Nora Petročenko. And the last minutes of the Lithuanian season of Urmana and the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, conducted culture in Belgium will be counted down by the magic Sandglasses by by Modestas Pitrėnas, in a gala concert. Justė Janulytė, a favourite project at the festivals of contemporary music The National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum and the Art Museum of in Europe. Ghent stretch the horizons of the 180 pieces of art and photography by Even as you hurry down the hallways of various EU institutions, you Mika­lojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, who blended Symbolism, Romanti- will be welcomed by Lithuanian installations, exhibitions of book design cism, Sezession and Abstractionism. This is a unique possibility to see and paintings, and the spinning ‘Gardens of Europe’, which symbolise a a large and complete collection of Čiurlionis’ work and to listen to his perfect world, open to harmony and culture. music, performed by the pianist Petras Geniušas and the Čiurlionis We sincerely hope that the efforts of the Lithuanian artists and our String Quartet, outside Lithuania. team will give you pleasure, encourage you to learn more about the Autumn in Brussels will be enriched by two Lithuanian directors who culture of our country, and broaden your cultural map of Europe, by are much-loved by theatre and film buffs, and by regular visitors to every extending of the borders of your knowledge, to include new names and major film and theatre festival in Europe. They are the Avignon favourite build ever stronger cultural bridges. Oska­ras Koršunovas, who is bringing his whole theatre company to Be open to ­CU LTU R E and enjoy it!

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 8 | 9 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme music

1 Gala Concert

KlaraFestival 2013

Co-production between the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society, the Flanders Festival Brussels and Bozar Music

12 September 2013 | 8:00 pm Schneider Christine by Photo Violeta Urmana Bozar Centre for Fine Arts, Henry Le Boeuf Hall Rue Ravenstein / Ravensteinstraat 23, 1000 Brussels Tickets: 02 507 82 00 Be prepared for some of the best sounds Lithuania has to offer, in- cluding a symphonic poem by Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Violeta Urmana, soprano the founder of professional music in Lithuania. Modestas Pitrėnas, conductor Violeta Urmana is a real opera diva. In fact, nowadays she is only a Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra guest in her homeland, as she spends most of her time rehearsing and performing major roles in the great opera theatres of Europe and the Programme world. She started out as a mezzo-soprano, but later turned to dramatic Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, symphonic poem Miške / In the Forest soprano roles, and with equal success. While she has performed the Richard Wagner, song cycle Wesendonck-Lieder, Der Männer Sippe (Die Walküre), leading roles in productions of many famous operas, her lifelong pas- Liebestod (Tristan und Isolde) sion is Wagner, and her regal beauty makes her particularly suitable for Richard Strauss, symphonic poem Tod und Verklärung, op. 24 the majestic parts. She will be accompanied at the Gala by the Lithu- anian National Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest and most famous This concert will be broadcast by Klara radio.klara.be orchestras in Lithuania, which has toured throughout the world. The conductor Modestas Pitrėnas is another star of Lithuanian music. www.cultureguide.lt | www.bozar.be | www.klarafestival.be Although his main position is currently as chief conductor and music www.violetaurmana.com | www.filharmonija.lt director with the Latvian National Opera in Riga, he is loved by Lithuani- ans not only for his impressive concerts, which have won him praise and many prizes, but also for his natural charm and charisma.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 10 | 11 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme CINEMA

Cinematic Inclusions. 2 Time, People, and Places

Presented by Meno avilys in collaboration with Le Styx

19 & 20 September 2013 | 7:00 pm

Le Styx Cinema Rue de l’Arbre Bénit / Gewijde-Boomstraat 72, 1050 Brussels Info: 02 512 21 02 Film still from Time Passes through the City by Almantas Grikevičius, 1966

Programme Documentaries can inform, explain or even mislead. However, they Robertas Verba, The Old Man and the Land, 1965 can also tell us about our reality in a very poetic and creative way. Almantas Grikevičius, Time Passes through the City, 1966 Ideologised information and especially tendentious diatribes create Robertas Verba, The Dreams of the Centenarians, 1969 something of an aversion in Lithuanian documentary film, since these Henrikas Šablevičius, A Trip across Misty Meadows, 1973 qualities were thrust forcibly on television and cinema in the spirit of Arūnas Matelis, Ten Minutes Before the Flight of Icarus, 1991 Socialist Realism and the mandatory love for the ‘Great Homeland’ that Audrius Stonys, Earth of the Blind, 1992 were so ubiquitous in public life in the Soviet Union. So filmmakers Algimantas Maceina, The Black Box, 1994 started a quest for different means of expression. Thematically, many turned to ‘little things’, social marginalia, aspects of the daily, inner life Language: Lithuanian with English subtitles of a person, instead of major events or phenomena. Stylistically, this is reflected in drawn-out shots, the drastic reduction of spoken lines, and www.cultureguide.lt | www.cnc-cinema.be | www.menoavilys.org even giving up narrative altogether. The seven films you will see were made between 1965 and 1994, at times of major social change and historic events, but they seem to develop the same trend. Some of the films are Lithuanian classics, and some, especially the newer ones, have also won international acclaim.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 12 | 13 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme VISUAL ARTS

3 M.K. Čiurlionis. Dreaming of Lithuania

Co-production between the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent

21 September – 15 December 2013

Museum of Fine Arts Fernand Scribedreef 1, Citadelpark, 9000 Ghent Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. Fantasy (The Demon). 1909 Info: 09 240 07 00

The words that are usually used to describe Mikalojus Konstantinas www.cultureguide.lt | www.mskgent.be | www.gentfestival.be Čiurlionis sound like vain platitudes: a genius, a Renaissance man, www.ciurlionis.lt a star, a hero. But in his case, they are mostly true. Born in 1875, in his short life of 36 years, Čiurlionis left the most prominent mark on the nascent Lithuanian culture, and established the country firmly on the cultural map of Europe. His paintings capture the most beautiful, ethe- real and romantic sights you have ever seen. The exhibition is intended to present his growth and expression as an artist. He was a genuine romantic, but his work, although at first mythological and symbolic, gradually became more and more abstract. You will hear more about this from Osvaldas Daugelis, the director of the National M. K. Čiurlionis Museum, and from Vytautas Landsbergis, who is best known as a politician, the first head of state of Lithuania after 1990, and currently a Member of the European Parliament, but who is also a prominent researcher into Čiurlionis’ work and a performer of his music. Wait, music? Wasn’t he a painter? Well, we told you he was a genius. He also had a beautiful wife, to whom he wrote charming and interesting letters.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 14 | 15 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme music

4 Čiurlionis. Sound and Colour

GhENT FESTIVAL OF FLANDERS 2013

Co-production between the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Society and the Ghent Festival of Flanders

23 September 2013 | 2:00 pm Adžgauskas Raimundas by Photo Petras Geniušas Museum of Fine Arts Fernand Scribedreef 1, Citadelpark, 9000 Ghent Info: 09 240 07 00 Čiurlionis was a musician even before he became a painter. In fact, his formal education was in music, not art. However, he is famous for his Petras Geniušas, piano incredible synthesis of the two forms. Many of his works even have the Čiurlionis String Quartet: Jonas Tankevičius, 1st violin; same titles: a painting and a musical opus are given the same names. Darius Dikšaitis, 2nd ­violin; Gediminas Dačinskas, viola; You can experience this synthesis brought to you by the best performers Saulius Lipčius, cello of his music, while surrounded by his paintings. Taurus Quartet: Wietse Beels, 1st violin; Wibert Aerts, 2nd violin; The Čiurlionis String Quartet has been with us for 45 years, even Wincent Hepp, viola; Martijn Wink, cello though its members have changed several times. It has appeared at many famous festivals and concert halls, and its repertoire has always Programme included a special emphasis on works by Lithuanian composers, and, Mažoji sonata / Little Sonata of course, its namesake. Petras Geniušas is a distinguished concert Lakštingala / Cycle The Nightingale pianist, he has played in many important concert halls, won significant Penki preliudai / Five Preludes national and international awards, and taken part in fruitful collabora- Fuga b-moll vl 345 / Fugue in B flat minor tions. He is also loved by his listeners for his flexibility and charisma, Styginių kvartetas c-moll / String quartet in C minor and his lively combination of intellectuality and emotionality. Besides being a superb performer of classical music, he eagerly participates in www.cultureguide.lt | www.mskgent.be | www.gentfestival.be projects that require him to play jazz, accompany theatre performances www.petrasgeniusas.com | www.ciurlionisquartet.com or cabaret, and even collaborate with pop stars.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 16 | 17 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme LITERATURE

Agnė Žagrakalytė’s 5 Per Tave II | Par ta faute II | Door jou II

Transpoesie

Poetry evening 26 September 2013

Passa Porta – International House of Literature in Brussels

Rue Antoine Dansaert / Antoine Dansaertstraat 46, 1000 Brussels Platelis Edgaras by Photo Info: 02 226 04 54 Agnė Žagrakalytė

26 September – 3 October 2013 Agnė Žagrakalytė is one of the most interesting younger Lithuanian Metro, buses and trams of STIB poets. She has published two volumes of poetry, but she has already Anspach Gallery been translated into several languages, and, thanks to her fun-loving, Boulevard Anspach / Anspachlaan 30-36, 1000 Brussels outgoing personality, she has become an established participant in various poetry events and festivals. www.cultureguide.lt | www.transpoesie.eu | www.passaporta.be Žagrakalytė currently lives with her family in Brussels, so it is only www.meslivresnumeriques.be | www.stib.be fitting that her poems should be chosen to decorate the public transport of the city as part of the Transpoesie festival. Her poems, along with works by other poets from all over Europe, will appear in Brussels trains and buses, in Lithuanian, Dutch and French, to make the daily routine of the city’s residents and guests more inspiring and entertaining. Žagrakalytė will also be one of the poets to appear at an event in person, which is definitely something to look forward to, as she has an efferves- cent personality and a great sense of humour!

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 18 | 19 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme CINEMA

6 Jonas Mekas Retrospective

AGE D’OR FESTIVAL

Presented by Cinematek and Bozar Cinema

16–30 October 2013 Film stills from Jonas Mekas’ film Mekas’ Jonas from stills Film Cinematek / La Cinémathèque royale de Belgique John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Bed-In, Montreal, Queen Elizabeth Hotel, May 26, 1969 Rue Baron Horta / Baron Hortastraat 9, 1000 Brussels Tickets: 02 551 19 19 ‘It’s my nature now, to record. To try to keep everything I’m passing Opening night in the presence of Jonas Mekas through, to keep at least bits of it. I have lost too much, so now I have these bits that I have passed through,’ says Jonas Mekas in Lost Lost Programme Lost, one of his films that is being shown in this programme. It might The Brig, 1964 be too much to say that this characterises all his work, but ‘recording’ Walden (Diaries, Notes and Sketches), 1969 and ‘memory’ are definitely some of the most important features of it. Reminiscences of a Journey to Lithuania, 1972 He chronicled everything: his own family and friends, some of whom Lost Lost Lost, 1976 were famous artists, his trip back to Lithuania after a 20-year absence, As I Was Moving Ahead Occasionally I Saw Brief Glimpses of Beauty, 2000 the development of American avant-garde film, and the collapse of the Lithuania and the Collapse of the USSR, 2008 Soviet Union. But most of his films are difficult to classify as documen- Sleepless Nights Stories, 2011 taries. They all have artistic qualities, which are often taken to the Out-Takes from the Life of a Happy Man, 2012 extreme. ‘What you see is my imaginary world, which is not imaginary 60’s Quartet at all, but real,’ he says in another film. 16 mm short films The programme features highlights from dozens of his films, includ- ing a collection of short films. www.cultureguide.lt | www.cinematek.be | www.bozar.be www.jonasmekasfilms.com

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 20 | 21 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme VISUAL ARTS

7 Jonas Mekas | The Fluxus Wall

Focus on Lithuania

Curator of the exhibition: Liutauras Pšibilskis Co-production between Bozar, Jonas Mekas Visual Arts Center and the National Gallery of Art in Vilnius Photo by Arūnas Baltėnas Arūnas by Photo

18 October 2013 – 26 January 2014 Jonas Mekas

Bozar Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein / Ravensteinstraat 23, 1000 Brussels Jonas Mekas (born in 1922) belongs to the group of 20th-century Info: 02 507 82 00 ­Lithuanians who have become more famous than their own country. Like Mekas himself, these people came out of Displaced Persons camps in Western Europe at the end of the war which tore Europe in half. The Conversation between Jonas Mekas and Vytautas Landsbergis Mekas brothers (Jonas and Adolfas), after long adventures in Western ­Moderator: Paul Dujardin Europe, ended up in New York, and, having already developed an inter- est in cinema, they purchased their first camera. It became not so much 17 October, 2013 a career for them as a life, for both, but for Jonas especially. The exhibition aims to present that life in a few thematically differ- Bozar Centre for Fine Arts ent spaces, including friendships with important artists, a lifelong love and nostalgia for the lost homeland, and being the ‘midwife’ of Ameri- www.cultureguide.lt | www.bozar.be | www.mekas.lt can avant-garde cinema. It consists of video installations, object art, www.ndg.lt | www.jonasmekasfilms.com photographs, and the indescribable items of the Fluxus movement, with www.liutauras.com which Mekas is also associated, as a close friend of George Maciunas. And on top of all that, the opening of the exhibition features a public discussion between Vytautas Landsbergis and none other than Mekas himself!

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 22 | 23 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme THEATRE

8 okt | Vilnius City Theatre Hamlet

Focus on Lithuania

Directed by Oskaras Koršunovas Presented by Bozar Theatre

15 & 16 November 2013 | 7:30 pm | Pre-performance talk 6:45 pm Matvejevas Dmitrijus by Photo Prince Hamlet: Darius Meškauskas, Horatio: Julius Žalakevičius Bozar Centre for Fine Arts Rue Ravenstein / Ravensteinstraat 23, 1000 Brussels Tickets: 02 507 82 00 Oskaras Koršunovas is a legend of Lithuanian theatre: he belongs to the generation of directors who suddenly appeared on the stage and Set designers: Oskaras Koršunovas, Agnė Kuzmickaitė radicalized everything, with their daring deconstructions and inter- Costume designer: Agnė Kuzmickaitė pretations which have made theatre one of the areas that independent Composer: Antanas Jasenka Lithuania is most proud of. Lighting designer: Eugenijus Sabaliauskas Koršunovas was acknowledged as a rising star while he was still Sound designer: Vilius Vilutis a student, but he won true fame with the OKT, the theatre which he established, which at first set out to put on productions based on Cast: contemporary plays, instead of classics, as was still being done in Bernardo, Rosencrantz, Gravedigger: Tomas Žaibus; other theatres. His theatre was a huge success with audiences, and it Horatio, Norwegian captain, Fortinbras: Julius Žalakevičius; soon began travelling and performing widely to international acclaim, King Claudius, Ghost: Dainius Gavenonis; most prominently at the Avignon Theatre Festival. Laertes: Darius Gumauskas; Ophelia: Rasa Samuolytė; Hamlet is often considered the most mature work by both the direc- Marcellus, Guildenstern, Gravedigger: Giedrius Savickas; tor and his actors. It is a very original interpretation. ‘Our Elsinore is a Polonius: Vaidotas Martinaitis; Queen Gertrude: Nelė Savičenko; make-up room, which slowly turns into the Kingdom of Denmark,’ says Prince Hamlet: Darius Meškauskas Koršunovas.

www.cultureguide.lt | wwww.bozar.be | www.okt.lt

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 24 | 25 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme CINEMA

9 Šarūnas Bartas Retrospective

Presented by Cinematek and Flagey

15–30 November 2013

Flagey, Studio 5 film club

Place Sainte-Croix / Heilig Kruisplein, 1050 Brussels Dikčiuvienė Jurga by Photo Tickets: 02 641 10 20 Šarūnas Bartas

Programme Šarūnas Bartas (born in 1964) is the most respected and acclaimed film- In the Memory of a Day Gone By, 1990 maker in Lithuania, who deals with the experience of the new identities Three Days, 1991 of those living in former Soviet territory. This is natural, as he launched The Corridor, 1995 his career as an experimental filmmaker with his first professional film , 1996 In the Memory of a Day Gone By (1990) in the period of political and The House, 1997 cultural shifts just after Lithuania declared its independence. Freedom, 2000 Bartas’ obvious artistic talent and his entrepreneurial skills have , 2005 made him an inspirational figure for a generation of local filmmakers, , 2010 many of whom were influenced by his style, including an emphasis on non-narrative, non-verbal storytelling, long takes, ambient hypnotic www.cultureguide.lt | www.flagey.be | www.cinematek.be sound, and the involvement of amateur actors. In all his works, Bartas www.kinema.lt reflects and reveals small joys and passions, inner conflicts, and man’s fears and longing for freedom in the presence of social, economic and political stasis and shifts. This style was first apparent in his 1991 film Three Days, and it was further developed in his later work.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 26 | 27 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme music

10 Ąžuoliukas Boys’ and Youth Choir

THE VOICE FESTIVAL

Co-production between the Ąžuoliukas Boys’ and Youth Choir, the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie and Flagey

15 December 2013 | 3:00 pm Ivanauskas Evaldas by Photo Ąžuoliukas Boys’ and Youth Choir at the 10th Bistrampolis Festival, May 2012 Flagey, Studio 4 Place Sainte-Croix / Heilig Kruisplein, 1050 Brussels Tickets: 02 641 10 20 Ąžuoliukas (meaning ‘little oak tree’) is probably the most famous choir in Lithuania. It is also one of the oldest. Founded in 1959 by the famous Ąžuoliukas Boys’ and Youth Choir choirmaster Herman Perelstein, it has grown to become an important Asta Krikščiūnaitė, soprano part of the Lithuanian music scene, and a true epitome of boyhood in Nora Petročenko, mezzo-soprano Vilnius. Nowadays, its members, who usually join at the age of six or Vytautas Miškinis, artistic director and chief conductor of Ąžuoliukas seven, often stay on well into manhood, and bring their sons along to Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie sing with them. The present choirmaster, Vytautas Miškinis, came to Student Orchestra of the Royal Conservatories of Brussels sing with Ąžuoliukas at the age of seven, and, having fallen in love with and Mons both the music and the atmosphere, he has never left it. In spite of the young age of many of its members, the choir has a www.cultureguide.lt | www.flagey.be | www.azuoliukas.lt varied and complex repertoire, from Mozart, Handel and Webber, to www.orcw.be Dvořák, Shostakovich and contemporary Lithuanian composers, such as Balsys and Kutavičius. It is loved by audiences for its versatility and its willingness to participate in all sorts of projects; but at the same time it performs very professionally.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 28 | 29 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme MUSIC ∤ VISUAL ARTS

11 Sandglasses by Justė Janulytė

CLOSING EVENT

Presented by Vilnius Festivals and Flagey

18 December 2013 | 8:15 pm Photo by Philippe Stirnweiss Philippe by Photo Flagey, Studio 4 Sandglasses Place Sainte-Croix / Heilig Kruisplein, 1050 Brussels Tickets: 02 641 10 20 Four cellists sit on the stage. In one hour, they will go through their Idea and music: Justė Janulytė entire register, but at different tempos, thus creating a polytemporal Video installation: Luca Scarzella canon. Furthermore, each cello is recorded and then layered by elec- Video assistant: Michele Innocente tronic means, thus making every instrument the source of its own canon. Live electronics: Michele Tadini, Antonello Raggi The sound of four cellos is transformed into an orchestra of 400. And Scenography: Jūratė Paulėkaitė each player is shrouded in invisible tulle, on which light projections Light design: Eugenijus Sabaliauskas, Vilius Vilutis appear. Sometimes they swirl in small flakes like snow, and sometimes Cellists of the Gaida ensemble: Povilas Jacunskas, Edmundas Kulikauskas, they turn to stone. Onutė Švabauskaitė, Rūta Tamutytė This is the experience of Sandglasses, created by Justė Janulytė, a young Lithuanian composer, along with her international team of video www.cultureguide.lt | www.flagey.be | www.janulyte.info and electronic music artists, most notably the Italian Luca Scarzella, www.vilniusfestivals.lt and performed by soloists of the Gaida ensemble. As the title suggests, the inspiration for the project was hourglasses, which can be of different durations and different capacities, like the tempos of the cellos, but which also have multiple symbolic and poetic associations that the composer sets out to explore in her music.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 30 | 31 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS

12 Lithuania in Europe. Europe in Lithuania

Events at the EU institutions

20 June – 12 July 2013

European Parliament Chamber in Strasbourg

1, avenue du Président Robert Schuman, CS 91024 Žižliauskaitė Lina by Photo 67070 Strasbourg Cedex, France Lithuania in Europe. Europe in Lithuania

7–10 October 2013 Do you really believe that you have nothing in common with Lithuania, European Committee of the Regions a small country somewhere in the northeast corner of Europe? Well, Rue Belliard / Belliardstraat 99-101, 1040 Brussels wrong! When nations live alongside each other, squeezed together as tightly as they are in Europe, it’s impossible not to have anything in 14–18 October 2013 common! This exhibition is intended to show just that. The best Lithuanian artists, jewellers and designers have drawn on European Parliament Chamber in Brussels their deep knowledge of history and their sense of humour, to come Altiero Spinelli Building, Zone G, 2nd floor balcony up with a whole list of connections that join Lithuania with almost Rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60, 1047 Brussels any European country. Try playing a game: see if you can guess which object represents what. Funny letters of the alphabet? Stained glass? www.eu2013.lt | www.cultureguide.lt A newspaper? And when you’re tired, naturally, you can find all the correct answers beside the objects themselves. You’ll learn something new, that’s for sure; but we promise that you’ll also be entertained by the exhibition.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 32 | 33 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS

13 Lithuania in the Mail Parcel

Events at the EU institutions and NATO

1–7 July 2013

Nato Headquarters in Brussels

Avenue du Bourget / Bourgetlaan, 1110 Brussels Expobalta by Illustration Lithuania in the Mail Parcel 10 July – 20 August 2013

European Economic and Social Committee, Hall, 4th floor You’ve got mail! We want to show you our country, and not just tell Rue Belliard / Belliardstraat 99, 1040 Brussels you about it. So we asked Unesco what they find most beautiful and ­valuable about it. There are ten objects in Lithuania on its registers 2–6 December 2013 of the natural and cultural heritage. We put these items in boxes, and mailed them to Brussels for you to see. European Parliament Chamber in Brussels But seriously, this could be the most ingenious exhibition you have Altiero Spinelli Building, Distribution Centre, 2nd floor ever seen. The ten boxes contain anything from recordings of music and Rue Wiertz / Wiertzstraat 60, 1047 Brussels videos of dance to historical instruments for land measurement and everyone’s favourite childhood game. You never know what’s inside, www.eu2013.lt | www.cultureguide.lt until you open it. And, more importantly, it’s very likely that you’ve never heard of these things. Learn something new, enjoy the interactive boxes. Who knows, maybe you’ll like the Curonian Spit so much you’ll spend your next holiday there? Or come for the Song and Dance Festival, and see Vilnius’ Old Town? It’s all in the mail, all you have to do is open the box.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 34 | 35 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme VISUAL ARTS ∤ SCULPTURE ∤ DESIGN

14 Gardens of Europe

Events at the EU institutions

3 July – 31 December 2013

Headquarters of the Council of the European Union

Justus Lipsius Building Valiauga Arturas by Photos Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 175, 1048 Brussels Garden is a symbol for the structure of the universe

www.eu2013.lt | www.cultureguide.lt | www.ekspobalta.com Sodai, which means ‘gardens’ in Lithuanian, are traditional decorations for the home, three-dimensional constructions made of straw strung on thread, and usually hung around or underneath a source of light, in order to make pretty effects with shadows on the walls. Ethnologists believe that they contain mythological references to ‘the tree of life’ or similar pan-European symbols for the structure of the universe, serving as symbolic means to see the cosmos imposed on chaos. Detail of Sodas created by Roma Gudaitienė. The Council of the European Union, we believe, also does this, hope- Gardens contain mytho­ fully in a less symbolic and more practical way, so it seems to be a logical references to suitable theme with which to decorate one of its buildings. Presented in ‘the tree of life’ variations throughout the different spaces of the building, from light fix- tures in the shape of ‘gardens’ to actual straws, and providing a certain rural cosiness in the middle of the bustling city, the theme serves as a background for the presentation of great examples of contemporary and modern Lithuanian painting, graphic art, sculpture and design.

36 | 37 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme VISUAL ARTS

15 The Lithuanian Landscapes of Being

Events at the EU institutions

Presented by the Translation Directorate of DGA 3, the Language Library and the Lithuanian Language Unit

19 September – 30 November 2013 Vernisage 19 September 2013 | 12:00 pm Laisvydė Šalčiūtė. Sunset. 2006

General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union LEX Building, Language Library, 7th floor Laisvydė Šalčiūtė is the quintessential wild woman of Lithuanian art: Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 145, 1040 Brussels a mixer of techniques, unclassifiable under any heading, but extremely, and occasionally even shockingly, feminine and feminist. Then there’s Rimas Bičiūnas, Audrius Gražys, Linas Liandzbergis, Linas Liandzbergis, unemotional, logical and rational, with paintings Vilmantas Marcinkevičius and Laisvydė Šalčiūtė that recall bright posters in primary colours. And Rimas Bičiūnas, who likes painting women, birds and flowers in all colours and shades. www.eu2013.lt | consilium.europa.eu | www.cultureguide.lt Vilmantas Marcinkevičius, a very socially conscious artist, has painted www.l.salciute.com | www.artgrazys.com | www.vilmantas.com portraits of famous Europeans, including the Danish Royal Family. Along with Audrius Gražys, whose work is so multi-layered and poetic that it has been compared to the radiating energy of Hindi Mandalas, he initiated a project to take art out of galleries and into public spaces. These five are brought to you under the title ‘The Lithuanian Land- scapes of Being’, in an exhibition intended to present the variety and contradictions of Lithuanian painting.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 38 | 39 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme VISUAL ARTS ∤ DESIGN

16 The Most Beautiful Lithuanian Books 2012

Events at the EU institutions

Presented by the Translation Directorate of DGA 3, the Language Library and the Lithuanian Language Unit

19 September – 30 November 2013 Vernisage 19 September 2013 | 12:00 pm The Most Beautiful Lithuanian Books 2012

General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union LEX Building, Language Library, 7th floor How many times have you been told not to judge a book by its cover? Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 145, 1040 Brussels Well, we’ve got a competition where we do just that … But then again, fine feathers make fine birds. So take a look at what we’ve picked from www.eu2013.lt | consilium.europa.eu | www.cultureguide.lt just one year: fiction, textbooks, books for children and art books that have won the Most Beautiful Book of the Year award or an honourable mention. The competition has been going for 20 years, it is an important Lithuanian Books at Waterstones Brussels highlight of the Vilnius International Book Fair, and it draws attention to the almost invisible work of book designers and illustrators. 1 July – 31 December 2013 The books that you will see fall into six categories, according to the Kick-off event 1 July 2013 | 6:30 pm content and function of the book, so the designers not only show their The English Bookshop creativity and imagination, but are also expected to comply with certain Boulevard Adolphe Max / Adolphe Maxlaan 71-75, 1000 Brussels requirements and uses. The judges of the competition also stress the importance of successful collaboration between the designer and the www.waterstones.com author, publisher, printer, and anyone else involved in the production of the book.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 40 | 41 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme July 2013

1–12 12 Lithuania in Europe. Europe in Lithuania 21–30 3 M. K. Čiurlionis. Dreaming of Lithuania European Parliament Chamber in Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent 1–7 13 Lithuania in the Mail Parcel 23 4 Čiurlionis. Sound and Colour Nato Headquarters in Brussels Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent 1–31 16 Lithuanian books | Waterstones 26 5 Agnė Žagrakalytė at Transpoesie 3–31 14 Gardens of Europe Passa Porta – International House of Literature Headquarters of the Council of the European Union 26–30 5 Agnė Žagrakalytė at Transpoesie 10–31 13 Lithuania in the Mail Parcel Metro, buses and trams of STIB, Anspach Gallery European Economic and Social Committee October August 1–3 5 Agnė Žagrakalytė at Transpoesie 1–20 13 Lithuania in the Mail Parcel Metro, buses and trams of STIB, Anspach Gallery European Economic and Social Committee 1–31 14 Gardens of Europe 1–31 14 Gardens of Europe Headquarters of the Council of the European Union Headquarters of the Council of the European Union 1–31 15 The Lithuanian Landscapes of Being 1–31 16 Lithuanian books | Waterstones General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union 1–31 16 The Most Beautiful Lithuanian Books 2012 General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union September 1–31 16 Lithuanian books | Waterstones 1–30 14 Gardens of Europe 1–31 3 M. K. Čiurlionis. Dreaming of Lithuania Headquarters of the Council of the European Union Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent 1–30 16 Lithuanian books | Waterstones 7–10 12 Lithuania in Europe. Europe in Lithuania 12 1 Gala Concert | Bozar European Committee of the Regions 19 & 20 2 Cinematic Inclusions. Time, People, and Places 14–18 12 Lithuania in Europe. Europe in Lithuania Le Styx Cinema European Parliament Chamber in Brussels 19–30 15 The Lithuanian Landscapes of Being 16–30 6 Jonas Mekas Retrospective | Cinematek General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union 18–31 7 Jonas Mekas / The Fluxus Wall | Bozar 19–30 16 The Most Beautiful Lithuanian Books 2012 General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 42 | 43 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture Programme November 8

1–30 14 Gardens of Europe 7 6 Headquarters of the Council of the European Union 9 12 5 1–30 15 The Lithuanian Landscapes of Being 3 General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union 10 11 1 r d osswo 1–30 16 The Most Beautiful Lithuanian Books 2012 1 General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union 6 6 cr

1–30 16 Lithuanian books | Waterstones 3 4 1–30 3 M. K. Čiurlionis. Dreaming of Lithuania 2 7 Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent 4 2 5 1–30 7 Jonas Mekas / The Fluxus Wall | Bozar 15 & 16 8 okt / Vilnius City Theatre Hamlet | Bozar 7 2 15–30 9 Šarūnas Bartas Retrospective | Flagey

December Horizontally

1–15 3 M. K. Čiurlionis. Dreaming of Lithuania 1. Poetry festival in Brussels Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent 2. The ‘godfather’ of American avant-garde cinema 1–31 14 Gardens of Europe 3. The title of the play directed by Oskaras Koršunovas Headquarters of the Council of the European Union 4. The EU institution building housing ‘The Gardens of Europe’ 5. The partner institution of ‘Focus on Lithuania’ programme 1–31 16 Lithuanian books | Waterstones 6. The film director of Freedom 1–31 7 Jonas Mekas / The Fluxus Wall | Bozar 2–6 13 Lithuania in the Mail Parcel Vertically European Parliament Chamber in Brussels 7. The first name of Lithuanian opera diva 15 10 Ąžuoliukas Boys’ and Youth Choir | Flagey 8. The title of audio-visual performance by Justė Janulytė 18 11 Sandglasses by Justė Janulytė | Flagey 9. The venue of Ąžuoliukas Boys’ and Youth Choir concert 10. The first name of Čiurlionis 11. The presenter of Jonas Mekas Retrospective 12. The latest film by Šarūnas Bartas For full programme and updates

www.cultureguide.lt | www.lrkm.lt | www.koperator.lt | www.eu2013.lt The title of Lithuanian culture programme: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union 44 | 45 Brussels ⋅ Ghent ⋅ Strasbourg culture programme Ministry Ministry of Culture of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Republic of Lithuania of Lithuania

Programme v Brussels, Ghent, Strasbourg is developed and implemented by the Cultural Group of the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the European Union – Vida Gražienė, Gabija Žukauskienė and Ramunė Jankauskienė in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, the International Cultural Programme Centre and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania. Thanks to all the curators and consultants who made valuable contributions to the cultural programme. Our special thanks also go to artists and institutions that provided material from their collections.

special thanks to:

Arūnas Gelūnas, Ambassador of Lithuania to the UNESCO Remigijus Motuzas, First Deputy Chancellor of the Government The circle representing the logo of the Lithuanian Presidency of the Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the EU Ričardas Šlepavičius, Deputy Permanent Representative of Lithuania to the EU Council of the European Union is a symbol of unity, representing that Osvaldas Daugelis, Director of the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum Lithuania will be an honest mediator seeking to harmonise differing Rūta Prusevičienė, Director General of the National Philharmonic Society of Lithuania positions. The logo refers to the united European Union, the countries Saulė Mažeikaitė, former Director of International Culture Program Centre of which want to and can work together, foster European values, partners and co-producers: and can overcome all the challenges that arise. The colours of the logo symbolise Lithuania’s close relations with the Baltic and the Nordic regions, while the blue bow of the EU flag represents the universally shared values and activities. The garland of the Lithuanian national flag’s colours – yellow, green, and red – completes the logo circle. This link symbolises the responsibility for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union that is trusted to Lithuania in the second half of 2013.

Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union Author and translator: Gabrielė Gailiūtė Editor of English text: Joseph Everatt Content editor: Rūta Statulevičiūtė-Kaučikienė Graphic design and layout: Jokūbas Jacovskis

Cover image: Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. Fugue from the diptych Preliude and Fugue. 1908 (detail). Courtesy of the National M. K. Čiurlionis Art Museum

Published by the International Cultural Programme Centre, Lithuania | www.koperator.lt Initiated and supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania Printed in Lithuania by

© International Cultural Programme Centre, 2013 All rights reserved. The reproduction of this programme, even in part, in any form or medium is prohibited without the written consent of the copyright holder.

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