On Wednesday, August 20 a Lithuania Lecture Concert was held at the Min-On Culture Center Museum Hall, supported by the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan. Approximately 300 guests attended the combined matinee and evening performances.
Daytime Performance (Family Concert)
Approximately 150 people, including about 70 children, attended the matinee performance for families.
To begin, Deputy Head of Mission and Minister Plenipotentiary of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan Ms. Asta Chaladauskienė took the stage. She stated that song and music are indispensable to Lithuania’s national identity, having supported the nation through difficult times and provided the strength to achieve independence.
Following, the embassy presented a slide show introducing the charm of Lithuania’s history, nature, and culture. The venue was filled with great excitement, including an interactive quiz.
Afterwards, accordionist Mr. Tadas Motiečius and birbynė player Mr. Vytautas Kiminius took the stage. They introduced the instruments’ mechanisms and appeal while showcasing their rich, colorful tones. The program concluded with a performance of “The Pink Panther Theme,” prompting participants to snap along. The venue was filled with a sense of unity and smiles.
Evening Performance
Approximately 150 guests attended the subsequent evening performance. The program featured the world premiere of “Archipelagos Of The Twilight” composed by Linas Rupšlaukis, alongside “Romanian Folk Dances” composed by Béla Bartók and “Dancing Suite” composed by Matti Murto. The venue was filled with the accordion’s diverse and powerful resonance and the birbynė’s delicate, clear tones.
For the encore, “Sukiyaki (Ue wo muite aruko)” was performed, and the audience joined in singing along, creating a tremendous atmosphere.
Attendees shared the following impressions:
Matinee Performance (for families)
“It was great to learn about instruments I’d never heard. I love music, and it was a very enjoyable time.”
“My child plays the accordion in their elementary school music club, so this event was very educational. The performance was wonderful, and we also learned about Lithuania.”
“Hearing from the embassy staff was a valuable opportunity to learn about Lithuania. It was a wonderful time for the children too.”
Evening Performance
“The sound of the birbynė, which I heard for the first time, was wonderful. I was moved by the warm personalities and passionate performance of both musicians.”
“The video made me want to visit Lithuania. The collaboration between the accordion and the birbynė was delicate yet energetic, and very moving.”
“This event was a great opportunity to learn about Lithuania through the skillful performance of young musicians. I felt the importance of understanding unfamiliar countries in order to build toward world peace.”
This project is made possible by your generous support. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporting members.
