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in/visible/barriers
The concert e xplores human challenges by reimagining the most difficult situations and depicting just how both visible and invisible obstacles may be overcome. It sheds light on issues that often remain neglected, although it may seem impossible we ignore them. The project advocates for an inclusive society devoid of barriers and emphasizing the importance of awareness and empathy.
This is exactly what the Ukrainian composer, Mykhailo Chedryk, attempted to capture in his Emotion No. 1 for five cellos, electronics, and light. His piece delves into the intricacies of emotional perception during extremely hard times. Through the very tense music structure, this composition reflects the collective experiences of societies enduring profound upheavals, particularly influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In an era of constant high stress, Emotion No. 1 underscores the significance of holistic well-being and emphasises that health encompasses not only physical but also mental and social dimensions.
Why me? The Lithuanian composer Rita Mačiliūnaitė puts to the fore the painful question so familiar to all mothers who have ever heard the disability diagnosis for their child. Not the end of the world. You are not alone. You’ll get used to it over time. It’s what they usually hear from those trying to comfort them. Such stories are plenty, yet few are willing to share them due to the immense pain, complexity, and sensitivity involved. Countless questions arise: Should I confide in others or keep it to myself? Will there be genuine assistance or suffocating pity? Should I face the challenges alone or trust in the system and support from others? Is change possible? How can one continue living amidst the turmoil? How do you support a child when there’s no support for yourself? How do you adapt when acceptance seems impossible? Why me?
This work is based on real stories, conversations, and experiences.
Text written by Aivaras Dočkus Mother: Dovilė Karaliūtė Doctor: Juliana Volodko
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“Cello Club” (LT)
Photo credits: Monika PenkutėIn 2020, the L ithuanian music scene welcomed the emergence of a new ensemble, the Cello Club Quintet. The five cellists – Povilas Jacunskas, Domas Jakštas, Arnas Kmieliauskas, Evaldas Petkus, and Rokas Vaitkevičius – are united by the wish to broaden the perspectives for their instrument and inspired by the homogeneous ensembles that have gained popularity in Western Europe, becoming ambassadors of both their instrument and country.
Cello Club sees itself unique in that, based on democratic principles, each of the five members can become a leader and soloist. Through its name, the ensemble sends the message of openness: no commitment to a strict line-up, and openness to diverse programme choices. The listener should not be surprised by Cello Club performing a whole array of genres, from academic music to popular classics and compositions of lighter styles. By employing humour, Cello Club is reconsidering the boundaries between the serious and entertainment.
The quintet has already toured many of the major Lithuanian festivals and concert halls. Their latest project is Monochrome, the album recorded together with the Melos Ensemble dedicated to new vocal music. The recording features compositions by Lithuanian composers Žibuoklė Martinaitytė, Egidija Medekšaitė, Mykolas Natalevičius, and Albertas Navickas.