2024 IN A NUTSHELL

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Excerpts from rehearsal

In honor of M.K. Čiurlionis' 150th anniversary, Čiurlionis. Slowed and Reverb was composed by Dominykas Digimas, concept by Simonas Kaupinis, the tuba player of the contemporary music ensemble Synaesthesis. Drawing inspiration from the "slowed and reverb" trend, where music is slowed and infused with echo effects, the piece transforms Čiurlionis' Prelude in D minor (VL 239) into an extended, immersive experience. The result is a deeper, meditative reinterpretation that invites listeners to explore the music as if through a sonic fog.

This performance was part of Synaesthesis' participation in the LRT Klasika residency and was presented to European national broadcasters visiting Lithuania. The concert showcased the ensemble’s innovative approach and highlighted the seamless collaboration between Lithuanian radio and television teams, leaving a strong impression on the international audience.

Rasa Murauskaitė-Juškienė, LRT Klasika Senior Editor:
"I’m thrilled that, as we approach Čiurlionis' 150th birthday, we’re witnessing such a variety of reinterpretations of his work. I’m equally delighted that we had the opportunity to present both Čiurlionis and Dominykas Digimas, who reworked his music, along with one of today’s most prominent contemporary ensembles, Synaesthesis, to European national broadcasters visiting Lithuania. They were deeply impressed by the smooth and friendly cooperation between our radio and television teams during the concert."

Dominykas Digimas, composer:
"The dome of St. John's Church is a unique acoustic space. Here, sound lingers for nearly 7 seconds and lowers just slightly as it fades. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better setting for the harmonies of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis to unfold. Chord by chord, the space fills completely, making you feel enveloped in sound. In recomposing this prelude, I discovered harmonies and shifts in color that felt deeply personal to me, moments that in the original pass too quickly. In writing this piece, I aim to emphasize the importance of each chord—its every shade—creating a sense of space and natural flow."

Simonas Kaupinis, tuba player and creator of the concept:
"It’s one of those rare concerts where you find yourself immersed in a state that you don’t want to leave. That evening, and the next day, I kept replaying the concert recording in my headphones, watching the world around me in slow motion, immersed in Čiurlionis' metaphysical universe."

Arminas Bižys, saxophonist:
"There’s something very familiar yet new and vital about it. The slowly shifting material draws you into a meditative state, and once the performance is over, you find yourself wanting to experience it again."