On March 11 the Embassy of Lithuania to the Netherlands organised in the Hague in the Pulchri Studio a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Restoration of Independent State of Lithuania.
His Excellency, Ambassador of Lithuania to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr. Vidmantas Purlys welcomed the guests and in his speech pointed out that the Restoration of Independent State of Lithuania was ”one of the most important events in the history of Lithuania of the 20th century, political act ending 50 years of Soviet occupation, which was never internationally recognized. 11 March may have also been an important encouragement for other nations in that part of Europe, which were striving for their freedom too.”
H.E. continued: ”We have developed democratic, modern, inclusive and resilient society, based on the rule of law and strong democratic institutions.”
Lithuania with its strong economy is internationally recognized in many fields including laser technology, life sciences, energy, digital and cyber domains. Lithuania ” worked consistently to uphold international rule of law, security and stability, human rights, individual freedoms, and gender equality.”, H.E. added.
Additionally Lithuania is a strong partner in an elaborate international network and developed excellent relationship with the Netherlands in many fields on various levels. ”Our co-operation in the international affairs is close, based on shared values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law. We work intensely for security of NATO. Dutch soldiers contribute to NATO’s enhanced Forward Presence in Lithuania. This is highly appreciated by the Lithuanian society. We are also great partners in the European Union. Our bilateral relations are very vibrant, all important data pointing to a growing direction, including on trade, investment and tourism. I take this opportunity to thank all our Dutch, international and Lithuanian friends who contributed to strengthening our bilateral ties.”
Mr. Ambassador stressed that Lithuanian society is proud of what is has achieved in last 30 years, and looks confident towards the future. ”We believe in our freedom.” he concluded.
The speech was followed by an impressive concert of Rita Novikaitė a fantastic mezzo-soprano and Šviesė Čepliauskaitė internationally acknowledged pianist. They performed works of among others Antanas Belazaras, Vytautas Kairiūkštis, Ferenz Liszt and a world premiere of Zita Bružaitė.
Rita Novikaitė was born in Kaunas, Lithuania. She studied music at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz, Austria and Accademia Verdiana della Fondazione Arthuro Toscanini in Italy.
Rita Novikaitė sang many roles in operas, while also including Lieder, chamber music and oratorios in her repertoire. She performs frequently in various concerts, festivals and theatres in Lithuania, Austria, Germany, England, Italy, France, Belgium and South Korea. Moreover, her recordings are played regularly on national radio both in Lithuania and in Austria.
In addition to her active life as a singer, Rita Novikaitė is a renowned teacher who worked at the University of Music and Dramatic Arts in Graz Art and as an associate professor at Prayner Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Arts in Vienna. Currently an associate professor at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania, Rita is a jury member in many international singing competitions and shares her extensive knowledge by giving singing master classes.
Pianist Šviesė Čepliauskaitė studied at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre and did an internship at Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland.
Šviesė Čepliauskaitė is an active performer who gives recitals, chamber music concerts and plays as a soloist with Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and Kaunas Symphony Orchestra. She participates in international festivals in Lithuania and abroad, and works as a member of jury in international competitions. The largest part of her repertoire is music from romantic period, with Chopin being one of her favourite composers. Therefore, pianist has performed many of his works in her wide array of recordings and in 2011 received Polish Honour Award „Meritious for the Polish Culture“ and was awarded the Golden Cross of Merit by the President of Poland in 2019.
The pianist has led a cycle of lectures on Lithuanian National TV and co-hosted a radio show. Šviesė Čepliauskaitė is currently an associate professor at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania.
The concert was followed by a reception where invited guests could try for example delicious Lithuanian šakotis and Lithuanian beer.
Text: Central and Eastern Europe: Communications-Unlimited.nl
Photos: Embassy of Lithuania in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. © Copyright Embassy of Lithuania in the Kingdom of the Netherlands , 2020. All rights reserved.
Photos: Communications-Unlimited.nl © Copyright www.communications-unlimited.nl, 2020. All rights reserved.
