Festival Opening | Piano Legend Cyprien Katsaris

Performing in Lithuania for the first time, the French pianist of Cypriot origin is admired for his virtuosity and especially for his interpretations, which critics describe as phenomenal. Among other distinguished pianists, C. Katsaris stands out for his brilliant technique, unique sound culture, extraordinary musical thinking, provocative improvisations, and his ability to draw the listener ever deeper into a multi-layered world of music.

Having begun playing the piano at just four years old, Katsaris became a laureate of numerous prestigious international competitions, received major music awards, and was honored with French and Luxembourg orders for his contributions to culture, as well as being recognized by UNESCO as an Artist for Peace.

The pianist’s concert career spans the globe – from Europe to the United States and Asia. C. Katsaris has performed with nearly all the world’s most renowned orchestras and conductors. He was the first to record all of Ludwig van Beethoven’s symphonies in Liszt’s transcriptions and founded his own record label, “Piano 21,” which releases world premieres and recordings of rare repertoire.

For the Vilnius audience, the piano virtuoso will perform some of the most beautiful works by Beethoven, Liszt, Frédéric Chopin, Maurice Ravel, and Camille Saint-Saëns. You will also have the opportunity to hear an unusual interpretation of Čiurlionis’ works, as well as compositions by C. Katsaris himself.