To mark the centenary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Holy See

Performers:
JUAN PARADEL SOLE (organ, Spain)
RENATA MARCINKUTĖ-LESIEUR (organ)
KAUNAS STATE CHOIR
(artistic director and principal conductor Robertas Šervenikas)
Conductor MINDAUGAS RADZEVIČIUS

Programme:
CHARLES GOUNOD – Pontifical Anthem and March (Papal Anthem)
FERENC LISZT –  Tu es Petrus
DOMENICO SILVERI – Largo religioso
LORENZO PEROSI – Andante per la benedizione, Preludio in Fa
GIOVANNI LONGHI – March (the silver trumpets)
DOMENICO BARTOLUCCI – Jubilate Deo
MIKALOJUS KONSTANTINAS ČIURLIONIS – De profundis
JUOZAS GRUODIS – Tėve mūsų (Pater noster)
JUOZAS NAUJALIS – Malda už Tėvynę (Prayer for the Homeland)
PRANCIŠKUS BEINARIS – Regina coeli
VYTAUTAS BARKAUSKAS – Agnus Dei
VIDMANTAS BARTULIS – Maldelė (Little Prayer)
ZITA BRUŽAITĖ – Šventas (Holy)
HENRI POTIRON – Tu es Petrus
GEORG FRIEDRICH HÄNDEL – Hallelujah

Even though, the first representative of the restored Republic of Lithuania to the Apostolic See was appointed in 1919, the Apostolic See itself recognised Lithuania de jure on 10 November 1922. This year marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Holy See - Vatican. After the restoration of independence, diplomatic relations between Lithuania and the Vatican were re-established on 30 September 1991. Although it is significant to note, that the Holy See did not recognise the Soviet occupation and that the Vatican hosted a Lithuanian mission throughout the entire period of occupation.

Tonight, the National Philharmonic presents one of Lithuania’s most prominent choral ensembles, the Kaunas State Choir, accompanied by Lithuanian organist Renata Marcinkutė-Lesieur. Also playing solo organ is Juan Paradell Solé, principal organist of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican (and the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome), who teaches organ and Gregorian chant at the Licinio Refice Conservatory of Music in Frosinone. Born in Spain and educated in Barcelona, Juan Paradell Solé came to Rome in 1973 to hone his musical skills, then went to Germany to study, before returning to Italy and eventually being appointed Organist of the Holy See - Vatican. He performs extensively around the world.