Renzo Ruggieri (Italy) & Lithuanian Jazz Masters | Italian Temperament

Italian temperament, freedom of improvisation, and exceptional musical mastery come together in the work of Renzo Ruggieri, one of the most prominent contemporary jazz accordionists. The internationally acclaimed Italian accordionist, composer, and educator will present a jazz project in Vilnius alongside renowned musicians from the Lithuanian jazz scene – pianist Dmitrij Golovanov, double bassist Aliaksei Kryshtal, and drummer Augustas Baronas.

Renzo Ruggieri is an artist with a distinctive creative identity, whose music combines jazz traditions with contemporary approaches to improvisation, harmonic experimentation, and the expressiveness of Italian music. His virtuoso technique, refined musical sensitivity, and individual approach to the accordion allow him to move effortlessly between different musical styles while maintaining a strong artistic identity.

Ruggieri's impressive career includes more than 2,000 concerts worldwide, with performances at prestigious venues such as the Arena di Verona, the Shanghai Grand Theatre, the Rome Opera House, and the concert hall of the Gnessin Academy in Moscow. His discography and artistic output encompass more than a hundred musical publications, recordings, compositions, and educational works.

Ruggieri developed his musical style through studies with renowned jazz masters Franco D'Andrea, Frank Marocco, and Richard Galliano. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with distinguished jazz and popular music artists, including Enrico Rava, Art Van Damme, Roberto Gatto, and Antonella Ruggiero, with whom he also performed at the famous Sanremo Music Festival.

In 2009, Ruggieri received the prestigious “Voce d'Oro” award at the International Accordion Festival in Castelfidardo, while his albums *Inni d'Italia* and Collection earned the Orpheus Award for Best Jazz Accordion Album of the Year. He is also regarded as one of the pioneers of contemporary jazz accordion pedagogy and teaches at the Gaetano Braga Conservatory in Italy.

Joining Renzo Ruggieri on stage in Vilnius will be accomplished musicians from the Lithuanian jazz scene: pianist and composer Dmitrij Golovanov – President of the Lithuanian Jazz Federation and a finalist and semifinalist in international jazz competitions; double bassist Aliaksei Kryshtal – a performer at jazz festivals across Europe and the United States who has collaborated with renowned American and British jazz musicians; and drummer Augustas Baronas – Grand Prix winner of the international Getxo Jazz Competition, who has performed at prestigious festivals including North Sea Jazz and Umbria Jazz.

This international jazz project will bring together the distinctive artistic voices, diverse musical experiences, and improvisational mastery of four accomplished musicians. The combination of accordion, piano, double bass, and drums will create a rich palette of sound, rhythmic contrasts, and expressive musical possibilities.

The concert featuring Renzo Ruggieri and Lithuania's leading jazz musicians offers a unique opportunity to experience outstanding jazz performers united in an international musical project.