Open to the World LP Launch Concert

Bel Canto Choir Vilnius Marks Vinyl Debut with Open to the World LP Launch Concert, and Invites to a Cozy Concert

Bel Canto Choir Vilnius presents “Open to the World,” the first vinyl record of contemporary choral music in Lithuania, and invites to join the group for a cozy concert on June 16 at 8:30 pm at St. Catherine’s Church in Vilnius.

The concert will also feature the Mettis String Quartet, pianist Motiejus Bazaras, and solo roles by choir members Mindaugas Rumšas (saxophone), Agnė Bagdonavičienė and Justinas Stanevičius (vocals). Grammy-nominated Vilius Keras, the album’s recording producer, and his team members will also share their insights into the recording sessions, giving a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of “Open to the World.”

Get Your Ticket & LP On

Exciting news! You can now buy our vinyl record with your concert ticket. Head to kakava.lt, purchase both your ticket and vinyl and pick it up at our upcoming concert. Take advantage of this opportunity to take home a piece of our music with you!

During the concert, Bel Canto Choir will perform contemporary choral music from its new repertoire, including works by Eric Whitacre, Ola Gjeilo, Morten Lauridsen, Jake Runestad, Lithuanian composer Donatas Zakaras, and others. The Mettis String Quartet and pianist Motiejus Bazaras will present their solo performances too.

Concert Program

Evening Prayer
Ola Gjeilo

Hurt
Trent Reznor, arr. Eric Whitacre

Laiškai Sofijai (Letters to Sofia)
Donatas Zakaras

O Magnum Mysterium
Morten Lauridsen

Ecce Novum
Ola Gjeilo

Conversion of Saul
Z. Randall Stroope

Nyon Nyon
Jake Runestad

Jealous
Labrinth, arr. Owen Ladd

This is My Song
Jean Sibelius, arr. Blake Morgan

“Open to the World” LP: First-Ever Vinyl Release of Modern Choral Music in Lithuania

Bel Canto Choir Vilnius’ “Open to the World” is its first studio album. It features works by renowned contemporary composers such as Eric Whitacre and Ola Gjeilo and popular music specially arranged for the choir.

A special highlight of the album and vinyl is the song “In Bloom” by Kurt Cobain, the leader of the legendary US band Nirvana. The Bel Canto Choir Vilnius worked with young Swedish composer Henrik Dahlgren to create a unique arrangement of this grunge track.

The album was recorded at Paliesius Manor by Grammy-nominated recording producer Vilius Keras and his team from Baltic Mobile Recordings.

Bel Canto Choir Vilnius’ album and vinyl showcase contemporary choral music rarely performed and recorded in Lithuania. The group strives to showcase Western choral music in an attractive and high-quality way to ensure it reaches the broadest audience possible.

Artists

Bel Canto Choir Vilnius
Egidijus Kaveckas and Milda Švelnienė (conductors), Raminta Gocentienė (choirmaster), Eglė Stundžiaitė and Eimantas Bešėnas (vocal coaches)

Marius Beck
Guitar & Vocal

Mettis String Quartet
Kostas Tumosa (violin), Bernardas Petrauskas (violin), Karolis Rudokas (viola), Rokas Vaitkevičius (cello)

Motiejus Bazaras
Piano

Augustas Gocentas
Cell0

Tomas Byčkovas
Hang

Production Team

Audrius Valatkevičius
Executive Producer

Vilius Keras and Aleksandra Kerienė
Recording Producers

Evelina Bajorinienė
Recording Engineer

Recorded at Studio Residence Paliesius, November 2021
Recording Company: Baltic Mobile Recordings
LP cutting: Sidney Meyer, Emil Berliner Studios
Design: Ogilvy Vilnius
Financing: LP production was financed by Vilnius City Municipality (Special Thanks to Vilnius City Council members: Linas Kvedaravičius, Ieva Jagminienė and Tomas Gulbinas)
Made in Germany (EU)