Asmik Grigorian and Edgaras Montvidas: opera stars will hold a unique concert in Lithuania

Asmik Grigorian, Edgaras Montvidas, Gintaras Rinkevičius and the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra present the first and only joint GALA concert on December 26. In Kaunas, “Zalgiris Arena”.

Two world-renowned opera soloists and the most professional orchestra conducted by everyone’s beloved maestro – a better Christmas gift for classical music lovers could not have been expected. Such outstanding personalities often create a miracle on one stage that leaves no one indifferent. Listen to Asmik Grigorian and Edgar Montvid’s second St. Christmas Eve is not only beautiful and majestic, it’s even a little bit sacred.

Asmik Grigorian – fiery, yet fragile. Her dramatic soprano is hypnotizing, captivating to the depths of the heart. Edgar Montvidas is artistic, extremely delicate and intellectual, demonstrating impeccable tenor vocal technique. Gintaras Rinkevičius is a legendary Lithuanian conductor. A maestro under whose direction the symphony orchestra presents the highest level of professionalism.

These three people of exceptional talent found time to personally plan the program of the GALA concert, to coordinate the details that create a beautiful Christmas mood in the Kaunas Arena. The three of them share both deep professional ties and a warm personal connection, which will turn the performance not only into a parade of perfect vocals, but also into a cozy evening full of raw emotions.

When it comes to their talent, one often wants to say “God’s gift”. Opera soloists, however, would disagree. They know how much work and sweat goes into becoming the best in the world. Asmik Grigorian (for the role of Salome in the Richard Strauss opera of the same name directed by Romeo Castellucci) was announced at the International Opera Awards in 2019. This was not an isolated event: Asmik collects honorable awards like apples in a basket. In the same year, the influential international magazine “Opernwelt” recognized her as singer of the year. In Lithuania, she won the highest cultural award – the national prize for culture and art. And in 2023, the soloist from Lithuania was honored with the prestigious award of the German radio station “Opus Klassik”.

Milan’s “La Scala”, London’s Royal Opera, Vienna’s State Opera and Paris’s Bastille Opera, New York’s “Metropolitan Opera” – when the whole world wants to see this extremely talented singer, it is a great gift and privilege to hear her with a special program at the GALA concert in Kaunas.

Prestigious scenes that appear only in dreams for many are the everyday life of the most famous Lithuanian tenor Edgars Montvids, who lives in London. He has already created and performed more than 40 memorable roles at: English National Opera, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Cincinnati Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Dutch National Opera, Aix-en-Provence Festival, Geneva, Frankfurt, Lyon, Paris Opera Comique, Brussels La Monnaie , Strasbourg, etc. in theaters. in 2023 the soloist was awarded the Lithuanian National Prize for Culture and Art for his successful creative activity.

Edgar Montivids will come to the GALA concert in Kaunas between performances at the Berlin State Opera “Unter den Linden”, where he plays the role of Števa Buryjo in Leoš Janáček’s opera “Jenufa” (conductor – Antonello Manacorda, director – Damiano Michieletto).

Maestro Gintaras Rinkevičius was announced as the laureate of the national art and culture prize back in 1994. He has been leading the LVSO since the orchestra was founded in 1988. There is its creator, artistic director and chief conductor. And also: owner of the Order of Grand Duke Gediminas IV of Lithuania, Knight of the Commander’s Grand Cross of the Order “For Merit to Lithuania”, Knight of the Order of the Three Stars of Latvia, awarded with the Order of Merit of the Kingdom of Norway and the Order of Portugal’s “Ordem do Merito Comendador”, prestigious international competition winner and prize winner.