Elena Šešelgytė is a pianist whose musical achievements include solo performances with orchestras, piano recitals throughout Europe and participation in prestigious international competitions, where she has received several awards, including the "Absolute First Prize" at the UK International Music Competition 2023.
"In the programme you will hear works that are extremely important to me as a performer. They share a rational musical thought and emotional depth. I want to share my thoughts on each of these composers and their works.
First of all, Arnold Schoenberg is a composer who brought revolutionary changes to 20th century music. His work reflects radical rationality and structural thinking. Schoenberg developed the technique of dodecaphony, which became a new approach to musical composition. Tonight's work, the Suite Op. 25, reveals his ability to combine rigorous form with expressive emotional content. As a performer, it is important for me to grasp and reveal the rational and emotional undercurrents that characterise Schoenberg's music.
The second composer, Alban Berg, was one of the most important members of the Second Viennese School, a pupil of Schoenberg. Berg's music is special in its emotionality, but it also maintains a rigorous structural basis. Berg's Piano Sonata Op. 1 is influenced by his personal and social life, and his musical language is often highly symbolic and full of inner drama. In this sonata, I think you will hear how Berg is able to combine emotional depth with the complex logic of musical form.
Ultimately, Johann Sebastian Bach's music is the pinnacle of rationality and aesthetics. Bach's works, despite their complexity, are always clear and orderly. He was able to create a universal musical language that is both intellectually stimulating and deeply spiritual. Bach's music always inspires me with its perfect harmony and solid structure, which is why his music is an essential part of my programme. Bach opens the door to a combination of musical logic and emotional expression that I find particularly fascinating.
Today's programme is a journey through the various combinations of rationality and emotion in music. I invite you on this journey and I hope that you will be touched and inspired by these works", says the artist.

Elena Šešelgytė holds a second master's degree in piano performance from Kaunas Vytautas Magnus University (2022-2024). Elena also holds a Master's degree in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels (2014-2016) and a Bachelor's degree from the same institution (2010-2014), both under the supervision of Prof. D. Blumenthal. She also completed her chamber music studies at the Konservatorium Wien Privatuniversität, where she obtained a certificate in 2017-2018, and participated in the Erasmus programme at the same institution in 2013.
As a member of the International Piano Program (ICPA) since 2010, Elena has demonstrated her commitment to excellence. She has also shared her experience by teaching at piano masterclasses throughout Europe and the USA, including Vienna, Brussels, Palma Mallorca and Vilnius.
Her musical achievements include solo performances with orchestras, piano recitals throughout Europe and participation in prestigious international competitions where she has received several awards including 'Absolute First Prize' at the UK International Music Competition 2023.