"You need to have light within you, from yourself, to shine in the darkness to all those who stand on the road, so that they may see it and find the light within themselves..." - wrote M. K. Čiurlionis. His work, full of light and hope, inspires us to live with kindness and light even in the most difficult times. This concert is a search for light, both in the world and in our own souls.
The pianist will open the concert with Čiurlionis' preludes, revealing the contrasts between darkness and light: Pastorale, Allegro, Andante and Animato cantabile. This is followed by Frederic Chopin's Barcarolle in F sharp major, reflecting the composer's inner transformation from tranquillity to complex experiences, culminating in a joyful climax.
The first movement ends with Beethoven's Sonata Op. 110, in which the hero is led through trials into the light, moving from a lyrical melody to a triumphant fugue.
The second part features works from Olivier Messiaen's cycle Twenty Glances at the Baby Jesus. This music, imbued with faith and light, conveys divine love and light, especially in 'Christmas' and 'The Kiss of Baby Jesus'.
The concert ends with Bach's Chaconne for violin, arranged for piano, whose theme and variations symbolise the journey from darkness to light, reaching hope, peace and the light of eternity.
