Founded in 1960 by Prof. Saulius Sondeckis (Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, 1960–2004) the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra (LCO) is recognised as one of the finest and most internationally acclaimed Lithuanian orchestras.
Over the years its tour itineraries have covered the length and breadth of Europe, reached both Americas, Cuba, Egypt, the Republic of South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, China, and Japan.
It has been many times applauded at many major European halls such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Vienna’s Musikverein, London’s Royal Festival Hall, Rome’s Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Salle Pleyel in Paris and Leipzig’s Gewandhaus and at festivals: Salzburg and Schleswig-Holstein festivals, Bachwoche Ansbach, “December Nights of Sviatoslav Richter”, Rheingau Music Festival, Ivo Pogorelich Festival, Menuhin Festival Gstaad, Salzburg Festival, Lucerne Festival, Berlin Festspiele, Ludwigsburg Festival and many others.
Among the many world celebrated masters of the baton the legendary Sir Yehudi Menuhin stands out for his special affinity and generosity towards this group of Lithuanian musicians. He conducted almost 60 concerts on the orchestra’s annual tours.
A great number of distinguished soloists of various countries and generations have joined the orchestra in concerts, including G. Kremer, I. Oistrakh, V. Spivakov, D. Hope, J. Rachlin, S. Chang, J. Jansen, M. Rostropovich, N. Gutman, M. Maisky, E. Kissin, B. Douglas, D. Matsuyev, G. Boldoczki, J.P. Rampal among many others.
During the five decades the LCO produced over a hundred recordings of diverse repertoire, with special attention to the music of Bach and Mozart.
The orchestra has frequently included new works premieres in its programmes and recordings. It has always been an active promoter of Lithuanian music, having performed over 200 works by M. K. Čiurlionis, B. Dvarionas, S.Vainiūnas, E. Balsys and others.
Violinist Sergej Krylov has been appointed the artistic director of the LCO in December 2008.
photo D.Matvejevas