Orchestra Picnic with Čiurlionis
Lithuania(2025)
Documentary, Concert, Multicamera Production | Lithuanian with English subtitles | 81 min Directed by: Eglė Vertelytė
Virtual: March 3-24
Attend any of the in-person Lithuanian film screenings in Boston on March 1-2, 2025,
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ORCHESTRA PICNIC WITH CIURLIONIS is a unique three-part television project created to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the renowned Lithuanian composer and painter M.K. Čiurlionis. This project intertwines nature, music, paintings and documentary storytelling to celebrate Čiurlionis's legacy. It features recordings of two of Čiurlionis's symphonic poems, "In the Forest" and "The Sea," performed by the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the famous conductor Modestas Pitrėnas, in natural settings that evoke the essence of Čiurlionis's art. The third element is TV documentary about M.K. Čiurlionis and his relationship to nature.
Project Components:
Documentary Segment – “CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CIURLIONIS” (25 min.)
The documentary delves into the significance of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, a renowned Lithuanian painter and composer. World-renowned experts explain Čiurlionis's profound impact on art and music, highlighting his relationship with nature and the importance of his art for contemporary audiences. The documentary explores why Čiurlionis remains important and is being rediscovered globally, and what message his work conveys to people today.
Musical Performances in Nature:
“ORCHESTRA PICNIC IN THE FOREST” (18 min.) - Symphonic Poem "In the Forest", the National Symphony Orchestra performs this piece at a Lithuanian forest at the Curonian lagoon. The setting evokes the mystical atmosphere of Čiurlionis's paintings.
“ORCHESTRA PICNIC AT THE SEA“ (36 min.) - Symphonic Poem "The Sea", this concert showcases the orchestra against the backdrop of the Lithuanian coastline. The symphony's waves of sound harmonize with the natural seascape, creating a powerful tribute to Čiurlionis's vision.
Both concert segments offer an intimate look at the challenges and joys of performing in nature. The musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra enjoy the unique inspiration that comes from being surrounded by the natural beauty reminiscent of Čiurlionis's art. However, nature presents its own obstacles. Viewers will see the orchestra members engaging in light-hearted activities such as mushroom picking, fishing, and drinking tea, adding a charming and comedic element to the project.