The summer concert week at the Grand Courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes is gaining momentum. The concert series has already been opened by one of the most talented musicians in the world today, Jacob Collier, together with the American vocal jazz group Take 6 and the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, while on Monday audiences were invited on a musical journey by the French singer-songwriter Imany, beloved by Lithuanian audiences. However, the concert programme has only reached its halfway point – four performances representing different musical genres still await audiences before the end of the week. The historic setting of the Palace of the Grand Dukes and the open-air concerts invite visitors to enjoy the long summer evenings and exceptional musical experiences.
On 14 July, audiences are invited to a meeting with Nicolás Jaar and Darkside, returning to Vilnius after more than ten years. The concert in the Grand Courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes will be the band’s only performance in the Baltic States. When Darkside last visited Lithuania, the group had suspended its activities and was preparing for what were expected to be its final concerts. Now it returns with a new line-up and presents the album Nothing, born from improvisation, spontaneous sessions and the newly discovered chemistry between the band members. At the same time, the band’s sound has also changed, gaining more freedom, a stronger physical pulse and greater openness to the unexpected. This concert is a rare opportunity to hear live a band that has returned after a long silence with new energy, a new album and the same distinctive ability to create music from tension, space and feeling.
On 15 July, audiences will hear powerful jazz and soul performed by one of the world’s leading singers, Gregory Porter, together with his band, with whom he has built a close relationship with Lithuanian audiences. The programme will combine Porter’s deep timbre with the groove created by his band – a combination that gives the music body, movement and an easy, free-flowing stage energy. Over more than a decade, the artist has built a loyal audience that appreciates his voice, warmth and clear musical pulse. In recent years, Porter has performed on stages around the world, from major European concert halls to international festivals, attracting great interest everywhere he appears. Lithuania is no exception. Critics emphasise the artist’s ability to combine the tradition of jazz with the sound of contemporary soul – a combination that audiences in Vilnius will also have the opportunity to experience.
On 16 July, Merūnas Vitulskis will present the concert Eternal Melodies. One of Lithuania’s best-known tenors has prepared a programme with a string quartet featuring classical music, film music and internationally renowned songs. These are works about love, longing, hope and the joy of life – ranging from the great operatic tradition to the musical temperament of the Mediterranean. Audiences will hear legendary pieces including Nessun Dorma, Caruso, Granada, Bésame Mucho, You Raise Me Up and other melodies sung across generations. The string quartet will bring a chamber-like sensitivity to the programme, creating greater intimacy and more space for both the voice and the melodies themselves.
On the evening of 17 July, one of the world’s most distinguished contemporary violinists, Nigel Kennedy, will perform in the Grand Courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes. He will take the stage with the Nigel Kennedy Trio – a chamber ensemble featuring piano, cello and double bass. Kennedy’s concerts are renowned not only for their exceptional virtuosity but also for their ability to turn every performance into a living, unrepeatable event. This time, audiences can expect a programme with a stronger classical focus, revealing not only his technical mastery but also his distinctive musical thinking. Kennedy has also composed one movement of The Four Seasons for this ensemble – another testament to how freely and creatively he engages in dialogue with the musical tradition.
After the concerts, residents of Vilnius and visitors to the city will not need to rush home – they will be able to return conveniently and safely to different neighbourhoods across the city. During the long summer evenings, public transport will help them reach home quickly, and event attendees can plan their journeys in advance using public transport timetables. All up-to-date information about routes and departure times is available on the websites stops.lt and judu.lt.
