Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre: Its History and Present
This article speaks about the history and present of the Lithuania National Opera and Ballet Theatre.
Fashions come and go, but real values survive over centuries. When it comes to art, we call these valuable examples classics. The art of opera or ballet whose origins can be traced in the beginning of the 17th century is one of such examples. Opera and ballet events have remained an important part of our cultural life up to this day - most probably because theatres have a wonderful effect on our feelings and imagination - by offering us a sight full of colour, sound, grace, and subtle touches of romance, intrigue and many other elements of drama
The pride of Lithuania is its National Opera and Ballet Theatre.
The theatre was founded in the end of 1920 by the Society of Lithuanian Art Creators. Since the 17th century, when at Grand Dukes court theatre of the Lower Castle in Vilnius the first opera in Lithuania was performed, the Lithuanian theatre has had periods of smooth development as well as periods of stagnation (at least to some extent). The work of the theatre was mainly disturbed by the ban of the Lithuanian language by the tsar government (18641904) and the World War II. Then - the Soviet control, which has stopped for long the appearance of modern stylistics in the work of Lithuanian composers and the appearance of opera and ballet performances from worldwide. The Soviet ideological control imposed on art (as well as many other spheres of activity) also constrained the work of the theatre.
Despite of these limitations, however, the theatre survived as an important centre of national art culture. It has also always been an institution cherishing real spiritual values, as it always united people of talent dedicated to the art. In addition to this, before the World War II, theatre soloists have guest performed on stages of various European cities. Meanwhile during the occupations the stage of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre was one of the more famous stages in the Soviet Union. Outstanding singers and dancers from other Soviet theatres appeared on that stage.
When Lithuania regained freedom (1991), the life of the theatre became more dynamic. The repertory of the theatre was amazingly renewed. Operas that have never been included into the repertory were created. The most remarkable of them are V.Bellini Norma, L. van Beethoven Fidelio, J.Haydn Le Pescatrici Operas, last time seen only during World War II, also were returned to stage. These are Wagner Tannhäuser, E.Humperdinck Hänsel und Gretel, G.Verdi Il Trovatore, W.A. Mozart Le Nozze di Figaro and many others.
Today, among the theatres old residents are: V.Chlebinskas, A.Semionovas, V.Fadejevas, performers of the leading parts A.Molodovas, the first winner of international competitions E.Smalakys, and representatives of the younger generation: Viltis Algutytė, Ingrida Cvetkovaitė, Asta Charkovaitė. The brightest stars of a generation of dancers raised by the Vilnius Choreography School are Eglė Špokaitė, a laureate of four international competitions and Rūta Jezerskytė, a winner of three international competitions, laureates of international competitions Živilė Baikštytė, Asta Bazevičiūtė, Miki Hamanaka
Operas and ballets are now also performed by the Kaunas and Klaipėda Music Theatres. Opera singers and ballet dancers often take part in international festivals. Opera soloists are invited to sing oratories and masses. On every New Years Eve, Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre performs "La Traviata" in celebration of its activity anniversary. More than 80 years have passed after its foundation, and the Theatre is still the main centre of performing arts in Lithuania.
These are facts, but if you want to really experience the delight you can get from the performances of talented actors, singers and dancers, visiting the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre is the suggestion. Gift yourself and your team a splendid corporate evening at the opera!
Would you like to book a play or to get more information about the Lithuania National Opera and Ballet Theatre? Then follow this link
The theatre was founded in the end of 1920 by the Society of Lithuanian Art Creators. Since the 17th century, when at Grand Dukes court theatre of the Lower Castle in Vilnius the first opera in Lithuania was performed, the Lithuanian theatre has had periods of smooth development as well as periods of stagnation (at least to some extent). The work of the theatre was mainly disturbed by the ban of the Lithuanian language by the tsar government (18641904) and the World War II. Then - the Soviet control, which has stopped for long the appearance of modern stylistics in the work of Lithuanian composers and the appearance of opera and ballet performances from worldwide. The Soviet ideological control imposed on art (as well as many other spheres of activity) also constrained the work of the theatre.
Despite of these limitations, however, the theatre survived as an important centre of national art culture. It has also always been an institution cherishing real spiritual values, as it always united people of talent dedicated to the art. In addition to this, before the World War II, theatre soloists have guest performed on stages of various European cities. Meanwhile during the occupations the stage of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre was one of the more famous stages in the Soviet Union. Outstanding singers and dancers from other Soviet theatres appeared on that stage.
When Lithuania regained freedom (1991), the life of the theatre became more dynamic. The repertory of the theatre was amazingly renewed. Operas that have never been included into the repertory were created. The most remarkable of them are V.Bellini Norma, L. van Beethoven Fidelio, J.Haydn Le Pescatrici Operas, last time seen only during World War II, also were returned to stage. These are Wagner Tannhäuser, E.Humperdinck Hänsel und Gretel, G.Verdi Il Trovatore, W.A. Mozart Le Nozze di Figaro and many others.
Today, among the theatres old residents are: V.Chlebinskas, A.Semionovas, V.Fadejevas, performers of the leading parts A.Molodovas, the first winner of international competitions E.Smalakys, and representatives of the younger generation: Viltis Algutytė, Ingrida Cvetkovaitė, Asta Charkovaitė. The brightest stars of a generation of dancers raised by the Vilnius Choreography School are Eglė Špokaitė, a laureate of four international competitions and Rūta Jezerskytė, a winner of three international competitions, laureates of international competitions Živilė Baikštytė, Asta Bazevičiūtė, Miki Hamanaka
Operas and ballets are now also performed by the Kaunas and Klaipėda Music Theatres. Opera singers and ballet dancers often take part in international festivals. Opera soloists are invited to sing oratories and masses. On every New Years Eve, Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre performs "La Traviata" in celebration of its activity anniversary. More than 80 years have passed after its foundation, and the Theatre is still the main centre of performing arts in Lithuania.
These are facts, but if you want to really experience the delight you can get from the performances of talented actors, singers and dancers, visiting the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre is the suggestion. Gift yourself and your team a splendid corporate evening at the opera!
Would you like to book a play or to get more information about the Lithuania National Opera and Ballet Theatre? Then follow this link
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