The opening night of the festival commenced with a performance featuring the Šiauliai big band alongside three Lithuanian tenors: Edgaras Davidovičius, Juozas Janužas, and Laurynas Viliušis. The combination of world vocal music and the sound of the big band established a distinct and memorable start to the festival proceedings. Following the concert, several opera soloists publicly expressed their appreciation for the collaborative experience with the big band.
L. Viliušis commented on the unique nature of the pairing, stating, “It’s a very interesting experience, the first time, but I hope it won’t be the last.”
The momentum continued into the Friday program, which began in the Sun Clock Square with the Pan Big Band featuring jazz vocalist Kristina Jatautaitė from Panevėžys. Addressing the group’s structure, the band’s leader, Arūnas Viduolis, explained that the orchestra’s distinguishing feature lies in its operational model.
He emphasized that the ensemble functions as a gathering of friends, where musicians convene not out of obligation, but from a shared desire to create music. Throughout the opening events, the interplay between classical vocal artistry and the powerful instrumentation of the big band defined the atmosphere. The successful melding of these genres highlighted the artistic depth of the festival.
The collective energy demonstrated by both the vocalists and the instrumentalists underscored the commitment to diverse musical expression, setting a high standard for the remainder of the festival’s scheduled performances.
Topics: #big #band #festival
The “Big Band Festival Šiauliai 2026” hosted musicians from seven countries over a three-day event. The festival’s opening night featured a performance by the Šiauliai big band, accompanied by three L