“I am an old sailor” A semi-staged concert of Eduardas Balsys’ songs

Conductor -Vyatutas Valys

Director - Rūta Bunikytė

In 2019, the Klaipėda State Music Theatre joined the whole country in the centenary celebrations of the birth of composer Eduardas Balsys (1919–1984). As part of its anniversary programme, last summer the theatre presented a concert of his songs entitled “I am an old sailor.” At the same time, it was the theatre’s first attempt to organize the summer residency programme for young musicians and singers aspiring for future careers in musical theatre and to engage them in the performance of Lithuanian music. This concert programme, showcasing these young artists, was then prepared by conductor Egidijus Miknius and theatre director Rūta Bunikytė. Original scores by Balsys have been specially arranged by the experienced arranger and flautist of the Klaipėda State Music Theatre Orchestra, Rimantas Giedraitis. The arrangements were somewhat adapted to suit tastes or the young. The programme includes not only the famous song “Lights of Elektrėnai,” but also Balsys’ other songs about the sea, sailors and Klaipėda, which make a large portion of his creative legacy because he was raised in this region. This year the programme returns, introducing the youngest generation of singers at the Klaipėda State Music Theatre accompanied by the instrumental group of the theatre’s orchestra under the baton of Egidijus Miknius.