Jauna Muzika Festival: A Concert in the Pool and Sound Artists from 9 Countries
The contemporary music festival Jauna Muzika, now in its thirty-third season, continues its tradition of showcasing Lithuanian and international artists, composers, and performers in the fields of sound art and experimental music. The festival, scheduled for April 25-27, will feature artists from nine countries—Italy, Spain, Sweden, Estonia, Portugal, USA, UK, Indonesia, and Lithuania—across various venues throughout Vilnius.
A Celebration of Passion-Driven Creation
This year's festival theme centers around “amateur” creativity, embracing its original meaning: “one who loves.” The program highlights intuitive and passion-driven artistic processes, from sound objects and homemade instruments to repurposed technologies and phonetic experiments, offering diverse perspectives on amateurism in contemporary music.
A New Artistic Director
The festival’s artistic leadership changes periodically, and this year, Scottish sound artist Sholto Dobie takes the helm. Based in Lithuania, Sholto is an active performer, organizer, and curator in the local and international sound art scene.
“Jauna Muzika is a special gathering where diverse audiences and creators come together — spanning different generations and artistic movements. The festival is renowned for presenting unique and unexpected performances by both established and emerging artists worldwide. This year, we celebrate the diversity of Lithuanian experimental music and sound art, bringing together amateur communities, renowned composers, and visual artists. It’s a rare opportunity to foster musical dialogues across borders,” says Sholto Dobie, the festival’s artistic director.
Concerts and Performances in Unexpected Spaces
This year’s festival program expands across various venues in Vilnius, including the Composers’ House in Žvėrynas, the National Gallery of Art, and the cultural complex Sodas 2123—curated by the Lithuanian Union of Interdisciplinary Artists. Additionally, the festival explores less conventional settings, such as the LINEŠA swimming pool in Žirmūnai and the Draugų Vardai club, nestled among business centers.
A Festival Full of Surprises
Jauna Muzika introduces two exciting first-time collaborations:
- Sound artist Alan Gurin and London-based musician and programmer Li Song will debut a new performance in the National Gallery of Art foyer.
- Barcelona-based artist Noela Covelo Velasco and Basque musician Garazi Navas will present a vocal and accordion performance inside the LINEŠA swimming pool.
The festival also welcomes legendary American composer and sound collage artist Vanessa Rossetto, performing in Vilnius as part of her first European tour. Other highlights include:
- A live performance by Lithuanian experimental composer Gintas K.
- A new work for voice and two alternatively tuned pianos by Gailė Griciūtė
- A collaboration between Augustė Vickunaitė and Lisbon-based vocalist Nu No, featuring tape recorder and voice.
A Rich and Diverse Line-up
The festival showcases two standout artists from the Baltic region:
- Katariin Raska, a renowned traditional bagpipe player from Estonia
- Amina Hocine, a composer and homemade organ builder from Sweden
International performances include:
- Rully Shabara, Indonesian vocalist from the band Senyawa
- Adriano Cava, an electroacoustic music artist from Italy
- Special solo performances by Garazi Navas, Li Song, and Nu No
The late-night program will feature:
- A live set by Vilnius-based artist and producer Noyus
- DJ performances from local talents Matas Aerobica and Duvardai
A Festival First: The Music Publishers Fair
For the first time in its history, Jauna Muzika will host a Music Publishers Fair, bringing together record labels and independent publishers from Lithuania and beyond. Taking place on Saturday at the Composers’ House, the fair will also include student electronic music presentations organized by e.manonata.
For the full festival program, artist descriptions, venue details, and tickets, visit www.festival.jauna.org.
Photo: Sholto Dobie by Varvara Spilt