Resounding Europe | Dedicated to Lithuania’s Presidency of the Council of the EU

In the first half of 2027, when Lithuania holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the second time in its history, Kaunas Philharmonic is proud to contribute to this significant national event and become an integral part of Lithuania’s sociocultural programme for the Presidency. On this occasion, we present the special concert series “Resounding Europe,” created to give meaning to this historic period and honour one of the most prominent figures in European music history, Ludwig van Beethoven, on the 200th anniversary of his death. Using L. van Beethoven’s music as a universal language, the concert series will invite audiences to reflect on the importance of freedom, solidarity, human dignity, democracy and unity in contemporary Europe, as well as on the role of culture in strengthening intercultural dialogue, a sense of community and European cultural identity. The first concert in the series will feature L. van Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto, the “Emperor,” so named for its grandeur and virtuosity. Heroic élan, lyrical emotion, driving energy and a joyful mood of triumph come together in this work, uplifting listeners and creating the musical atmosphere of a grand European celebration. The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.