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

In the first half of 2027, when Lithuania will hold 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 event for the country and to become an integral part of Lithuania’s sociocultural programme for its Presidency. On this occasion, we present the distinctive concert series “Resounding Europe,” dedicated to giving meaning to this historic period and honouring 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 the role of culture in strengthening intercultural dialogue, togetherness and European cultural identity.

At the third concert in the series, an outstanding ensemble of performers will present L. van Beethoven’s “Missa solemnis,” another monumental work by the composer, often performed on special occasions. At the beginning of the score, L. van Beethoven wrote the words “From the heart—to the heart,” which became something of a motto for the entire work. “Missa solemnis” is notable not only for its religious depth but also for its philosophical depth, expressing the composer’s pursuit of the ideals of peace and human brotherhood. In the “Agnus Dei,” the final section of the Mass, Beethoven marked the passage “Dona nobis pacem” (English: “Grant us peace”) with the additional phrase “A prayer for external and internal peace.” The work’s conclusion shines as a sign of hope—a call for peace, reconciliation and inner tranquillity. The project is funded by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.