History

GERŪTA GRINIŪTĖ

“I graduated from the “Lyra” music school in 2002, in the piano class of teacher Snieguolė Jogėlienė. Today, I am extremely happy that my journey started right there. After all, it is where the first steps are taken that the creative hunger is born and nurtured, or, conversely, the initial interest in something can quietly fade away. In my case, fortunately, my love for music blossomed like a beautiful, vast garden.

I clearly remember the entrance exam to the music school. The exam was with the teacher Elvyra Pakalnienė, who, always smiling broadly, asked me to play different rhythms. It seems like such a simple task for an adult, but for a child, it is the first big challenge. And here, one of the most important things that was never lacking from any of the teachers at this school was the desire to inspire and encourage, rather than to examine. No teacher taught lessons as something taken for granted — everything we learned, from the specialty to music history, was vivid and very real. For example, I remember that in music history lessons, I always wanted to sit as close to teacher Petras Kvedaras as possible. Every small detail he shared from the lives of composers and the stories behind their works seemed to fly before my eyes like a film. Today, the teacher is no longer with us, but the sparks he gave to everyone who attended his lessons, one way or another, I believe, are still alive and burning in each of us, encouraging us to remain curious.

There were also trips organized by the school — from a trip to Riga, where I remember teacher Snieguolė warming up my perpetually frozen hands so that Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’ “Humoreka” could sound clearly and powerfully in a church, to a trip to Kyiv with teacher Ona Gladkovienė — we went to a young pianists’ competition. This trip opened unexpected and very different views of the world of music.

The encouragement from my teachers to participate in competitions really delighted me. Despite the fact that, as a beginner, I wasn’t always able to sit at the piano for long stretches of time, the victories — both small, like playing well in a concert, and larger ones, such as winning competition laurels — tasted very sweet. I believe that it was the teachers’ encouragement and trust that switched on the engine inside me, which is still running today, as I write this text after work at the Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT).

Having graduated from the ‘Lyra’ Music School in 2002, I opened the doors to my next beloved space — the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts. It seems I’ve told the story of how teacher Snieguolė gently led me into the arms of this school. Initially thinking about continuing my piano studies at Balys Dvarionas Ten-Year Music School, I was persuaded by teacher Snieguolė to try entering the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts. I consulted with Associate Professor Jurgis Bialobžeskis, teacher Snieguolė’s professor and, to me, a true musical shaman, who opened the extraordinary world of piano life. Playing went well, and I enjoyed it, so I was easily accepted into the piano program. However, things got more difficult when it came to the theoretical subjects. Still, I must thank the new school’s teachers Algirdas Kiškis and Jonas Rimša, who led harmony and solfège lessons, helped me stay on track, and always encouraged me not to give up, even though there were a few months when I thought I would never manage the complex theoretical subjects. Again, I believe that inner engine kicked in — and this school became my second home.

I graduated with honors and completed my studies in the twelfth grade in the class of pianist Associate Professor Albina Šikšniūtė. And while music was one of my passions, I felt a growing interest in other areas like philosophy, history, languages, and communication. Although other new horizons were calling me, it was difficult to change course, knowing that where I was and what I was doing had been nurtured since my childhood and was something I could feel in my fingertips.

So, after successfully completing my studies at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts, I entered the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. The four years went smoothly, but inside, I already felt a desire to do more than just music. Thus, I became involved in social activities, volunteering, working with foreign students who came to Lithuania, and writing for culture publications.

After completing my bachelor’s degree, I was sure that music would always be a part of my life, but the desire to carry it into other waters was strong, clear, and pure. So, I decided to dive into journalism studies at Vilnius University, as soon as the master’s program in Analytical Journalism became available. I must admit, applying wasn’t easy, but curiosity led me forward. Having successfully entered the master’s program in Analytical Journalism at VU, I studied topics that complemented my previous studies. As the studies progressed, I had to choose where I would do my internship. Without hesitation, I chose LRT. At first, it was an internship at the LRT.lt portal, followed by work in radio and television, bringing new challenges.

Today, I am delighted to continue being involved with music, analysing the changing cultural landscape. It’s wonderful that my view and work horizons have greatly expanded. On the radio and TV programs, I interview guests on a wide range of topics, from cultural politics to Eurovision. It’s a pleasure to meet many remarkable individuals, and I am grateful that, for example, while traveling with the National Expedition, I can return to playing the piano. Everything, however, started with the beautiful first steps at the ‘Lyra’ music school. So, thank you to the school and the teachers! May the curiosity and knowledge-sharing of tireless teachers inspire everyone who takes their first steps with this school.”

DMITRIJUS AFANASJEVAS

Opera singer, vocal teacher, pedagogue, vocal teacher-methodologist at Vilnius Music School “Lyra” and Vievio Art School, and vice-chairman of the Vilnius City Municipality Music Teachers’ Methodological Group.

Born in 1977 in Vilnius, he began his musical journey at the Vilnius Music School “Lyra,” where he was among the first students to complete the vocal program (under the guidance of teacher R. Aidukas).

From 1996 to 2001, he studied at the Vilnius J. Tallat-Kelpša Conservatory, where he earned qualifications as a music school teacher, choir conductor, and choir (ensemble) artist (under the tutelage of teacher J. Talžūnas).

From 2006 to 2008, he pursued graduate studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, obtaining a professional qualification as a teacher and performer (singing, under the guidance of Prof. A. Janutas).

Since 2006, he has been working as a solo singing teacher at Vilnius Music School “Lyra.”

From 2007 to 2010, he worked at the Klaipėda State Musical Theatre. Roles performed: Joseph in J. Strauss’ operette “Vienna Blood”, Prince in A. Spadavecchia’s musical fairy tale for children “Cinderella”, Boni in E. Kalman’s operette “The Queen of Csárdás”, Golo in C. Debussy’s opera “Pelléas et Mélisande”, Fedia in J. Bock’s musical “Fiddler on the Roof”, Officer in P. Tchaikovsky’s opera “Eugene Onegin”, Baron Macaroni in A. Kučinskas’ children’s opera “The Potato Tale”, Young Priest in G. Kuprevičius’ musical “Veronika”.

From 2010 to 2019, he worked at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Roles performed: Commissioner in G. Verdi’s opera “La Traviata”, Antanas Smetona in G. Sodeika’s opera “Post Futurum”, Sergeant in G. Rossini’s opera “The Barber of Seville”, Officer in J. Massenet’s opera “Manon”, Waiter in R. Šerkšnytė’s children’s opera “Five Miracles of Mary”, Captain in G. Puccini’s opera “Manon Lescaut”.

In 2021, Dmitrijus Afanasjevas became vice-chairman of the Vilnius City Municipality Music Teachers’ Methodological Group. Since 2022, he has been working as a solo singing teacher at Vievio Art School.

His students have become winners and laureates of international and national competitions.

INGA BOGDANOVIČIŪTĖ

“After completing my bachelor’s degree at LMTA in Professor S. Okruško’s class, I enrolled at one of the world’s top music schools, the Hanover University of Music, Drama, and Media in Germany. At this school, I honed my skills in solo performance as well as in the performance of early music.

After completing my studies, I continued my concert and pedagogical activities. Since 2020, I have been collaborating with the Hamburg State Ballet. I have performed with the troupe in the most renowned concert halls in Germany, including Konzerthaus Berlin and Prinzregententheater Munich. In 2023, I had scheduled performances at the Bach Music Week in Thuringia (Thüringen Bachwoche), as well as at the festival in Baden-Baden (Baden-Baden Festspiele).

I remember Vilnius Music School “Lyra” and my first teachers with warmth and nostalgia. I would like to sincerely thank them for the first lessons, support, and motivation to follow the chosen path.

Best regards from Germany.”

IRMA BOGDANOVIČIŪTĖ

“I am an investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker. I graduated from the piano class at Lyra Music School, studying under teacher Ala Raškevičienė.

Later, I transferred to teacher Sunigilda Smolskienė’s class, where I discovered the joy of music and creativity.

Solfeggio teacher Elvyra Pakalnienė is also one of those people I call ‘teachers sent from God.’ I have met a few such people in my life, and they are the ones with whom, as a child, I felt the safest and happiest to communicate and create.

Oh, and let’s not forget music history teacher Petras Kvedaras!

Thank you to all of them for such a beautiful and safe time.”