‘Give Music a Future’, a cooperation project of the European Union of Music Competitions for Youth (EMCY), co-funded by the culture programme Creative Europe of the European Union, pays an ‘Homage a Heifetz’. On 2 February, they started ‘Homage a Heifetz’, with celebrations for the birthday of the famous Vilnius born virtuoso Jascha Heifetz. It was heralded by a concert at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania played by young international soloists.
The organizer says: « In times of increasing nationalism, the activity ‘Homage a Heifetz’ aims at revealing the multicultural traditions of Vilnius and to get acquainted with artists of different nationalities and cultures, who found their home in Vilnius. Concerts, discussions, interviews, meetings and roundtables are taking place in a uniquely decorated space called ‘Homage a Heifetz Lounge’, a cafe in the very heart of Vilnius old town. Young musicians, ethnic minorities, music professionals and amateurs, professors and students are invited to share their talent, thoughts and impressions in the lounge. »
A weekend of high profile concerts is ahead: On 18 February ‘Homage a Heifetz’ will host a concert by Kremerata Baltica, featuring world famous violinist Gidon Kremer. The concert will be enhanced by video projections and an installation devoted to Jascha Heifetz, created by students of Lithuanian Academy of Fine Arts. On 19 February ‘Homage a Heifetz’ will be concluded by the finals and awards ceremony of the International Jascha Heifetz competition.
More information is available at www.heifetz.lt
