The embassies of Poland and Lithuania co-hosted a special reception in Ankara to celebrate their countries’ shared cultural heritage and to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of composer and painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis. The highlight of the evening was a concert titled “The Universe of Čiurlionis” performed by Duo Zubovas, who brought the renowned Lithuanian artist’s music to life.
The event took place at the Polish Embassy in Ankara, hosted by Poland’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Maciej Przemyslaw Lang. Among the guests were Lithuania’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Ricardas Degutis, ambassadors from various missions in Ankara, and numerous art enthusiasts.
A SHINING EXAMPLE OF FRIENDSHIP AND COOPERATION
In his remarks, Ambassador Lang expressed his honor in commemorating the 150th anniversary of Čiurlionis’s birth with the attendees. He emphasized that the celebration was meaningful not only for Lithuanians but also for the Polish people, noting that the artist maintained strong ties with Poland. Lang described the reception as “a perfect example of Polish-Lithuanian friendship and cooperation,” adding that both countries continue to live in mutual respect, uphold European values, and nurture robust bilateral relations. He concluded his speech by thanking all who contributed to the organization of the event.
LITHUANIA’S FIRST MODERN COMPOSER
Ambassador Degutis also addressed the audience, thanking his Polish counterpart for hosting the celebration. Offering insights into Čiurlionis’s life and works, Degutis noted that he was Lithuania’s first modern composer and the creator of the country’s first symphonic compositions.
During the reception, Sonata Deveikyte Zuboviene and Rokas Zubovas—known together as Duo Zubovas—performed a selection of Čiurlionis’s compositions, offering a moving musical tribute to the Lithuanian master.
