April 26 One of the most famous Estonian string virtuosos - sister and brother Katariina Maria Kits and Marcel Johaness Kits - will perform in the LVSO concert hall. The duo prepared a special gift for the listeners in Vilnius - a double of Philip Glass, one of the most influential American composers. a concert for violin and cello. The concert will also feature Franz Schubert's "Unfinished" symphony and Valentino Silvestrov's Seventh Symphony, conducted by the artistic director and conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine. conductor Volodymyr Sirenko.
We talk with violinist KM Kits about the upcoming concert, being on the same stage with my brother, the most important lessons learned and concert rituals.
— Katariina, April 26 In the LVSO concert hall, you will perform Ph. Glass concerto for violin and cello. Perhaps you could tell the readers more about this piece. Why did you choose to do it?
— This is a truly wonderful and inspiring work! Ph.D. Glass's double concert - very atypical and exceptional work. The concerto form is also special - it consists of four intimate violin and cello duets and three dramatic, contrasting orchestral movements. Duets and orchestral parts sound alternately in the work - each orchestral part is accompanied by a violin and cello duet.
— Do you often have to do a Ph. Glass' works? What fascinates you about this composer?
— Ph. We have Glass in our quartet repertoire, but I wouldn't say we perform this music very often. Ph.D. Glass's music is very dynamic, it has a lot of movement, and its character varies a lot. Everything is very simple, but at the same time very exciting and effective.
— Your brother Marcelis Johannes Kits, with whom you will play in Vilnius, is also a famous musician, cellist. Where does the love of music come from in your family?
— When we were small, our parents listened to a lot of classical music on the radio, so Marcelius and I started to be curious early on, which sound belongs to which instrument. Soon Marcel said that he would like to play the cello - then I decided that I would play the violin. Our parents were sure that this desire to play would soon pass, but it never went away. After a few months, we got what we wanted.
— Do you often perform with your brother? How does it feel to be on the same stage together?
We play together quite often, both as a duo and with different chamber ensembles. Of course, I feel the best when I play with my brother! We know each other very well, I trust him a lot on stage, so when we play together, even at a concert, I feel almost at home.
— You studied the art of the violin in Estonia, Switzerland, Germany and Italy with the most famous violin pedagogues. What lessons did you remember the most?
— First of all, it is very important to find a good teacher who has time to work with you. I think the most important lesson I've learned is that it's almost always bad for a musician to be stuck in practice alone. Of course, you need to schedule rehearsals, but you also need to read, study, think, improve and just live. It is very important to have something equally important next to the instrument in your life. Then you will both play and feel better, and your life will be balanced.
— What is most important to you before going on stage?
— When I have a concert in the evening, I really like to sleep a little during the day. Before the concert, the most important thing is to wash your hands under cold water! I also try to entertain myself by dancing, jumping and saying a little prayer.
Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra's concert "Katariina Maria Kits and Marcel Johannes Kits play Ph. Glass" will take place in 2024. April 26 LVSO concert hall. Conductor Volodymyr Sirenko. Tickets are distributed by Bilietai.lt and the ticket office of the LVSO concert hall. The general sponsor of the orchestra is Embank, the patron is the Cobalt law firm.
Ieva Bačiulytė
