On August 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., the Chamber Hall of the Šiauliai Culture Centre will host the concert “Homecoming”, a special gift to the city from the Vivace Vilnius International Summer Music Festival.

After many years, violinist Eglė Jarkova, now based in Boston, USA, returns to her hometown to perform. This special evening is not only a return to the city where her musical journey began but also a heartfelt tribute to Šiauliai and its audiences.

Together with pianist Christina Wright-Ivanova (USA / Canada / UAE), the artists will perform one of the masterpieces of chamber music – César Franck’s Sonata for Violin and Piano, a work renowned for its lyricism, emotional depth, and expressive beauty.

Joining them will be two young talents from the Vivace Vilnius International Summer Music Festival: pianist Povilas Ušinskis, performing works by M. K. Čiurlionis, and violinist Bernadeta Januškaitė, performing music by George Gershwin.

The concert will also feature pianist Inga Vyšniauskaitė, who, together with Eglė Jarkova, will present a symbolic programme of three musical greetings: a work by Balys Dvarionas representing Lithuania, a composition by Myroslav Skoryk representing Ukraine, and a piece by John Williams representing the United States. This part of the programme will symbolize friendship, unity, and the universal language of music that connects cultures.

This is an evening about coming home, about the people who accompany us throughout our lives, and about music that connects generations, cities, and the world.

Eglė Jarkova | Violin

Lithuanian violinist Eglė Jarkova is an internationally active soloist, chamber musician, educator, and initiator of cultural projects based in Boston, USA. She performs throughout Europe and North America. Her musical journey began in Šiauliai, and today her work serves as a bridge between Lithuania and the international classical music community.

Her repertoire spans from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, with chamber music holding a special place in her artistic life. Her performances are distinguished by artistic sensitivity, elegance, emotional depth, and a sincere connection with audiences. Through her projects, she actively promotes Lithuanian musicians on the international stage.

Eglė is the founder and Artistic Director of the Vivace Vilnius International Summer Music Festival. Over the past fourteen years, the festival has become one of Lithuania's leading summer classical music events, bringing together world-renowned performers, distinguished teachers, and outstanding young musicians from dozens of countries. It has earned international recognition for its artistic excellence, exceptional concert programmes, and significant contribution to nurturing the next generation of performers.

Alongside her performing career, Eglė actively fosters cultural dialogue between Lithuania and the wider world by initiating international concerts, educational projects, and artistic collaborations. Her work combines outstanding musicianship, organizational vision, and a strong belief in the power of music to unite people, cultures, and nations.

Christina Wright-Ivanova | Piano

Christina Wright-Ivanova is an internationally acclaimed pianist, collaborative pianist, and educator whose career spans North America, Europe, and the Middle East. She is recognized for her sensitive chamber music performances, refined musical insight, technical excellence, and creative collaborations with soloists.

She performs extensively in the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, while also appearing at international festivals and masterclasses. Alongside her concert career, she is deeply committed to music education and the development of young musicians.

Her versatility and extensive chamber music experience have earned her the respect of colleagues and audiences throughout the international classical music community.

Inga Vyšniauskaitė | Piano

Inga Vyšniauskaitė is a pianist, educator, and chamber musician who performs actively in Lithuania and abroad. She is a laureate of numerous national and international piano competitions, receiving awards in Lithuania, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, and Ukraine. In 2007, she was awarded a diploma at the prestigious International M. K. Čiurlionis Piano Competition.

For the past twelve years, Inga has been an integral part of the Vivace Vilnius International Summer Music Festival, working as a collaborative pianist, performing at festival concerts, and collaborating with internationally renowned artists and promising young musicians.

She teaches at the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts, where she heads the junior piano department, and also teaches at the Naujoji Vilnia Music School in Vilnius. Since 2023, she has served as Vice-President of the Lithuanian branch of the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA). Her students regularly become laureates of national and international competitions.

Povilas Ušinskis | Piano

Povilas Ušinskis is one of the most promising young Lithuanian pianists. He performs regularly throughout Lithuania and collaborates with the Šiauliai City Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles. The music of M. K. Čiurlionis holds a special place in his repertoire and is frequently featured in his performances at festivals in Lithuania and abroad.

He is a laureate of numerous national and international competitions, including the 14th International Competition for Young Pianists in Riga. In recognition of his artistic achievements, he has received the Šiauliai UNESCO Club Award, the Šiauliai Young Artist Scholarship, and was nominated for the Guardian Angel Award of the Order of St. Casimir.

He is currently studying at the Šiauliai Saulius Sondeckis School of Arts in the piano class of Raimonda Sližienė.

Bernadeta Januškaitė | Violin

Bernadeta Januškaitė is a young Lithuanian violinist born in Šiauliai. She began studying the violin at the age of six and has attended the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts since 2023, where she studies in the violin class of Professor Rusnė Mataitytė.

She is a scholarship recipient of the Mstislav Rostropovich Charity and Support Foundation "Aid to Lithuanian Children" and a laureate of numerous national and international competitions. Bernadeta has already performed with the Šiauliai City Symphony Orchestra, the St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, and the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Arts Symphony Orchestra.

In 2026, she was selected to participate in the 14th Vivace Vilnius International Summer Music Festival and Masterclasses, where she studies with the renowned violinist and teacher Boris Brovtsyn. Her musical maturity, expressive interpretations, and refined stage presence have established her as one of the most promising violinists of her generation in Lithuania.

Admission is free with advance tickets, available from July 20 at 9:00 a.m. at the Šiauliai Culture Centre Box Office and via www.ticketmarket.lt.

Box office opening hours:
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Weekends: 1 hour before the event
Box office phone: +370 683 57 691

Seating is limited.

Event duration: approximately 1 hour

Photos by Diana Levine and from the artists' personal archives.

Organizer: Šiauliai Culture Centre

Dear visitors, by attending this event, you acknowledge that you may be photographed or filmed and that images and video recordings may be published on the Šiauliai Culture Centre website, in the media, or on social media platforms.