Lithuania Strengthens Cultural Ties with Asia Through Music

The National Philharmonic Society of Lithuania expanded its cultural diplomacy efforts with an ambitious concert tour across Asia, bringing the renowned Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra to audiences in Japan, South Korea and Turkey. 

Under the artistic leadership of violin virtuoso Serguei Krylov, the orchestra presented three distinct programmes showcasing both Lithuanian and international repertoire. The tour reflected a broader strategy to strengthen Lithuania’s cultural presence abroad through high-level artistic exchange. 

The tour opened on 26 Mar at the Tokyo Spring Festival, where the orchestra performed at the Bunka Kaikan Recital Hall. The programme highlighted Lithuanian compositions and coincided with a major exhibition dedicated to the celebrated Lithuanian artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, which opened the same week in Tokyo. The alignment of music and visual art underscored Lithuania’s effort to present a cohesive cultural narrative to international audiences. 

Two days later, on 28 Mar, the orchestra traveled to South Korea for a performance at the Cheon An Arts Center. There, they collaborated with acclaimed Korean cellist Jinho Hong, further emphasising the tour’s spirit of cross-cultural partnership. 

The final stop took place on 31 Mar at the Izmir Baroque Festival in Turkey, where the ensemble brought its interpretation of baroque and classical repertoire to festival audiences. 

Beyond the tour, the Philharmonic Society is also looking ahead to major cultural milestones at home. As a member of the Association of Asia-Pacific Performing Arts Centres, it has extended an invitation to partners and audiences alike to attend the 30th edition of the Vilnius Festival, scheduled for June 2026. The anniversary edition is expected to highlight Lithuania’s vibrant performing arts scene and strengthen ties with international collaborators. (Program of the festival) 

Plans are already underway for further outreach. In the first half of 2027, Lithuania will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. To mark the occasion, a new Asian tour by the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra is being prepared, with partial support from the state. The initiative aims to reinforce Lithuania’s cultural visibility during a period of heightened political significance. We kindly invite the members of AAPPAC to join us for cooperation. 

Through music, collaboration and strategic international engagement, Lithuania continues to position itself as an active cultural voice on the global stage—demonstrating that diplomacy can resonate far beyond traditional political arenas. 

📩 Contact for Collaboration 

Danas Skramtai
Manager, National Philharmonic Society of Lithuania
📧 danas.skramtai@filharmonija.lt