On February 21, 2026, I was part of a concert in the Lithuanian city of Šiauliai. I followed the invitation of Vilhelmas Čepinskis, an exceptional violinist and conductor. He had contacted me a few years ago in connection with my A Tempo project. Since then, he and I have developed a meaningful exchange and a beautiful artistic friendship. When the engagement was organized about a year ago, he suggested that I should not only play solo repertoire, but also a piano concerto with the «Camerata Solaris» in Šiauliai, which he conducts. We agreed on the magnificent piano concerto in D minor by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Three days before the concert, I arrived in wintry and icy Lithuania. The welcome by Vilhelmas and his team was all the warmer. The following day, I gave a master class for students from the local music high school. I was impressed by the high musical quality I found in all the students. The two teachers obviously focused on a natural technique as well as a flexible touch - two qualities of piano playing that are extremely important to me in my work.

Rehearsals for the concert began the next day. Vilhelmas has been doing an amazing musical job in Šiauliai for years. This was obvious both in view of the wonderful orchestra as well as at the audience that attended the concert. The approximately 700 people were incredibly attentive, and I felt a hunger for live music that I don't often encounter. It was a unique atmosphere in this hall, which had been transformed from a Soviet-era movie theater into a concert hall.

It was one of the most exciting artistic experiences for me in recent years and I am filled with gratitude when I think back to my time in Šiauliai.