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This year, March 11 marks the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Lithuania, after 50 years of Soviet control, which was a consequence of the 1939 trade-off between Hitler and Stalin.

It is among the most important dates in the Lithuanian history, as it enshrines the nation’s zeal to cherish its state and freedom.

The fight for independence during the Soviet occupation took various forms. After the partisan war was suppressed in 1953, the passive civil resistance started with dissident organizations and underground press established. Besides, Lithuanian diplomatic representatives continued their duties in Washington, Vatican and Paris, reminding of Lithuania’s plight. In 1988, Reform Movement of Lithuania (Sąjūdis) was founded. In 1989, more than two million Baltic people held each others hands on the human chain which connected Vilnius to Riga and Tallinn carrying a clear message to the world that Europe could not be free without the freedom of the peoples in the Baltic States. In 1990, Sąjūdis won the first democratic Lithuanian parliament elections, which was followed by the declaration of Restoration of the Lithuanian Independence on March 11.

On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the restoration of independence of Lithuania, the Embassy of Lithuania to Japan will organize a piano recital by Petras Geniušas, one of the most prominent, versatile and adventurous Lithuanian performers. The program of the concert will include Edvard Grieg’s Suite from Holberg's Time op.40; Bronius Kutavicius’ Piano Sonata, Alexander Scriabin’s  Sonata Nr.3 f sharp minor,op.23 and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.

Having mastered an extensive repertoire of classical, romantic and contemporary works, Geniušas frequently appears in recitals and concerts with prominent national and international musicians. Apart from his appearances as a classical musician, he performs on drama stage and in musical performances, as well as in jazz and crossover projects. His musical interests range far beyond his background as a classical concert pianist – from ethnic music from different parts of the world to avant-garde, jazz and electronic dance beats. This also affects the way he interprets classical music, which makes this piano virtuoso so special.

Geniušas graduated from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and continued his studies at Moscow Conservatory. A series of highest awards at the top-notch piano competitions in Zaragoza, Oberlin, Cincinnati and Palm Beach remarkably confirmed his reputation as one of the most gifted and accomplished Lithuanian pianists of his generation. Petras Geniušas has performed at the world’s major concert venues including the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Great Hall, New York Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher Hall and Vienna’s Musikverein.

Petras Geniušas’ teaching career included such engagements as Master Classes in Tokyo and Osaka, The Swedish-Baltic Master Classes “Academia Baltica”, the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Yamaha Foundation Master Class in Tokyo. Currently he holds professorship from the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre.

In recognition of his wide-ranging concert activities and artistic accomplishments, he became the recipient of the Lithuanian National Award 1992 and WIPO Creativity Award 2004.

The program of the concert on the occasion of  the 20th  anniversary of the restoration of independence of Lithuania in Tokyo will include Edvard Grieg’s Suite from Holberg's Time op.40; Bronius Kutavicius’ Piano Sonata, Alexander Scriabin’s  Sonata Nr.3 f sharp minor,op.23 and George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue.