Music: The Best Bridge for All People (Lithuania 2016)

The American Virtuosi  toured Lithuania from April 4-25, 2016 on the invitation of social, cultural, and religions institutions. Under the theme, “Music: The Best Bridge for All People,” they performed concerts, presented masterclasses, and gave lectures at universities, churches, synagogues, and cultural centers in Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Siauliai, Panevėžys, Alytus, Pakruojis, Trakai, and Anykščiai. Events were sold-out and audiences rewarded the Borowskys with multiple standing ovations. Musical programs featured virtuosic selections by classical composers, as well as the Borowskys’ own compositions and arrangements. In several concerts they performed together with renowned Lithuanian musicians: members of the National Symphony and the Dagilelis Boys Choir.

During their three week tour, the Borowskys were received and honored by public officials, including the Mayors of Šiauliai, Panevėžys, and Klaipeda, the Ambassador of Israel to Lithuania, leaders of the Lithuanian Jewish community, and representatives of educational, cultural and social organizations.

Lithuanian media -- including National Radio and Television (LRT) -- praised their performances and meetings. The Borowsky family was interviewed and asked to share their perspective on the function of music in the age of globalization. Dr. Charles Borowsky summarized, "Indeed, music is the best bridge for all people. I strongly believe that our contributions to foster peaceful, friendly, and mutual beneficial relations between people can also inspire educational, economic, and public policies.”

Among the honors they were presented with:

• Mayor Arturas Visockas presented Dr. Borowsky with an official plaque from the City of Šiauliai, stating “In recognition of his contribution to international understanding demonstrated by his musical activities bridging Lithuanian and the United States.” 
• Mayor Rytis Mykolas Račkauskas (Panevezys), in his award citation, emphasized: “Deep appreciation for the merits in cherishing democracy, peaceful ethical and religious relations at cultural events, sincere work, and personal contribution in supporting international projects with Lithuania.”
• ​Ms. Faina Kukliansky, Chair of the Lithuanian Jewish (Litvak) Community stated: “I would like to cordially thank you for taking the time to visit our communities in Vilnius as well as other Lithuanian cities, bringing the joy of your music to each of them. Your imaginative approach to art is truly appreciated, so are your devotion and commitment as family and as musicians. Lithuanian Jewish communities look forward to your future concerts in Lithuania with great anticipation."

This tour was part of the Borowsky family’s continued mission to bridge people of goodwill around the world. They perform frequently as soloists, appearing in major venues such as Carnegie Hall, Kimmel Center, Kennedy Center, Gewandhaus, The Penderecki European Music Center, Beijing Art Center, Hanoi and Ho-Chi Minh Conservatories, and Institute Superior de Artes (Havana), and with acclaimed orchestras including the Baltimore Symphony, Israeli Soloists Orchestra, Tianjin Philharmonic, Warsaw Philharmonic, Budapest Symphony, Berlin Symphony Orchestra, Santa Clara Symphony (Cuba), and Osaka Symphony, among others. They have also been honored by many organizations in the U.S. and abroad with awards and distinctions. Collectively, the family holds degrees from prestigious institutions including Yale University, Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, University of Maryland, Towson University, Moscow Conservatory of Music (Russia),  Trinity College of Music (London), Icelandic Academy of the Arts (Iceland), Chopin Academy of Music (Warsaw), and Folkwang University of the Arts (Germany).​

Click here for photos and more information on Lithuania 2016