Lithuanian Independence Day celebrated in Baku with a concert "Čiurlionis in Jazz – Prelude of the Sun"
Updated 2026-04-29
On February 11 the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Azerbaijan organized in Baku a concert, “Čiurlionis in Jazz – Prelude of the Sun,” to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania, celebrated on February 16.
On 11 February the Embassy of Lithuania in Azerbaijan organized in Baku a concert, “Čiurlionis in Jazz – Prelude of the Sun,” to commemorate the 108th anniversary of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania, celebrated on February 16.
For the first time in Azerbaijan, jazz improvisations inspired by the works of the famous Lithuanian composer and painter Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis were performed. The distinguished Azerbaijani jazz pianist and composer Salman Gambarov together with the ensemble Bakustic Jazz interpreted M.K.Čiurlionis’ musical and philosophical ideas through contemporary jazz improvisation, revealing new creative dimensions.
The project became a meaningful symbol of Lithuanian–Azerbaijani cultural dialogue, bringing together two rich artistic traditions through the universal language of music.
Speaking at the event, Lithuania's Ambassador Kęstutis Vaškelevičius underscored that Lithuania’s statehood was restored in 1918 due to the resilience of the Lithuanian. Both Lithuania and Azerbaijan, in 1918, embarked on the creation of their modern states, and succeeded because of the perseverance of the character of both nations.
In his remarks, the Ambassador recalled the words of the founder and the president of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic Mammad Amin Rasulzade: “Bir kərə yüksələn bayraq, bir daha enməz” (“The flag once raised will never fall”). The shared historical experiences have brought Lithuanian and Azerbaijani people closer together and created a strong bond of solidarity that remains important today.
Historical memory serves as a moral compass for Lithuania, and the support for Ukraine’s fight today is a responsibility grounded in historical experience and a determination to avoid repeating the tragic mistakes of the late 1930s.
At the festive event, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Fariz Rzayev delivered his remarks, congratulating Lithuania and its people.
Guests had a chance to see a photograph exhibition about Lithuania. The author of the photographs Mrs. Virginija Morgan-Hayat currently resides in Baku, and is a member of Lithuanian community.
The Lithuanian people and the guests were also congratulated by Azerbaijan Boxing Federation and its 1st Vice President and World Champion Mr Farhad Ajalov that reflected a friendly and close cooperation between the boxing federations and the sportsmen of our countries.
Moments like this Concert dedicated to the Restoration of the State of Lithuania, and the Čiurlionis music played by Azerbaijani musicians remind us that history connects our nations, culture strengthens us, and the friendship between Lithuania and Azerbaijan continues to grow — through music, dialogue, and shared values, noted Lithuania's Ambassador.
Guests had a chance to see a photograph exhibition about Lithuania. The author of the photographs Mrs. Virginija Morgan-Hayat currently resides in Baku, and is a member of Lithuanian community.
The Lithuanian people and the guests were also congratulated by Azerbaijan Boxing Federation and its 1st Vice President and World Champion Mr Farhad Ajalov that reflected a friendly and close cooperation between the boxing federations and the sportsmen of our countries.
Moments like this Concert dedicated to the Restoration of the State of Lithuania, and the Čiurlionis music played by Azerbaijani musicians remind us that history connects our nations, culture strengthens us, and the friendship between Lithuania and Azerbaijan continues to grow — through music, dialogue, and shared values, noted Lithuania's Ambassador.
