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Čiurlionis, Chopin, Brahms, Boulanger, Bartulis
Inspired by the iconic painting Bičiulystė (Friendship) by the Lithuanian artist, composer and symbolist Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911), the young and dynamic Duo Céüse invites listeners to a conceptual concert experience centred on the theme of friendship. The programme explores this subject from compositional, biographical, personal and social perspectives.
Honouring the name of Čiurlionis, whose 150th birth anniversary is celebrated in 2026, the duo aims to share the genius of one of the pioneers of modern Lithuanian culture. Alongside a collection of rarely performed preludes and nocturnes by Čiurlionis, arranged for cello and piano by J. Čelkauskas (1935), the programme features masterpieces of the Romantic era by Frédéric Chopin and Johannes Brahms, as well as refined miniatures from the 20th century by Nadia Boulanger and Vidmantas Bartulis. This diverse sound world reveals both the evolution of harmonic language and the expressive, intimate dialogue between cello and piano.
In Čiurlionis’ painting, friendship is portrayed as a form of light. Bridging two European cultures, Duo Céüse embodies this illuminating force through music. French cellist Aïnhoa Leguy and Lithuanian pianist Marija Normantaitė met at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels in 2023, where they formed a close artistic partnership and personal friendship. Since then, they have performed at venues across Brussels, including the Musical Instrument Museum, Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon and Jardin Musical. While both musicians have developed significant solo experience through international festivals, competitions, orchestral projects and masterclasses, they see chamber music as central to their artistic identity.
“Céüse, or Montagne de Céüse, is a well-known mountain in the Hautes-Alpes region of France. We believe that rock climbing and playing chamber music share essential qualities: both open new horizons, both are demanding and require deep personal focus, and in both one relies on the other — on a belayer managing the rope on the rock, and on a partner shaping the music on stage.
The Latin name Céüse refers to flint, a sharp and durable stone known for its ability to spark fire and to be reshaped. We believe that something ‘Céüse-like’ lies at the very core of a profound chamber music performance.”
Aïnhoa Leguy, Marija Normantaitė
Art Base, Tuesday 19/5/26 20h, 17,50E ( reduced 12,50E for students under 26 and jobseekers),
29 rue des Sables Zandstraat, 1000 Bruxelles, https://www.art-base.be.
For reservations send to to info2@art-base.be
