Back to Nature: Ciurlionis and Grazinis

This album marks the 150th birthday of Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis, Lithuanian composer and painter whose work continues to shape the country’s artistic identity. Led by internationally acclaimed conductor Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla, Back to Nature brings together the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, pianist Onutė Grazinyte, conductor Romualdas Grazinis, the AIDIJA Chamber Choir, and the Upper School Choir of the National M. K. Ciurlionis School of Art – uniting generations of artists in a shared exploration of nature and cultural heritage. The program features Ciurlionis’ two major symphonic poems, Jura and Miske. Also included, are his choral piece Ruduo, Lakstingala, and Prelude in A Minor, performed by Onute Grazinyte, Mirga’s sister. The album also features Sutartine, a new composition by Mirga’s father Romualdas Grazinis, rooted in traditional Lithuanian polyphony.