CONCERT OF YIDDISH MUSIC CONCLUDED TRADITIONAL LITVAK DAYS
The Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania, continuing the programme of the Lithuanian EU Presidency, together with London Metropolitan Archives and Westminster Synagogue held traditional “Litvak Days in London”, - a cycle of events on 1-2 December 2013.
On 2nd December 2013 the Litvak Days were concluded with a concert of Yiddish music at Westminster Synagogue. More than 200 guests came to the concert – among them representatives of the Jewish and Lithuanian communities, diplomats, academics and historians. Prominent Lithuanian artists – opera soloist Liora Grodnikaitė, pianist Darius Mažintas and accordionist Martynas Levickis gave an outstanding performance. One of the pieces composed by Anatolijus Šenderovas was performed by the author together with Liora Grodnikaitė.
Rabbi Thomas Salamon welcomed the guests by highlighting the symbolism of the Hanukkah celebration and the importance of traditions in education, in promoting respect and tolerance between the people of different cultures and faiths and in nurturing values, especially among the younger generations.
Concluding the “Litvak Days”, Ambassador of Lithuania Asta Skaisgirytė Liauškienė said, that “the cycle of the events allowed participants to once again find out about the rich historic, religious, social and cultural heritage of the Lithuanian Jewry. This evening we have yet another opportunity to come closer to the cultural litvak legacy, to hear the traditional Yiddish songs and music”.
The British ORT representative Dan Green presented the work of the organisation in more than 60 countries (Lithuania among them) and invited participants of the event to support ORT activities.
