Photos – courtesy of (Jauna muzika) © Adriano Cava
The contemporary music festival ‘Young Music’ (‘Jauna muzika’) returns this year with an impressive program featuring unexpected venues, experimental performances, and renowned artists from nine different countries. Taking place in Vilnius from April 25 to 27, the festival will explore the phenomenon of ‘amateur’ creativity, inviting audiences to experience music driven by intuition and artistic passion.
Photo – courtesy of Akira Saito © Li Song
Photo – courtesy of Gigi Priadji © Rully Shabara
Amateurism as a Creative Engine
For 33 years, the festival has been showcasing innovative sound artists. This year, it delves into the concept of ‘amateurism’—not as a lack of technical skill, but as a deep love for creation, a process fueled by exploration, spontaneity, and unpredictability. The program DIY instruments, unconventional technologies, and phonetic experiments that expand the boundaries of contemporary music.
The festival’s artistic direction is now in the hands of Sholto Dobie, a sound artist born in Scotland but based in Lithuania. Active in sound art and performance circles, he organizes events and exhibitions. “I am excited to curate this year’s festival. ‘Jauna muzika’ (‘Young Music’) is a unique platform that brings together artists from different generations and fields. Here, well-known names and emerging experimenters meet, offering audiences a chance to experience both Lithuanian and global sound art scenes,” says Dobie.
Photo – courtesy of Franco Adams © AMINA HOCINE
Photo – courtesy of Orange Ear © Augustė Vickunaitė
Unexpected Performances in Urban Spaces
The festival will host performances and concerts in various Vilnius locations—from the Composers’ House and the National Gallery of Art to the interdisciplinary art space ‘Sodas 2123’. Audiences can expect unique experiences, including a concert in the ‘LINEŠA’ pool and experimental music nights at the ‘Draugų vardai’ club.
Photo – courtesy of Philippe Gerlach © Gailė Griciūtė
New Collaborations
For the first time, the festival will present two new artistic collaborations. Li Song, a London-based musician and programmer, will join forces with sound artist Alan Gurin for a performance in the National Gallery of Art’s foyer. Meanwhile, Noela Covelo Velasco (Spain) and Garazi Navas (Basque Country) will stage a voice and accordion performance in the swimming pool.
The lineup also features the legendary American composer Vanessa Rossetto, known for her innovative sound collages, making her Lithuanian debut. Alongside her, Lithuanian experimental music pioneer Gintas K, acclaimed local composer Gailė Griciūtė (who will present a new piece for voice and two alternatively tuned pianos), and the duo of Augustė Vickunaitė and Lisbon-based vocalist Nu No will showcase their work.
The festival will also welcome artists from Estonia, Sweden, Indonesia, Italy, and beyond. Among them: Katariin Raska, an Estonian bagpipe musician; Amina Hocine from Stockholm, known for her handmade organs; Indonesian vocalist Rully Shabara (from the band Senyawa); electroacoustic music creator Adriano Cava (Italy); and more.
Photo – courtesy of Gintas K. ©
Closing the Festival: Local Creators and a Music Fair
The festival’s late-night program will feature performances by local artists, including a live set by producer Noyus and DJ sets by Matas Aerobica and Duvardai.
Another festival highlight is the Music Publishers’ Fair, bringing together record labels and independent publishers from Lithuania and abroad. The event will take place at the Composers’ House, alongside student electronic music showcases.
‘Jauna muzika’ (‘Young music’) invites audiences to experience music in a new way — from poolside experiments to explorations of sound art.
Photo – courtesy of Garazi Navas ©
Photo – courtesy of Varvara Špilt © Sholto Dobie
