IX KRETINGA INTERNATIONAL EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025

Few people are aware of the profound importance and far-reaching influence of Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina’s music across Europe. Known as the "Prince of Music"—as inscribed on his tomb—Palestrina was the leading composer in service to the Vatican during the Counter-Reformation. His works were performed throughout the continent, from Portugal to Sweden and beyond.

Even fewer, however, know of Palestrina’s impact on musical development in the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Remarkably, three of his direct students served as Kapellmeisters at the Vasa court: Annibale Stabile, Asprilio Pacelli, and Giovanni Francesco Anerio. Through them, the Roman School of Palestrina continued to thrive far beyond Italy.

To mark the 500th anniversary of Palestrina’s birth, the Kretinga Early Music Festival presents four concerts exploring various facets of his music and legacy.

• The world-renowned ensemble Vox Luminis, conducted by Lionel Meunier, will perform one of Palestrina’s most iconic a cappella works: the Missa Papae Marcelli.
• The talented organist Vincent Bernhardt will reveal the composer’s lasting influence on the organ repertoire in this year’s organ recital.
• The brilliant cornetto player Josué Meléndez presents a fascinating program highlighting Palestrina’s musical presence in colonial Mexico.
• The host ensemble, Canto Fiorito, will close this year’s edition with masterpieces including the Lamentations of Jeremiah, emphasizing Palestrina’s influence in Lithuania.

In addition to this exciting tribute, Kretinga will also host a recital by Christopher Lowry—one of today’s most astonishing countertenors—featuring a refined selection of English Baroque music. The fantastic baritone Marc Mauillon will join organetto player Roger Helou for a program of 14th-century music, evoking the ancestor of Kretinga’s organ. Finally, Mauillon will perform alongside lutenist Gabriel Rignol at the Kretinga Museum, presenting a selection of 17th-century Airs de cour.

Once again, the Kretinga Festival brings stars of the international early music scene to Lithuania, contributing to the country’s vibrant early music development and shining a light on its rich musical heritage.

Rodrigo Calveyra
Artistic director of the International Kretinga Early Music Festival