From Speech

The Lithuanian Ensembles Network, or “LENsemble”, is one of the most distinctive and consistently artistically driven organizations in the context of contemporary music in Lithuania, connecting composers and performers of contemporary classical music. By collaborating with key partners in Lithuania and abroad, the Lithuanian Ensembles Network consistently continues its mission—promoting the creation and performance of new music. The organization emphasizes creativity, the courage to experiment, and continually works with young musicians.

The focus on young creators and performers has led to the establishment of an international master’s program for contemporary music performers at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. One of its professors is Vykintas Baltakas, the founder of the Lithuanian Ensembles Network, composer, and conductor. Students and graduates of this program gradually become part of the organization’s activities, joining other contemporary music ensembles (such as Synaesthesis, Twenty Fingers Duo, etc.) and actively participating in contemporary music projects both in Lithuania and abroad.

Another important focus of the organization is the accumulation and dissemination of music archives. In 2020, the Lithuanian Ensembles Network, in collaboration with the No Business Records label, initiated a series dedicated to contemporary music. This ever-growing catalog not only includes the latest projects but also places significant attention on Lithuanian modern music classics such as Osvaldas Balakauskas, Bronius Kutavičius, and Onutė Narbutaitė. For the upcoming years, the Lithuanian Ensembles Network plans innovative projects in contemporary classical music, presenting both Lithuanian and international composers, thus creating a unique line of contemporary music performance in Lithuania.

In 2023, LENsemble, together with the cultural innovation agency Meno genas, initiated and realized a series titled “Music for Vilnius” as part of the “Music in Space” festival, commemorating Vilnius’ 700th anniversary. The series introduced the work of seven composers of global significance to the city’s audience.