In anticipation of the premiere of A. Ponchielli's "I Lituani" at the LNOBT
Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre
Friday, 12 September, 2025
12 noon
After a long break, the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre is reviving a meaningful tradition, started almost two decades ago, of organising annual meetings of opera critics dedicated to a special event of the season – this important return is marked by the 12th International Opera Critics' Conference "Historical Opera as a Topical Issue – is it Possible?".
The 2025–2026 season of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet opens with an extraordinary premiere – for the first time on the national opera stage, Amilcare Ponchielli’s opera “The Lithuanians” (“I Lituani”) is being staged. Having seen the spotlight one and a half hundred years ago (1874) at the famous “La Scala” theatre in Milan, this opera is perhaps the only work in the context of world’s operatic literature with a title that mentions the name of our nation. Based on the romantic poem “Konrad Wallenrod” by Adam Mickiewicz, the opera tells the story of the Lithuanians’ struggles with the Teutonic Knights.
During the conference on September 12, before the final performance of the new production, Lithuanian and foreign critics will discuss whether historical operas are relevant today – what they are, and could they be interesting for audiences of different generations. The state of contemporary opera criticism itself will also be discussed. With the rise of social networks, when everyone can spread their opinion about a performance or concert they have seen, traditional criticism published in newspapers or cultural publications seems to be losing its voice. However, determining the value of works of art is still the prerogative of professional criticism. So, what challenges does opera criticism face?
The 12th International Opera Critics' Conference will feature speakers John Allison, editor-in-chief of the influential British magazine “Opera”; Monika Prusak, representative of the Italian National Association of Music Critics; Lauma Mellēna-Bartkeviča, music and theatre critic from Latvia; Živilė Ramoškaitė, long-time Lithuanian music and opera critic; Martynas Petrikas, a theatre criticism researcher, professor at Vilnius University and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, researcher at the Lithuanian Institute for Cultural Research; and Patricija Vytytė, a set designer and installation artist. The conference will be moderated by Beata Baublinskienė, a music, opera critic and publicist.
We invite music and theatre critics, media representatives, all young people who currently studying, and everyone interested in opera to listen to the presentations and actively participate in the discussions! The event is open for everyone and free of charge – however, please note that registration is required.
Along with the Conference, LNOBT is also hosting a review competition. Those who wish to participate, are invited to register at edukacija@opera.lt. The winners will be selected by a competent committee, and the best texts will be published in the theatre magazine "Bravissimo".
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
12.00 – Opening
12.10 – John Allison (United Kingdom)
Another Lithuanian Foray: Mickiewicz in Music (in English)
12.40 – Živilė Ramoškaitė (Lithuania)
Amilcare Ponchielli's opera "I Lituani" in Lithuania: performances, recordings
13.10 – Lauma Mellēna-Bartkeviča (Latvia)
“Historical” Plot Operas in Latvia: Examples, Meaning, Reception (in English)
13.40 – Coffee Break
14.00 – Monika Prusak (Italy)
From Stage to Page: Operatic Repertoire and Music Criticism in Italy (in English)
14.30 – Martynas Petrikas (Lithuania)
Shifting Power Fields: Criticism and Performing Arts
15.00–16.00 Discussion "Turning the Past into Present"
Participants: John Allison, Živilė Ramoškaitė, Lauma Mellēna-Bartkeviča, Monika Prusak, Martynas Petrikas, Patricija Vytytė
The discussion will be held in English.
How can historical opera plots be relevant to us today? What is the role of criticism in bringing the past into the present? What do we expect from criticism and what do critics expect from theatres? Do all aspects of a production receive sufficient attention in critics' texts: musical, directing, and visual – scenography? What could be the recipe for a truly good review?
Conference participants:
John Allison, “Opera“ magazine (United Kingdom)
Monika Prusak, Italian National Association of Music Critics (Italy)
Lauma Mellēna-Bartkeviča, music and theatre critic, Jāzeps Vītols Latvian Academy of Music (Latvia)
Živilė Ramoškaitė, music critic (Lithuania)
Martynas Petrikas, theatre criticism researcher, professor at Vilnius University and the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, researcher at the Lithuanian Institute for Cultural Research (Lithuania)
Patricija Vytytė, scenographer, installation artist (Lithuania)
Conference moderator – Beata Baublinskienė, music critic (Lithuania)
