November promises to be an exciting month for the Lithuanian community in the UK. It will feature a range of cultural events that celebrate Lithuanian music, arts, and history. Here’s a roundup of key events taking place this month.
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (15-24 November)
This year's Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival (hcmf//), running from November 15 to 24, will highlight Lithuanian talent with Lina Lapelytė serving as the Composer in Residence. The festival will showcase over 20 world premieres, making it a significant event in the contemporary music calendar. Lapelytė's programme will focus on eclecticism, drawing on diverse influences from pop culture to folk idioms. Notable collaborations will feature acclaimed artists such as trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith and others, celebrating the rich tapestry of new music. For full details, visit the hcmf// website.
Premiere of 'Bottlenecks' (7-9 November)
Arturas Bumšteinas will premiere his contemporary piece 'Bottlenecks', performed by musicians including Vytautas Oškinis (flute), Diemantė Merkevičiūtė (violin), and Benas Jonušas (organ). The piece combines unique compositional techniques and echoes ancient Lithuanian polyphony, offering a fascinating listening experience. The premiere will take place on November 7 at Selwyn College Chapel, Cambridge, and on November 9 at All Saints Church in Clifton, Bristol. Info: https://organslow.mystrikingly.com/
Litvak Days in London (6 November)
On November 6, the 13th Litvak Days will take place at JW3 in London, focusing on the history of Lithuanian Jewish immigration to the UK. The event will include a panel discussion featuring researchers from Lithuania and the UK, alongside a film commissioned by the BBC that explores the lives of Lithuanian Jews in Leeds. This annual event provides a vital platform for cultural dialogue and remembrance. Registration is required, and further information is available at the JW3 website: https://www.jw3.org.uk
Outburst Queer Arts Festival (15-24 November)
In Belfast, the Outburst Queer Arts Festival will feature Laima Kreivytė discussing queer art history and censorship in Lithuania, culminating in a conversation with artist Agnė Jokšė on November 23. Their discussion will explore themes from Jokšė's work "Lezbynai," which tells an erotic story set in Vilnius. This event highlights Lithuania's evolving queer arts scene. Info: https://outburstarts.com/festival/queer-art-in-lithuania-from-veronika-sleivyte-to-agne-jokse/
Conference on European Political Refugees (15 November)
Dovilė Čypaitė-Gilė will participate in a conference at the British Library on November 15, exploring the stories of European exiles in Britain. This event aims to shed light on the contributions of European diaspora communities, including Lithuanians, to British society. It's a significant opportunity to engage with history and cultural exchange. Info: https://thebritishlibraryculturalevents.seetickets.com/event/european-political-refugees-in-the-uk-from-1800/british-library/3178265
London Baltic Film Festival (28 November - 1 December)
Rounding out the month, the London Baltic Film Festival will take place from November 28 to December 1 at Rich Mix in London. This festival showcases the latest feature films from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, including "5 and a Half Love Stories in an Apartment in Vilnius" and the comedy "Parade." The festival provides a unique opportunity to engage with Baltic cinema and cultural narratives. More details can be found at the London Baltic Film Festival website.