By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania Ričardas Šlepavicius hosted a concert performed by the Čiurlionis Quartet of the National Philharmonic of Lithuania at Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul on Feb. 17.

The event was held on the occasion of the 107th Anniversary of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania and the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of the Lithuanian artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis.

Delivering a welcoming speech, Amb. Šlepavicius said, "Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis is a Lithuania painter, composer, public figure, father of Lithuanian national art (music and fine arts) and one of the pioneers of abstrat art movement in Europe."

The ambassador continued to say, "Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis' creative ideas are universal, preceivable and acceptable for the global population. His art works convey the positive desires of the humanity, the splendor of human thoughts and aspirations, the human genius."

He also said, "M. K. Čiurlionis was most concerned with the humanistic flight of a human soul and mind. His ideas manifest the spread of the good, friendship and harmonius coexistence betwewen a human and the nature."

Among the M. K. Čiurlionis concert programs that captivated the audience in attendance were String Quartet C minor, Fugue F sharp minor, Fugue G major, Canon C major and Canon D major.