Monika Urbonaite is a Lithuanian classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her exceptional talent and musicality. Born on May 15, 1992, in Vilnius, Lithuania, Monika showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. Her parents, who were both music teachers, recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Monika's early musical education was at the National M.K. Ciurlionis School of Arts in Vilnius, where she studied with renowned pianist and pedagogue Rasa Biveiniene. She later continued her studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance under the guidance of Professor Petras Geniusas. During her studies, Monika participated in numerous national and international competitions, winning several awards and prizes. In 2010, she won first prize at the International Piano Competition "Young Musician" in Vilnius, and in 2012, she was awarded the Grand Prix at the International Piano Competition "Roma 2012" in Rome, Italy. These early successes helped to establish Monika's reputation as a rising star in the classical music world. After completing her studies, Monika continued to perform extensively throughout Europe and Asia, collaborating with orchestras and conductors such as Gintaras Rinkevicius, Modestas Pitrenas, and Robertas Servenikas. She has also given solo recitals in prestigious venues such as the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall, the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, and the Salle Cortot in Paris. One of Monika's most notable performances was her debut with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra in 2015, where she performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 under the baton of conductor Robertas Servenikas. The performance was widely praised for Monika's technical mastery and expressive interpretation of the piece. In addition to her performances, Monika is also a dedicated teacher and has taught piano at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre since 2016. She is known for her patient and supportive approach to teaching, and many of her students have gone on to win awards and prizes in national and international competitions. Monika's musical style is characterized by her sensitivity and emotional depth, as well as her technical precision and virtuosity. She is particularly known for her interpretations of the works of Chopin, Schumann, and Beethoven, and has been praised for her ability to bring out the nuances and subtleties of these composers' music. In recognition of her achievements, Monika has received numerous awards and honors, including the Lithuanian Ministry of Culture's Young Artist Award in 2016 and the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize in 2020. She has also been invited to participate in prestigious music festivals such as the Chopin Festival in Warsaw and the International Keyboard Institute and Festival in New York. Looking to the future, Monika plans to continue performing and teaching, as well as exploring new repertoire and collaborating with other musicians. She is committed to sharing her love of music with audiences and students around the world, and to inspiring the next generation of classical musicians.

More....