Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Kaunas, Lithuania. The orchestra was founded in 1988 by a group of young musicians who were passionate about classical music and wanted to create a professional orchestra in their hometown. The founding members of the orchestra were all graduates of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre in Vilnius. They were led by the conductor Algirdas Vizgirda, who became the orchestra's first artistic director and chief conductor. From the beginning, the orchestra's mission was to promote classical music in Lithuania and to bring the highest quality performances to audiences in Kaunas and beyond. The orchestra quickly gained a reputation for its technical excellence and its ability to perform a wide range of classical repertoire. Over the years, the orchestra has had many talented musicians and conductors join its ranks. Some of the most notable members include the violinist Gidon Kremer, who served as the orchestra's artistic director from 1998 to 2002, and the conductor Modestas Pitrėnas, who has been the orchestra's chief conductor since 2015. One of the highlights of the orchestra's history was its performance at the 1994 Salzburg Festival, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world. The orchestra was invited to perform as part of the festival's "Young Artists" series, which showcases up-and-coming musicians and ensembles. The orchestra's performance was a huge success, and it helped to establish the orchestra's reputation on the international stage. In addition to its performance at the Salzburg Festival, the orchestra has also performed at many other prestigious venues and festivals around the world. These include the Berlin Philharmonic, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The orchestra has also won many awards and accolades over the years. In 1996, it was awarded the Lithuanian National Prize, the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an artist in Lithuania. In 2008, it was named the "Best Lithuanian Orchestra" by the Lithuanian Music and Theatre Awards. Today, the Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra continues to be one of the leading classical music ensembles in Lithuania and beyond. It is known for its technical excellence, its versatility, and its commitment to promoting classical music to audiences of all ages and backgrounds. With its talented musicians and dedicated leadership, the orchestra is sure to continue making beautiful music for many years to come.

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