The Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra is a classical music ensemble based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Founded in 1940, the orchestra has become one of the most prominent cultural institutions in the country, known for its high-quality performances and dedication to promoting Lithuanian music. The orchestra was founded by the Lithuanian composer and conductor Balys Dvarionas, who served as its first artistic director. Dvarionas was a prominent figure in Lithuanian music, having studied with the renowned composer Sergei Prokofiev in Moscow and later serving as the director of the Lithuanian State Conservatory. He envisioned the orchestra as a way to showcase the talents of Lithuanian musicians and composers, and to bring classical music to audiences throughout the country. In its early years, the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra faced many challenges, including the disruption caused by World War II and the Soviet occupation of Lithuania. Despite these difficulties, the orchestra persevered, and by the 1950s it had established itself as one of the leading orchestras in the Soviet Union. It continued to perform throughout the Soviet era, often featuring works by Lithuanian composers such as Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Juozas Gruodis, and Eduardas Balsys. After Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra underwent a period of renewal and expansion. It began to collaborate with international soloists and conductors, and to tour extensively throughout Europe and Asia. In 1998, the orchestra moved into a new concert hall in Vilnius, the Lithuanian National Philharmonic, which has since become one of the most important cultural venues in the country. Today, the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra is led by the conductor Robertas Šervenikas, who has been its artistic director since 2015. The orchestra consists of around 80 musicians, many of whom are graduates of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Its repertoire includes a wide range of classical works, from the Baroque era to the present day, as well as many pieces by Lithuanian composers. Over the years, the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra has received many awards and accolades for its performances. In 1970, it was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, one of the highest honors in the Soviet Union, for its contributions to the development of Soviet music. In 2003, it received the Lithuanian National Prize, the country's highest cultural award, for its achievements in promoting Lithuanian music and culture. The orchestra has also collaborated with many renowned soloists and conductors over the years. In 1996, it performed with the violinist Gidon Kremer and the conductor Mstislav Rostropovich in a concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Vilnius Ghetto. In 2009, it performed with the pianist Lang Lang in a concert at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic that was broadcast live on Lithuanian television. One of the highlights of the Lithuanian Philharmonic Orchestra's recent history was its performance at the 2018 BBC Proms in London. The orchestra performed a program of works by Lithuanian composers, including Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis's "In the Forest" and Bronius Kutavičius's "Last Pagan Rites," to critical acclaim. The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was widely praised for its energy and virtuosity.

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