Giedrius Gelgotas is a Lithuanian composer, pianist, and conductor who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born on May 28, 1986, in Vilnius, Lithuania, Gelgotas showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He went on to study at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance and a Master's degree in Composition. Gelgotas' music is characterized by its unique blend of classical and contemporary styles, incorporating elements of minimalism, rock, and electronic music. His compositions are often described as energetic, dynamic, and emotionally charged, with a focus on rhythm and texture. One of Gelgotas' early successes came in 2009, when he won the International Gaudeamus Interpreters Competition in Amsterdam. This prestigious award helped to launch his career as a composer and performer, and he quickly gained recognition for his innovative approach to classical music. In 2011, Gelgotas founded the New Ideas Chamber Orchestra (NICO), a group of young musicians dedicated to performing contemporary classical music. The ensemble quickly gained a following in Lithuania and abroad, and has since performed at major festivals and venues around the world. Gelgotas' breakthrough moment came in 2015, when he released his debut album, "Šviesa" (Light). The album, which features Gelgotas' own compositions performed by NICO and other musicians, received critical acclaim and helped to establish him as a rising star in the classical music world. Since then, Gelgotas has continued to push the boundaries of classical music, collaborating with artists from a variety of genres and experimenting with new sounds and techniques. He has composed music for film and television, including the award-winning documentary "The Ancient Woods," and has worked with renowned musicians such as violinist David Garrett and conductor Kristjan Järvi. Gelgotas has also gained a reputation as a dynamic and engaging performer, known for his electrifying piano playing and commanding stage presence. He has performed at major venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Gelgotas is also an accomplished conductor. He has led orchestras and ensembles in Lithuania and abroad, including the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra and the London Contemporary Orchestra. Gelgotas' achievements have not gone unnoticed, and he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 2016, he was named one of the "30 Under 30" by Forbes Lithuania, and in 2018 he received the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize, the highest honor in the country's cultural sphere. Looking to the future, Gelgotas shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to compose, perform, and collaborate with artists from around the world, and is committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and bringing it to new audiences. With his talent, energy, and passion, he is sure to remain a major force in the world of classical music for years to come.

More....