The World has been gradually returning to temporarily postponed plans due coronavirus pandemic; cultural events are re-emerging, too. On July 11-18, holiday makers in Nida are invited to a festival named after a classic of German literature Thomas Mann, who was also an admirer of the Curonian Spit. The festival will take place for the 24th time this year. There has been a lot of interests about festival’s events already now – as organisers invite the public to listen to classical music, to watch movies, to discuss literature and and current events, which is all encompassed under the theme of this year’s festival “Weather Signs”.
In order to ensure safety for our participants and audience, the festival days will be fewer this year, and less intensive compared to usual. Nevertheless, the agenda includes variety of events, traditionally including music, word, arts and cinema programmes. The festival invited its regular loyal contributors and friends, as well as other quest speakers from Lithuania and abroad.
“The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted many plans; it has forced adjustments to our well planned and prepared program, too. However, we never allowed doubts to erode our intention to continue with the festival, to bring together many like-minded people every year. And finally, we can ensure the public that the festival will take place this year, too”, emphasised organiser, director of the Thomas Mann Cultural Centre dr. Lina Motuzienė. “We have set an objective to adjust to circumstances and maintain the tradition of the annual festival, especially that during the next year we anticipate its 25th anniversary. We are very much obliged to our long term partners for their efforts and support in this endeavour.”
Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, a world famous Lithuanian conductor and a chamber choir Aidija will open the festival on the 11th of July. Kaunas String Quartet, Grand Piano Trio Kaskados, other musical ensembles and solo performers will appear on a cosy, make-shift impromptu stage of the Nida Lutheran Church during other days. The repertoire, as always, will include a great variety of music from baroque to the 20th century Lithuanian composers.
Professor of cultural history from Estonia, Marek Tamm, poet Gytis Norvilas, Thomas Mann Cultural Centre curators, historians dr. Ruth Leiserowitz, dr. Nijolė Strakauskaitė, dr. Irena Vaišvilaitė, asst. prof. dr. Aurimas Švedas, poet and translator Antanas Gailius, author dr. Laurynas Katkus, winners of the essay contest for young people will appear during word programme discussions.
Apart from discussion on current events as well as presenting new books, the word programme will include reading from the works of Thomas Mann with coffee, which turns into a pleasant morning tradition of the festival.
The organisers of this unique festival will invite Nida’s community and quests to meet in various places of the resort: Thomas Mann Memorial Museum, Nida Lutheran Church, Vilnius Art Academy Nida Art Colony, History Museum of the Curonian Spit. More detailed information on the festival’s programme as well as tickets for the events can be purchased online via internet website www.mann.lt.
Activities of the Thomas Mann Cultural Centre are supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture.