NICO Set to Enchant at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall with Contemporary Masterpieces

Saturday, December 2, 2023. 8 PM
Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, New York

On December 2nd, the Vilnius City Ensemble NICO will grace the stage of Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York.
 
The evening’s program will spotlight the works of Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, including his renowned piece “Fratres.” NICO will also present the vibrant second movement of Philip Glass’ Violin Concerto No. 1, arranged by the ensemble’s founder and artistic director, Lithuanian composer Gediminas Gelgotas for the ‘Deutsche Grammophon’ label, alongside original works by Gelgotas himself.
 
“We chose an interesting, contrasting, and dynamic program that best reflects NICO’s performance style and will allow listeners to immerse themselves in meditative, serene sounds, as well as enjoy more temperamental compositions.” says Gelgotas.
 
This marks NICO’s much-anticipated return to the U.S. since captivating the Ventura Classical Music Festival in 2019.
 
Ensemble NICO has been performing in leading European classical and contemporary music venues, reaching new audiences with their originality. Their global tours have taken them across Europe, the U.S., and Asia. Notable performances include those for Queen Sonja of Norway, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Pope Francis. The ensemble has also been featured by ‘Classic FM’ and the ‘BBC World Service’, earning them critical acclaim for their unique artistry.
 
Legendary artists have lauded NICO’s performances. Terry Riley commended the ensemble’s pursuit of beauty and peace in music, while Laurie Anderson praised their originality after a 2020 performance.
 
Music critic Eckhart Ochs was enthralled by NICO’s “surprising original music” and the ensemble’s seamless integration into the music, particularly highlighting Gelgotas as a visionary composer after their collaboration with cellist David Geringas at the Usedom Music Festival.
 
Gediminas Gelgotas emerged on the international stage over a decade ago with his symphonic work “Never Ignore the Cosmic Ocean” in Berlin. His compositions have been broadcast on channels like Mezzo TV, ArteTV, and BR-Klassik, and featured in publications including The Violin Channel, The Strad, and The Gramophone. His recent collaboration with Kristina Sabaliauskaite commemorating Vilnius’s 700th anniversary has generated considerable anticipation for upcoming performances.
 
Join us for an evening of exceptional music that promises to be an unforgettable addition to New York’s cultural calendar.

General admission tickets here.

About NICO
Founded in 2006, Vilnius, Lithuania-based New Ideas Chamber Orchestra (NICO) is a string ensemble distinguished for their captivating and unique performances. 
 
Playing from memory and fusing classical and pop idioms with non-traditional string instrument techniques the NICO creates a sublime, ethereal and energetic musical experience.
 
Featured members: Augusta Zuokė, Julija Anderson, Dalia Simaška, Agata Ursul (violin);
Liudvikas Silickas, Povilas Paukštė (cello); Gediminas Gelgotas (founder, artistic director, composer). www.nicomusic.eu