I Lituani

Opera I lituani by the famous Italian composer A. Ponchielli is based on A. Mickevičius' poem Konrad Wallenrod. Its premiere took place at Milan’s famous La Scala Theatre in 1874. The work, which portrays the heroism of Lithuanians during the wars with the Crusaders, was extremely successful and became a symbol of the Italians’ struggles for freedom!

The Lithuanian opera planned to stage I lituani as early as 1939. Through the mediation of the Italian Minister Baron di Giura, the Italian Ministry of Press and Propaganda then granted the Lithuanian Opera the right to stage this work. Unfortunately, World War II and the Lithuanian tragedy prevented the opera's premiere. The Lithuanians first staged I lituani in 1981 at the Chicago Lithuanian Opera based on the wonderfully translated and edited libretto by Stasys Santvaras. The staging of this opera in Chicago in 1991 became a special event, when the Chicago Lithuanian Opera, together with the LNOBT, was able to present the history of Lithuania to the whole world for the first time. An impressive commemorative production was also created in 2009 at the Trakai Castle, commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the name of Lithuania. Since 2020, I lituani has been performed every year on 6 July in the courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Dukes, with each performance dedicated to the Statehood Day of Lithuania.

The score of I lituani is impressive, with a colourful orchestra, monumental choirs, extremely beautiful a cappella episodes of the choir, and melodious soloist parts. The 2025–2026 season at the LNOBT began with the premiere of this outstanding opera, presented on our stage by the renowned Argentinian director Hugo De Ana, who also created the set and costume designs for this production.