‘I was invited to join the Trimitas ensemble in the summer of 2020 by the orchestra’s director, Prof. Dr. Antanas Kučinskas. I was intrigued by his vision of seeing and hearing a professional, high-quality ensemble performing a rich repertoire. I was happy to be able to contribute my expertise to the goals of the ensemble. I am better known as a performer of modern music, and I have no doubt that in the near future we will take up contemporary music scores and expand the Lithuanian repertoire for the wind orchestra. I see my work at Trimitas as an opportunity to propose my own ideas. I feel needed and appreciated here,’ said conductor Karolis Variakojis (born in 1990).
Key professional activities:
- Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in conducting (2009-2015) at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre under Professor Juozas Domarkas.
- Since 2013 – Founder (together with composer Dominykas Digimas) and conductor of the contemporary music ensemble
- Since 2015 – Conductor of Alytus Youth Symphony Orchestra Svajonė.
- Since 2020 – Conductor of the State Wind Instrument Orchestra Trimitas.
Karolis Variakojis is one of the most prominent conductors of the young Lithuanian generation. He is a guest conductor of the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Kaunas City Symphony Orchestra, and the Contemporary Music Festival Gaida.
In 2019, the ensemble Synaesthesis, conducted by Variakojis, was awarded the title of Vilnius City Ensemble.
In 2020, Synaesthesis won the prestigious Ernst von Siemens Music Prize.