Most advanced nations have found the need and the means to provide their citizenry regular access to the timeless, universal beauties of great symphonic music. National orchestras are found in the capitals of countries around the globe. They are standard-bearers of artistic, intellectual and spiritual enrichment in their societies, and of the cultural traditions and achievements of their nations.
Lithuania and Slovakia are two such countries. Surrounded, constrained and occasionally embattled by much larger neighbors, they fervently preserve their finest symphonic institutions, cultural ambassadors on the world stage, protecting their cultural and artistic heritages as a matter of national pride.
Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra