Mikalojus Novikas

Mikalojus Novikas (b. 1940) is a composer, pedagogue, collector, one of the most instrumental creators of the Lithuanian pop song tradition. In 1954–1958, he studied music theory and composition with Jurgis Gaižauskas at the Vilnius J. Tallat-Kelpša Music School (currently, Vilnius J. Tallat-Kelpša Conservatoire). In 1963, he graduated from the Lithuanian State Conservatoire (currently, the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre), where he studied composition under Prof. Antanas Račiūnas.

In 1960, he commenced his pedagogical work of many-years at the Vilnius J. Tallat-Kelpša Music School where he taught theoretical subjects. In 1982–1985, he served as the Director of Vilnius Cultural School, in 1985–1993 – the Director of the Vilnius J. Tallat-Kelpša Music School, in 1993–1998 – the Director of the Vilnius Conservatoire where since 1998 he has taught theoretical subjects (harmony, aural skills, composition, introduction to instruments, orchestration, arrangement). In 1968–1992, he also taught theoretical subjects at the Lithuanian State Conservatoire. He was the chairman of jury or jury member in a number of festivals and competitions. In 1966–1968, he hosted radio programs on jazz.

Mikalojus Novikas composed over 500 of diverse works the largest body of which is dedicated to light music. In 2001, he was voted the Best Pop Music Composer of the Year. His songs are marked by inventive rhythm, cheerful character and subtle humour. Mikalojus Novikas is credited for the first Lithuanian bossa nova (in 1964). His music features rhythms of rumba, samba and tango, elements of swing and jazz. Many of his songs were included in various collections published in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, the Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia and Poland. He has released ten personal LPs, audio tapes and CDs. The composer has presented about 350 personal concerts throughout Lithuania.