Algimantas Raudonikis

Algimantas Raudonikis (1934-2003) gained a solid theoretical and practical background in composition studying with Antanas Račiūnas, Jurgis Gaižauskas and Eduardas Balsys from 1953 to 1963, all the three being well-known Lithuanian composers of the mid-20th century and a later period.

Member of the Lithuanian Composers’ Union since 1967, Algimantas Raudonikis has written more than 700 compositions of various genres, including about 500 songs, more than 100 dances, dozens of pieces for wind orchestra, piano, accordion, folk ensembles or solo folk instruments, and several symphonic opuses.

He was arguably the most famous Lithuanian song writer of his time. Dozens of his songs, performed by the country’s best singers, choirs, and folk ensembles, have long become the extremely popular examples of the “modern folklore”. Melodious, sincere, lyric and optimistic, they stand in close proximity to the classical traditions.

Over the past several decades, Algimantas Raudonikis has organised about 400 concerts of his music in Lithuania and several foreign countries, including Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. His compositions were included in the programs of the National Song Festivals, various festivals of popular music, and song competitions. His songs have been performed by more than two dozen of the country’s star jazz, opera and pop singers.

Among many of his awards, are three national prizes for his songs, another three for dances, one for musical-choreographical composition, and one more for the music for wind orchestra. He bears several honorary artistic titles, such as the Meritorious Artist of Lithuania (1977) and the National Artist of Lithuania (1984). In addition, he was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order of the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas (2004) and also granted the title of the Honorary Citizen of the town of Joniškis the same year. In 2012, the art school of Joniškis was named after him. His latest achievement was the Culture and Arts Prize of the Lithuanian Government in 2014.

Apart from his fruitful artistic activity, Algimantas Raudonikis has taken on various administrative jobs and tasks. He worked for a number of music and arts institutions, was a lecturer at what is now the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, and took the leading part in the organisation of the National Song Festivals and other events dedicated to music and dance.

Robertas Budrys