"It’s important to really want it, to try hard and to believe it!"

Perhaps all of those who participated in The Island of Friends last year still remember the wonderful sounds of music that Julija presented to her special audience by picking the delicate strings of the Lithuanian folk music instrument kanklės.

 

In the 10^th National Jonas Švedas Folk Instrument Competition that took place on the 8^th –9^th of April, Julija was awarded the 1st degree laureate’s diploma. Moreover, the jury of the competition prized Julija’s performance by granting her the special prize – the new traditional kanklės.

 

Julija never fails to amaze us by her inner strength and capability not only to recover from a severe illness, but also to inspire the joy of living to others. Marveling at Julija’s performances and being proud of her achievements, we decided to interview the young musician.

 

When did the sound of kanklės mesmerize you, and why did you choose this particular instrument to guide you on your musical path?

We always had kanklės and a piano at home, so these two instruments where like toys to me. Being only one year old, I used to sing and randomly strum the strings, accompanying to my own songs. My first song was Du gaideliai. I started to play accurate chords at the age of three. Unlike other girls of my age, I did not show any interest in dolls or other toys, so kanklės was my main toy. When I was 12–13 years old, I started thinking about becoming a professional performer. This particular instrument is appealing to me, because it is not popular, which is why I find it very interesting to experiment with it and to make it more popular.

 

The musicians often disagree on which musical instrument has the most pleasant sound. You must be one of those who strongly favor kanklės?

If I had to pick just one instrument, it would definitely be kanklės. However, I think that each instrument has a unique sound which is beautiful in its own way, so it may be impossible to select the most pleasant sounding one!

 

What other music instruments would you put on the list of your favorites? Can you play any other instruments?

Besides kanklės, I play piano and I can also play a few chords on guitar (I only recently started playing guitar). While I enjoy various instruments, I especially admire the sounds of harp, flute and the Lithuanian birbynė.

 

You are a remarkably talented girl: you play music, write, and take photographs. Where do your many artistic capacities come from?

I am not so sure about my writing and photography talents, but I inherited my musical talent from both of my parents, and developed it with my mother’s help.

 

Do you ever transfer your ideas to sheet music?

I regret to say: not yet. But maybe I will, in the future...

 

Having graduated from music school, children often neglect their instruments and lose their skills. What gave you the stimulus to continue playing music?

My desire. I knew I was successful in this area, and I had a great desire to engage in playing music and to improve my skills. Also, my parents supported me very much. All these things were a stimulus for me.

 

What composers do you like best and get inspiration from?

For the time being I especially love to perform pieces created by Yiruma. I get inspiration from Joe Dassin’s music.

 

You perform untraditional, highly sensational and exceptionally beautiful pieces by kanklės. What makes you choose a repertory like this?

The fact that such pieces sound terrific when played by kanklės! Also, because they are unorthodox for kanklės. Such pieces attract more listeners and break a stereotype that only folk music can be performed by kanklės, so the instrument becomes more popular. My goal is to eliminate this Soviet stereotype and to present my instrument from a different point of view.

 

You performed music at the Oncohematology Unit of Vilnius Chidren’s Hospital, played for the oncological patient’s community, and also, in The Island of Friends. What important message do you seek to convey to children and adults with similar life-stories, by your music?

To never give up, to have faith and to pursue their goals. After all, like they sing in Keistuolių teatras, It’s important to really want it, to try hard and to believe it!

 

Where do you get enough energy for rehearsals, concerts and even competitions that you actually win?

The music itself gives me energy. Playing kanklės does not tire me out at all! I don’t need to make myself practice. I only practice when I want to, but I want to often.

 

You have participated in many competitions. Which one was the most memorable?

There are only a few competitions for kanklės. I remember the competition in Poland the best. Being only four, I sang and accompanied myself by kanklės. Before my illness I used to play in an ensemble that participated in various competitions. All of them left beautiful memories.

 

Do your concerts exhaust you or, to the contrary, provide strength to you, and work like therapy?

They strengthen me, especially now that I am glued to my wheelchair. The concerts help me to relax and forget the everyday cares, and to feel that life after the disease has not stopped, but still goes on.

 

At the moment, my day-dreams may be a little naive, but I am dreaming of a happy future: studying music in the Conservatoire and Academy of Music, and igniting a love in the hearts of Lithuanians, for our national instrument, kanklės, so that we will learn to be proud of our unique instrument. Also, I would like to be helping people with oncological diseases.

 

 

We invite you to listen: