Lunchtime Concert: Rokas Valuntonis, piano

In a change to the advertised programme, Rokas Valuntonis has kindly stepped in at very short notice to perform in place of the indisposed Bose-Pastor Duo. We are immensely grateful to Rokas for doing so.

Chichester Cathedral's popular lunchtime concerts take place on Tuesdays at 1.10pm during term time, in the spectacular setting of the Cathedral Nave. They are free and last approximately 50 minutes. There is a retiring collection.

Event details

Tickets
Free
Date
Tuesday 8 July 2025, 13:10
Venue
Nave
Programme

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911)
Little Sonata
     I.   Prelude
     II.  Andante
     III. Scherzo (Canon)
     IV. Finale (Fugue)

Frėdėric Chopin (1810-1849)
4 Mazurkas, Op. 33
     I.   Mazurka in G-sharp minor
     II.  Mazurka in C major
     III. Mazurka in D major
     IV. Mazurka in B minor

R. Schumann (1810-1856)
Carnaval, Op. 9
Little scenes on four notes

 


Musician Biographies

Rokas Valuntonis is a Lithuanian pianist and laureate of over 20 international competitions. Among his most notable accolades is the First Prize at the 2018 Campillos International Piano Competition in Spain. Previous victories include the International Music Competition “Società Umanitaria” in Italy and the Nordic Piano Competition in Sweden. 

Valuntonis has appeared in prestigious venues across Europe, including Milton Court and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, Sala Verdi in Milan, Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall in Vilnius, and Sala Casella at the Accademia Filarmonica Romana in Rome. He has performed in countries such as Denmark, Finland, France, and Portugal, and has appeared as a soloist with renowned ensembles including the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, Lund Symphony Orchestra, St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, and the Panevėžys Chamber Orchestra. 

Beyond the traditional concert stage, Valuntonis has collaborated with actors and presenters to create multidisciplinary performances. His most recent project with acclaimed Lithuanian actor Kostas Smoriginas explored the inner lives and emotional worlds of composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninov through a fusion of music and dramatic storytelling. In the 2025/26 season, Valuntonis will present a series of solo recitals throughout Europe, with appearances at the Kaunas Philharmonic (Lithuania), Rzeszów Philharmonic (Poland), Thomas Mann Festival (Lithuania), Teatro de Bragança (Portugal), and the Summer of Piano Music Festival in Druskininkai (Lithuania). 

Born and raised in Lithuania, Valuntonis began his studies at the Lithuanian Music and Theatre Academy under Aleksandra Žvirblytė, later continuing at the Sibelius Academy in Finland, with further mentorship from Eugen Indjic in Paris. He completed an Artist Diploma at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London under Peter Bithell. In 2017, he joined the City Music Foundation Artist Programme. 

Valuntonis’s artistry and achievements have earned him the prestigious Queen Morta Award, as well as commendations from two Presidents of Lithuania.
 


Donations

Chichester Cathedral's Lunchtime Concert series is self-supporting, and thrives through the generosity of its audiences. While there is no charge for admission, we suggest a minimum donation of £3 per person, with Gift Aid applied if possible. Donations can be made in the retiring collection, in the Cathedral, at our Visitor’s Desk or at various donation points, using cash, card and contactless or using the button below.

click here to donate online


Can't make it this time?

Lunchtime Concerts take place every Tuesday at 1.10pm during term-time, our talented performers come from across the UK and occasionally overseas, to delight our audiences with music from Beethoven to Chopin, Elgar to Mozart and more.

Click here for Summer 2025 programme