About
Gintas Abarius
Welcome to the world of Gintas Abarius,
Lithuanian-born internationally
accomplished pianist, composer and
worship leader.
Two powerful elements of his rich European and
American musical background, classical and
jazz, are blended into a unique sound, touching
the soul with the life-changing power of love,
hope, compassion, encouragement and joy.
These come from the place of a perfect peace:
the presence of an Ultimate Creator of Heavens
and Earth.
This amazing place is wide open to you. Relax and enjoy the flow of music. As it takes you out of your daily routine, listen to your heart. Deep
inside of you there is a Sound of Peace, a testimony of your sonship and infinite beginning, where you belong in everlasting God.
Music is the most universal language for it has no borders and knows no limits. It reaches the depths of our being and can take us to a level our logical mind cannot comprehend. Music is the power that steps into the future and transforms the present, changing individuals and societies. It heals and brings freedom. It belongs to us as the greatest gift of life.
Biography
Lithuanian born (1959) internationally accomplished pianist and composer, a son of famous conductor and composer Lionginas Abarius. G. Abarius began playing piano when he was 5 years old. At the age of 8 he was accepted into M-K. Ciurlionis School of Art to study piano where he was taught by Professor E. Ignatonis and graduated in 1977. There, he also studied composition by Professors V. Bagdonas, B. Kutavicius, and O. Balakauskas.
In 1977, he was accepted into Lithuania’s National Conservatory. He was taught by Professor J. Karnavicius and graduated in 1983.
Later, he studied composition under Professor V. Laurusas.
During the years of study in Lithuania’s National Conservatory, G. Abarius held solo recitals and was the winner of numerous chamber music festivals.
In 1980, together with A. Fedotovas and B. Vainas, he created his first jazz trio which was recognized as a Grand Prix winner trio in the First Birstonas Jazz Festival.
When he returned to jazz in 1984, his trio participated in many various jazz festivals in the USSR.
In 1987, G. Abarius’ jazz quartet was the winner of the United Youth Stage performers contest in Moscow.
In 1988, G. Abarius was recognized as the best Lithuanian jazz pianist.
From 1987, G. Abarius toured and played with much success in Germany, Poland, Finland, Russia, Denmark, England, Latvia, Bulgaria, Holland, Estonia, Spain, Bulgaria, Iceland, Slovakia, Israel, and the USA.
From 1986, G. Abarius started to express himself as a composer as well, creating more than dozens of songs which were sung and still are sung in the repertoire of popular Lithianian singers.
G. Abarius’ composed two songs for V. Kernagis – “Saukiu as Tauta” (“I Am Calling the Nation”) and “Dieve, Laimink Lietuva” (“God, Bless Lithuania”) which are always heard during Lithuania’s national holidays and celebrations.
G. Abarius is also the author of many songs played at the national and international Lithuanian song celebrations, various festivals, contests, music for children’s ensembles for TV, and music for cinema. He is also one of the beginners of contemporary Christian music in Lithuania and the whole USSR.
Currently, G. Abarius is residing in the United States of America together with his family. There, G. Abarius is doing the work of a musical missionary. He is also teaching young musicians, holding international conferences, seminars, mastery classes, composing and recording new projects.
Facts of performing, touring and discograpy of Gintas Abarius:
| Years | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| 1980-1998 | Leader of “Abarius Jazz Trio” |
| 1980-1986 | Winner of Grand Prix at national Birstonas jazz festival in Lithuania. Concerts at jazz festivals in RIga (Latvia), Minsk (Belorussia), St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk (Russia), Tallin (Estonia), Sofia (Bulgaria). Multiple recordings at lithuanian national tv and radio. |
| 1987 | Winner of Grand Prix at international music contest in Moscow. Concerts on national TV of USSR in Moscow. |
| 1987 | tour in Germany-Koln, Dusseldorf, Kassel |
| 1988 | Grand Prix at national Birstonas jazz festival. Gintas Abarius is announced as the best jazz pianist in Lithuania. “Abarius Jazz Trio” received international award of jazz critics as a Discovery of the Year of USSR. |
| 1988 | tour in Germany-Manheim, Wiesbaden, Bielefeld, Koln |
| 1989 | tour in Finland-Keitelle jazz festival, Concerts in Helsinki |
| 1989 | tour in Spain – Murcia, Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid. Concerts on national TV of Spain |
| 1989 | Festival “Solo, Duo, Trio” in Krakow, Poland |
| 1990 | tour in Denmark-copenhagen |
| 1990 | tour in Germany-Dusseldorf, Kempten, Fussen, Hanover, Koln |
| 1991 | concerts in Moscow at Lithuanian Embassy |
| 1991 | tour in Poland. Concerts in “Aquarium” jazz club, Warsaw |
| 1992 | tour in Netherlands-Groningen, Amsterdam |
| 1993-1998 | concerts at embassy of USA in Lithuania, international “Kaunas Jazz’, ‘Singgroup jazz” festivals, Concerts in Riga (Latvia), Moscow (Russia), recordings on national TV and radio. |
DISCOGRAPHY of ABARIUS JAZZ TRIO:
| Years | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| 1980 | Live at Birstonas Jazz Festival |
| 1994 | Live at Birstonas Jazz Festival |
| 1987 | Monographies |
| 1988 | Live at Birstonas Jazz Festival |
| 1989 | Reminiscense Bluse |
| 1990 | Midnight Song |
| 1993 | Tree of Life |
| 1995 | Concert for the King |
| 2006 | Lithuanian Jazz 2980-1990 |
TOURING FACTS OF GINTAS ABARIUS 1994-2009
| Years | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| 1994 | concerts and recordings in Latvia (Riga), Russia (Yekateringurg), Ukraine (Kijev) |
| 1995 | concerts in USA (Sacramento) |
| 1996 | concerts in Iceland (Reikjavik), Germany (Dusseldorf, Duisburg, Hanover) |
| 1997 | concerts in USA (NY, Denver, Seattle, Portland), Ukraine (Kijev), Iceland (Reikjavik), recordings on national TV of Iceland |
| 1998 | concerts in Israel (Naharia, Haifa), Kazachstan (Alma-Ata), Russia (Moscow), USA (Sacramento, Denver, Springfield, NY) |
| 1999 | concerts in Russia (Izhevsk), Latvia (Riga), Israel (Haifa), England (London) |
| 2000 | concerts in Germany (Mannheim, Dusseldorf, Koln, Hamburg), England (London), USA (Tampa, Sarasota) |
| 2003 | concerts in Germany (Osnabruck, Hanover, Hamburg) |
| 2004 | concerts in Russia (Irkutsk, Chabarovsk, Ussuryjsk) |
| 2005-2007 | concerts in USA (Raleigh, Houma, Augusta, Springfield, Sacramento, Charlotte) |
| 2008 | Concerts in Lithuania-Vilnius, Palanga, Pazaislis international festival, concerts in USA (Raleigh, Wilkesboro, Philadelphia, Orlando, Atlanta) |
| 2009 | concerts at Lithuanian national Philharmonic in Klaipeda, Kaunas, Vilnius. |
DISCOGRAPHY OF GINTAS ABARIUS
| Years | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| 1994 | New Generation |
| 1995 | For all is Paid |
| 1995 | Live for the King (with “Abarius Jazz Trio” and Judita Leitaite-international mezosoprano) |
| 1996 | Come back to Jesus |
| 1997 | Songs of the Smallest |
| 2004 | Tribute (with “Baltic Avenue”) |
| 2005 | American Songs |
| 2006 | Sound of Peace |
| 2008 | Gates of Joy (with lithuanian jazz stars) |
| 2009 | Psalms of the later Rain |
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Other Music of GINTAS ABARIUS
Gintas Abarius
- Hyms and Galla songs for Lithuanian national and international music festivals of 1997, 2003, 2005, 2009
- Numerous national pop-hits.
- Music for TV, radio, cinema.
- “Jazz Mass” for 2 soloists, vocal jazz group, instrumental jazz ensemble and mixed choir.
- Music for children, recorded on 3 CDs
| Years | Accomplishments |
|---|---|
| 1997 | Pop Show |
| 1997 | I’m alive in Song |
| 1997 | Songs of the Smallest |
