Inspired by the iconic painting Bičiulystė (Friendship) by the
Lithuanian artist, composer and symbolist Mikalojus Konstantinas
Čiurlionis (1875–1911), the young and dynamic Duo Céüse invites
listeners to a conceptual concert experience centred on the theme of
friendship. The programme explores this subject from compositional,
biographical, personal and social perspectives.

Honouring the name of Čiurlionis, whose 150th birth anniversary is
celebrated in 2026, the duo aims to share the genius of one of the
pioneers of modern Lithuanian culture. Alongside a collection of rarely
performed preludes and nocturnes by Čiurlionis, arranged for cello and
piano by J. Čelkauskas (1935), the programme features masterpieces of
the Romantic era by Frédéric Chopin and Johannes Brahms, as well as
refined miniatures from the 20th century by Nadia Boulanger and
Vidmantas Bartulis. This diverse sound world reveals both the evolution
of harmonic language and the expressive, intimate dialogue between cello
and piano.

In Čiurlionis’ painting, friendship is portrayed as a form of light.
Bridging two European cultures, Duo Céüse embodies this illuminating
force through music. French cellist Aïnhoa Leguy and Lithuanian pianist
Marija Normantaitė met at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels in 2023,
where they formed a close artistic partnership and personal friendship.
Since then, they have performed at venues across Brussels, including the
Musical Instrument Museum, Église Notre-Dame des Victoires au Sablon and
Jardin Musical. While both musicians have developed significant solo
experience through international festivals, competitions, orchestral
projects and masterclasses, they see chamber music as central to their
artistic identity.

“Céüse, or Montagne de Céüse, is a well-known mountain in the
Hautes-Alpes region of France. We believe that rock climbing and playing
chamber music share essential qualities: both open new horizons, both
are demanding and require deep personal focus, and in both one relies on
the other — on a belayer managing the rope on the rock, and on a partner
shaping the music on stage.

The Latin name Céüse refers to flint, a sharp and durable stone known
for its ability to spark fire and to be reshaped. We believe that
something ‘Céüse-like’ lies at the very core of a profound chamber music
performance.”

Aïnhoa Leguy, Marija Normantaitė

Samples and videos