One of the most distinguished French jazz pianists of his generation is coming to Vilnius, joined by a singer already well known to Lithuanian jazz audiences — Viktorija Gečytė.

French pianist Fred Nardin is one of the most sought-after musicians of his generation. He is a recipient of the French Jazz Academy’s Django Reinhardt Prize, awarded to France’s Jazz Musician of the Year, and, with the orchestra he co-founded, the Amazing Keystone Big Band, a winner of the Victoires du Jazz — often described as the French equivalent of the jazz Grammys — for Best Group of the Year. The orchestra has performed with artists including Quincy Jones, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Gregory Porter. Fred has also served as musical director for French pop star Pascal Obispo on tour. This year, the French Ministry of Culture appointed him a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres — Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.

In Vilnius, he will be heard in the intimate setting of a trio, with Viktor Nyberg on double bass — born in Stockholm, educated at the Royal College of Music in Sweden, the University of North Texas and the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMDP), and today one of the leading names on the Paris jazz scene — and Romain Sarron on drums, co-founder of the Amazing Keystone Big Band, who has studied with American drummers Herlin Riley and Kenny Washington.

The trio’s 2025 album “Trio +” was described by French critics as music that sounds “restrained, without excess, yet full of soul,” equally convincing in original compositions, reimagined standards and unexpected surprises — such as turning the electronic hit “Nightcall” by Kavinsky, known from the soundtrack of Drive, into a jazz ballad.

Their guest for the evening will be Viktorija Gečytė, sometimes described as “a jazz artist without borders” — and with good reason. Born in Lithuania, educated in the United States and now based in Paris, for nearly two decades she has been bringing Lithuanian jazz to international stages across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Romania, Morocco and Tunisia. She has twice been a finalist in the international Sarah Vaughan Jazz Vocal Competition in the United States.

French cultural weekly Télérama wrote that, listening to her, “it is hard to believe that [Viktorija] did not spend her childhood in New York jazz clubs.” All About Jazz praised her voice as “warm, velvety, gently rounded, never heavy,” supported by a sense of storytelling in which “timing, nuance and restraint create the music’s quiet power.”

This year, she became only the second woman in the 45-year history of the Birštonas Jazz Festival to receive its Grand Prix, following Neda Malūnavičiūtė. The jury recognised her “for spontaneity, playfulness, the nurturing of Lithuanian heritage and loyalty to the jazz standard tradition.” In many ways, the award feels like a homecoming for a voice that has spent most of its career performing beyond Lithuania’s borders.

Viktorija’s 2025 album “Mother”, whose title and inspiration come from a poem by Jonas Mekas, was released together with American double bassist Gene Perla, her long-time collaborator who has performed with artists including Elvin Jones, Nina Simone, Sarah Vaughan and Sonny Rollins. It is already their fourth recording together.

Whether you are looking for a virtuosic and inspiring programme or simply a warm, swinging atmosphere, this evening promises to be full of memorable moments.

The first 40 tickets – at the cheapest price.

The Jazz Cellar 11 club’s “Dainykla” project is partially funded by the Vilnius City Municipality.—————————————

The concert (2 sets) starts at 8.30 p.m.

Doors apen at 7 p.m.

Your ticket ensures you a seat, there are no standing places in the club during. Seating is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Table reservation for groups of 5 or more people by phone +37068411382 (everyday except Sunday from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m.).

We kindly request that attendees adhere to concert etiquette and show respect for the artists.