From January 8 to 11, 2025, Vilnius University hosted Professor David Timm from Leipzig University—a renowned organist, music director, and choir conductor. His visit took place as part of the ARQUS "Bottom-up Initiative" project, offering the VU community a unique opportunity for inspiration and new knowledge.

During his visit, Professor Timm led a rehearsal for the VU organ studio "Unda Maris"  at the St. John's Church of Vilnius University. Four students had the chance to perform their chosen compositions for the professor and receive valuable feedback.

Benas Matuzevičius, who performed J.S. Bach’s Trio Sonata in E-flat major, shared his impressions: "It was an interesting experience, allowing me to explore a different organ playing school and hear the pieces I had learned from a fresh perspective. Prof. David Timm listened to two movements of my performance of J.S. Bach’s piece and suggested ways to make the first movement more playful and dynamic while giving the second a more lyrical and meaningful touch. The professor left a positive impression on me, as he effectively demonstrated how small adjustments in playing technique and overall interpretation could lead to significant changes for both the performer and the listener," - said Benas, a student from the Faculty of Medicine.

Karolina Indrulytė, a student from the Faculty of Law, performed the second movement of Felix Mendelssohn’s Third Sonata and also found the experience rewarding:
"The professor provided insightful observations on the performance of Mendelssohn’s sonata. It was helpful to hear how different registration choices or tempo variations could enhance the piece’s interpretation," - she said. 

Regina Dainytė, who played Zipoli’s Pastorale, was surprised that David, like the studio’s instructors, was well acquainted with all the pieces performed by the studio members. "During the rehearsal, I reaffirmed the importance of shortening note durations in the weak beats of baroque compositions. I also enjoyed David’s organ playing," shared Regina, a former long-time VU employee and now a senior member who has attended "Unda Maris" since its first season.

At the end of the rehearsal, Prof. David Timm played the largest organ in Lithuania with both his hands and feet, leaving the studio members in awe with his improvisational skills, showcasing the instrument’s range from the gentlest chords to a thunderous fortissimo.

The artistic director of the VU organ studio "Unda Maris", Dr. Vidas Pinkevičius, expressed his admiration for Prof. Timm’s chromatic improvisations: "The VU organ sounded in a new light, as if Franz Liszt himself had played it," - said Vidas.

Dr. Aušra Motūzaitė-Pinkevičienė, an organist from "Unda Maris", was deeply impressed by how Prof. Timm found a connection between J.S. Bach’s music and jazz by altering the articulation of the Trio Sonata.

Beyond the rehearsal with "Unda Maris", Prof. David Timm also led an intensive session for the VU choirs "Gaudeamus", "Virgo", and "Pro Musica", where he introduced the subtleties of interpreting German choral works. This rehearsal was dedicated to the "Via  Crucis" project by Franz Liszt, giving choir members a deeper understanding of the piece’s nuances. The session was supported by his choral assistant Maria Kuestner, as well as VU choir conductors Ignas Garla and Indrė Pinkevičė.

During the visit, the Leipzig University guests attended a concert at the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall dedicated to the commemoration of January 13. They also visited Jurbarkas and Trakai.

VU Choirs’ director, Rasa Gelgotienė, emphasized the immense value of such masterclasses with colleagues from other universities: "These visits provide students with an invaluable opportunity to grow and expand their musical horizons." During this visit, possibilities for joint concerts between Leipzig and Vilnius University choirs in 2026 were discussed.

Prof. Timm’s visit was also significant for the conductor of the VU Chamber Orchestra, Modestas Jankūnas, who mentioned his appreciation for the opportunity to connect with colleagues and share musical knowledge.

Professor David Timm’s visit was a meningful musical experience for the Vilnius University community, strengthening ties with Leipzig University and fostering further creative and academic collaboration.