"Resonance of Compassion: A Musical Journey through Lithuanian Jewish Heritage and the Spirit of Sugihara" co-hosted with Lithuanian Embassy in Canada
2024/3/4
On March 4, Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi hosted the event "Resonance of Compassion: A Musical Journey through Lithuanian Jewish Heritage and the Spirit of Sugihara," along with co-host Ambassador Darius Skusevičius of the Embassy of Lithuania, The event honoured Mr. SUGIHARA Chiune, a Japanese diplomat who saved the lives of thousands of displaced Jews during World WarII by issuing transit visas to Japan at the Japanese Consulate in Kaunas, Lithuania. Approximately 60 guests attended this event, including members of Lithuanian Canadian and Jewish Canadian community.
As his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi spoke about Mr. Sugihara’s legacy and his courageous efforts to save thousands of Jewish people fleeing Europe.
Ambassador Skusevičius also gave remarks and introduced the four musicians (Rafailas Karpis (Tenor), Darius Mažintas (Piano), Atis Bankas (Violin), Jonathan Tortolano (Cello)). They presented the program specially created for the event including a variety of songs from multiple composers, such as Ukrainian and Japanese composers. The encore piece was “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, who has Lithuanian heritage, with Ambassador Yamanouchi on piano and Ambassador Skusevičius on tambourine.
The concert contributed to deepen the friendship between Japan and Lithuania, as well as the legacy of a courageous diplomat of humanity, Mr. Sugihara, highlighting the stories of resilience and compassion.
As his opening remarks, Ambassador Yamanouchi spoke about Mr. Sugihara’s legacy and his courageous efforts to save thousands of Jewish people fleeing Europe.
Ambassador Skusevičius also gave remarks and introduced the four musicians (Rafailas Karpis (Tenor), Darius Mažintas (Piano), Atis Bankas (Violin), Jonathan Tortolano (Cello)). They presented the program specially created for the event including a variety of songs from multiple composers, such as Ukrainian and Japanese composers. The encore piece was “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, who has Lithuanian heritage, with Ambassador Yamanouchi on piano and Ambassador Skusevičius on tambourine.
The concert contributed to deepen the friendship between Japan and Lithuania, as well as the legacy of a courageous diplomat of humanity, Mr. Sugihara, highlighting the stories of resilience and compassion.
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| Ambassador Yamanouchi giving remarks |
Ambassador Skusevičius giving remarks |
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| All 4 musicians performing | Encore with Ambassador Yamanouchi on piano |