Gintas Abarius

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.

Gintas Plays

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.