|
Lithuanian accordion duet has been performing for two decades. During this time the musicians have won numerous international competitions.
In 1989 they placed second in the chamber ensembles category at the international accordion competition in Kligenthal, Germany. In 1994 they
received fourth place at two competitions in Italy: in Castelfidardo, as well as the Astor Piazzolla international competition. They have performed
not only in Lithuania, but also in many other countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Great Britain,
Holland, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, the United States, and
Yugoslavia. The duet has given more than 800 concerts, issued a CD, an LP record, four cassettes, and recorded concerts for radio and television.
Both musicians are graduates of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and became involved in professional activities during their student years.
They started their careers as soloists, but in 1978 began making music together. Studies at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Kiev (1983-1986) were
important years for E. Gabnis and G. Savkov, where the musicians fine-tuned their craft both as solo and ensemble performers. During these years
they became acquainted with the teaching methods of three distinguished pedagogues - N. Rizol, I. Yashkevitch and N. Davydov.
It was not easy winning recognition on the academic stage playing an instrument which is usually relegated to the sphere of popular
entertainment. It was important to prepare special programs and select appropriate repertoire, which the duo accomplishes with great success. The
ensemble makes no compromises and maintains the highest standards of professionalism for which it repeatedly has earned audience approval. Its
repertoire includes fine classical music arrangements (about 80 of them by the performers themselves), original contemporary compositions for
accordion, as well as lively, traditional entertainment music and works by Lithuanian composers written especially for the duo.
It should be noted that in Astor Piazzolla competition they were the only performers to receive a special prize for transcriptions of the
Argentinean composer's works. The duo was not only the first to present the works of this famous composer in Lithuania, but also made his name
popular across the country.
Popularity is won not only by choice repertoire, but also by high performance standards. Not many accordion players in Lithuania are able to
match the mastery of this pair. Accordion music has gained a definite following and established rich traditions during two decades of the duo's
existence. One example is accordion festivals, which includes the duo of E. Gabnis and G. Savkov among the organizers.
Eduardas Gabnis (b. 1952 in Panevezhis) began studying music in his native town, and continued at the Vilnius Conservatory. In 1976 he
graduated from the Lithuanian Academy of Music where he studied with Prof. A. Baika. From 1983 to 1986 he studied at the Ukrainian National
Music Academy under Prof. N. Davydov and Prof. N. Rizol. E. Gabnis participated in international master classes for accordion musicians held
in
Poland (1985) and in Salzburg's Mozarteum (1994). Presently he is professor and assistant rector at the Lithuanian Academy of Music. His
professional craftsmanship is confirmed by prizes his students have won at international competitions.
Gennady Savkov
(b.1952 in Omsk)
studied accordion in his
native town under VI. Yepifanov and graduated from the Lithuanian Academy of
Music, where he studied with V. Furmanavichius. He continued his studies under Prof. I. Yashkevitch at the Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Kiev.
G. Savkov performs not only with E. Cabnis, but also has appeared with the renowned Lithuanian singer Regina Maciute, with the St. Christopher
Chamber Orchestra (under the direction of Donatas Katkus), the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra (under the direction of Juozas
Domarkas) and the pop group "Retro" (led by Tomas Leiburas). G. Savkov also teaches young accordion players at Vilnius Music School No.
2 and at the Lithuanian Academy of Music.
|
