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Lithuanian culture has experienced influences by different traditions and factors that can still be felt at present. It is also significant for an interesting merge of elements of pagan mythology and Christianity. Starting from the Renaissance and on to the later epochs, Western European cultural tradition has clearly had the greatest influence on professional art in Lithuania. In the 20th century, throughout the period of independent Lithuania, highly productive relations between our country and other European states enriched Lithuanian culture on the whole and encouraged the development of its modern culture.

The roots of versatile Lithuanian culture lie back in the multicultural legacy of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (14th - 18th centuries). The boundaries of Lithuanian culture have always been beyond the borders of ethnic Lithuania. Outstanding personalities, who lived in the territory of the present-day Poland, Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, are often ascribed to the Lithuanian culture.

Surviving many influences, which came with migrant artists, occupations, forced and strategic political unions, through cultural and scientific exchange, Lithuanians have persistently protected the identity of their traditional culture and its formative elements.

The history of contemporary professional Lithuanian art and music started with artist and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis (1875 - 1911). The works by this talented artist combined symbolism and romanticism. Lithuanian literature, arts, theatre and music flourished within the first years of independence of Lithuania as a state. Alas, a part of Lithuanian authors, actors and scientists were forced into emigration by dramatic events of the 20th century. The works by Lithuanian emigrant writers and artists created in Western Europe and USA nowadays have become an integral part of Lithuanian cultural heritage.

The most recent cultural events in Lithuania grow out of the fertile soil of ethnic culture traditions and the European context. Not once has Lithuanian theatre been highly appreciated by Lithuanian as well as foreign audience and theatre critics. Such directors as Eimuntas Nekrosius, Oskaras Korsunovas, Rimas Tuminas, Jonas Vaitkus and Gintaras Varnas are ranked among international theatre celebrities.

Our country can also boast of many well-known professional symphonic and chamber orchestras, choirs, opera singers and ballet dancers. Cultural events happening all year round encompass marvelous annual festivals of classical music, theatre, cinema and poetry presenting performances by many eminent Lithuanian and foreign artists. Lithuania is widely known as a jazz country, famous for its several international jazz festivals organized by jazz performers and fans in Kaunas, Birstonas and Vilnius.

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