Leopoldas Digrys (1934–2025) was a prominent Lithuanian organist, pianist, and teacher, widely considered the founder of the modern Lithuanian organ school. He was a laureate of the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize.
Career highlights
Education: Digrys began his musical training at the age of five. He studied both piano and organ at the Moscow P. I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory, graduating in 1957. He completed postgraduate studies in both specialties and undertook an internship at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague.
Performance: Digrys performed more than 2,000 organ music concerts in his career, featuring works by classical and contemporary composers. He gave concerts in 31 European countries, including Germany, France, Austria, and Scandinavia. He also recorded 21 vinyl albums.
Academia: Starting in 1960, Digrys taught at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (formerly the Vilnius State Conservatoire), becoming a professor in 1980. He retired in 2001. In 1962, on his initiative, the organ performance program was restored at the conservatory after being closed in 1949.
Festivals and competitions: Digrys initiated the Vilnius Organ Music festivals in 1968. In 1968, he also expanded the M. K. Čiurlionis piano competition to include organists. The regional M. K. Čiurlionis Organ Competitions later became international.
Instrument restoration: His efforts led to the construction of new organs in several Lithuanian locations, including the Lithuanian National Philharmonic, the Vilnius Cathedral-Basilica, and St. Casimir's Church in Vilnius.
Legacy
In 1997, he established and volunteered as the head of The Centre for Religious Music.
The center organizes dozens of sacred music concerts annually, primarily at St. Casimir's Church.
Following his death on January 19, 2025, memorial events celebrating his life and contributions were held in Lithuania.