Imantas Jonas Simkus Ave Maria

In February 2024, Imantas Jonas Šimkus defended his doctoral thesis “Interpretation of metro-rhythmic fable in the art of conducting”. In 2018 and 2020-2021 Dr. I. J. Šimkus studied at the Vienna University of Music and Performing Arts. By order of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania on April 29 2020, Imantas J. Šimkus was granted the status of the creator of art.

Dr. Imantas J. Šimkus, a young, promising conductor who actively participates in cultural life. The conductor recorded a number of works by Lithuanian composers, prepared concert programs with the country's most famous ensembles. Imantas J. Šimkus together with Vilnius sacred music choir Adoramus performed in France, Austria, Poland, Germany and Lithuania. In 2019 choir Adoramus released the CD “Benedicta Tu”, in which one Imantas J. Šimkus makes his debut as a composer of choir music. During the Adoramus concert seasons 2019-2020, the compositions “Beatudines”, “Mass in C sharp minor”, “Praise the Lord!”, “Give me Yourself, my God” was premiered. The author’s composition “Der Weg” was performed by the Vilnius City Municipality Choir Jauna muzika and in June 2021 I. J. Šimkus won the third prize in the young composers’ competition organized by the Šiauliai State Choir Polifonija (composition for the choir “Exegi”). At the invitation of the theater director I. Jackeviciute, I. J. Šimkus created the music for the Panevežys drama theater Menas producon “Namai”. The show was a great success and continues to be part of the theater’s annual repertoire. Currently, Imantas Jonas Šimkas has received a state scholarship to create a cantata in honor of St. Ignaus of Loyola.