About the Rostropovich Charity and Support Fund
The Mstislav Rostropovich Charity and Support Foundation "Aid to Lithuanian Children" was established on 12 April 2003 on the Maestro's personal initiative.
The Foundation, established in Lithuania, currently supports children with a special talent for art. Many of the children supported by the Foundation have not only achieved their dreams, but have also been able to perform on the world's biggest stages - playing with world-famous orchestras and being recognised among the best.
The Aid to Lithuanian Children Foundation promotes the education of children with exceptional talents, as well as providing assistance to children with rare and difficult-to-treat diseases. Every year, the Foundation, with the involvement of its scholarship holders, organises a unique charity concert, during which funds are raised to donate the necessary equipment and medicines to the VU Santariškės Children's Hospital.
In 2006, the Foundation became one of the founding members of the public institution "National Pupil Academy".
Maestro Rostropovich has been involved in charity work for 25 years, with the proceeds of many of his concerts going to the cause. Today, the Foundation is supported by donations from various Lithuanian companies, entrepreneurs and individuals to continue the activities started by the Maestro.
Founder of the Foundation
Maestro Mstislav Rostropovich
(1927 - 2007)
- World-renowned cellist and conductor, human rights activist and philanthropist, honorary citizen of Vilnius.
- Rostropovich's great talent has been recognised with numerous awards. His name has been included in the list of the "40 Immortals", honorary members of the French Academy of Arts.
- The maestro was also known for his patronage and charity projects, which he undertook for 25 years. Many of his concerts were given to charity, including the earthquake-stricken Armenia, a children's hospital in Moscow, and support for gifted children.
- In 2003, on Rostropovich's personal initiative, the charity and support foundation "Help for Lithuanian Children" was established in Lithuania. Almost 70 young Lithuanian musicians had the opportunity to get to know the Maestro and to be his students for a short time.
I cherish everything related to Lithuania
Mstislav Rostropovich
Rostropovich's links with Lithuania
"Everything connected with Lithuania is dear to me," said Rostropovich, who had a long friendship with Lithuanian musicians.
The Maestro's close ties with Lithuania began in 1973, when he conducted Giacomo Puccini's opera Tosca at the Opera and Ballet Theatre in the capital. During his friendship with Lithuania, Rostropovich has performed many times, either as a conductor or a soloist, with Lithuanian music ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra, the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, the Kaunas State Choir, and the Ballet Company.
Together with the Maestro, Lithuanian musicians have given dozens of concerts not only in Lithuania, but also in Austria, Slovenia, Italy, Germany, USA, France, Spain, Switzerland and other countries.
In 1991, Rostropovich gave a charity concert in Spain to support Lithuania's independence and the country's population. After the events of January 13th, the Maestro used his royalties (20,000 Deutschmarks) to buy medicines and medical supplies for our citizens.