Zbignevas Ibelgauptas

Professor Zbignevas Ibelgauptas is a faculty member of the Piano Department at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA), where he has served since 1988. He held leadership roles as Head of the Piano Department (2009-2011) and Rector of LMTA (2011-2021).

His educational background includes:

• Graduate of the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art (Vilnius, Lithuania)
• Degree and postgraduate studies at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (completed 1987)

Ibelgauptas specializes in piano performance with emphasis on contemporary and 20th-21st century music, Baroque repertoire, and two-piano compositions. His interpretive approach prioritizes innovation and precision, particularly in premiering works by Lithuanian composers. International festival appearances and collaborations with major European orchestras define his performance career.

His accolades include:

• 1st prize at National Competition for Young Pianists (1979)
• 1st place at International M. K. Čiurlionis Piano Competition (1982)
• winner of International Competition of Piano Duos in Rome (1991)
• National Culture and Arts Award (1997)
• Commander of the Royal Order of the Polar Star of the Kingdom of Sweden (2016)

As Chair of the LMTA Doctoral Committee (2009-2011), he contributed to academic governance. Though specific student mentorship details are absent, his leadership roles indicate advanced academic supervision. No research grants are documented in the source material.

He maintains an active performance partnership with pianist Rūta Rikterė (since 1989), touring internationally and releasing recordings. This duo represents his primary artistic team, with documented performances across Europe, Japan, and North America.