Donaldas Račys was born in Šiauliai, where he started playing piano. He continued his studies at Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis Art School (under E. M. Šernienė and A. Jurgelionis). As a pupil he became a laureate of numerous national and international piano competitions. Among the most notable: Usti nad Labem (1982, 1st prize), Jaunųjų atlikėjų konkursas in Vilnius (1987, 1st prize), thePiano Competition in Riga (1987, 3rd prize).

 

In 1987-1993 Mr. Račys studied at the Moscow State P. Tchaikovsky Conservatory under Prof. V. Kastelski and Prof. L. Dedova, whereas his Master studies were completed at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre in Vilnius under Prof. P. Geniušas.

 

The pianist gave solo concerts in Germany, Italy,The United States of America, Denmark, Russia and China.He had made recordings with the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra at the Lithuanian Radio, played a recital in Saint Petersburg on an occasion of diplomatic relations’ restoration between Lithuania and Poland.

 

Mr. Račys has twice received a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania for his concert activities.

 

Besides his solo music activities, Donaldas is sough-after pedagogue, whose students have been awarded in many international piano competitions, such as Roma Piano Competition, Malta Valletta Piano Competition, The Magnus Competition etc.Donaldas is much in demand as a jury member in national and international competitions. Moreover, he gives frequent masterclasses in Lithuania, Poland, Italy, and China.

 

Mr. Račys is the head of the piano department at the Vytautas Magnus University Music Academy and a teacher at the national M. K. Čiurlionis Art School. Every year Donaldas, alongside his students, prepare a concert project for special anniversary: in 2017 his students performed concerts in Lithuania and Poland playingall the S. Rachmaninoff Etudes-tableaux, in 2018 they performed all C. Debussy Preludes, and in 2021 -lesser-known F. Liszt pieces.