Merope draws audiences deeply into Lithuania’s folk music, creating a soundscape that feels both sacred and contemporary, weaving threads between ancestral songs and modern sonic textures. This remarkable Lithuanian-Belgian duo is set to release their fifth studio album, featuring collaborations with Shahzad Ismaily, Laraaji, and Bill Frisell. We’re thrilled to welcome Merope to ALICE for their concert this spring.

“Mystery and folk flow into the ocean of modern times.” This is how the Polish magazine Nowamuzyka has precisely captured the wondrous sounds of the Lithuanian-Belgian duo Merope. Here, audiences are drawn deeply into Lithuania’s folk music, where Indrė Jurgelevičiūtė’s voice and the kanklės (a traditional Lithuanian string instrument) weave threads between ancient songs and modern soundscapes. Alongside Belgian multi-instrumentalist Bert Cools, they create a musical universe that ranges from experimental guitar to lush electronic textures. The music has a quality that is simultaneously sacred, mythological, and contemporary.

Since 2012, Merope has released four albums, the latest being the gorgeously evocative Salos (2021), recorded with the renowned Jauna Muzika Choir, Jean-Christophe Bonnafous, and Shahzad Ismaily. This November, they are set to release their new album, Vėjula, which also features celebrated collaborators such as Laraaji, Ismaily, and the legendary guitarist Bill Frisell. Traditional Baltic sounds are transformed into something new, playful, and universal in an open sonic landscape exploring jazz, ambient, and minimalist compositions. The first singles from Vėjula have raised high expectations for the album and for the duo, and we can’t wait to present them this spring.

Said about Merope

“It’s glowing, ethereal music; gossamer-fine, but swirling with emotional heft.” – The Wire, UK

“Mystery and folk flow into the ocean of modern times.” – Nowamuzyka, Poland

“Album that is as delicate as it is deep: something very special indeed.” – Songlines, UK