Vytautas Juozapaitis

Vytautas Juozapaitis was born on 14 December 1963 in Radviliškis, Lithuania.

„(born 14 December 1963 in Radviliskis, Lithuania)“

He is a Lithuanian singer (baritone) and an educator by profession.

„1963 12 14 Radviliškis, lietuvių dainininkas (baritonas), pedagogas“

He is married (since 1988) and has three daughters.

„Juozapaitis married for the second time in 1988 and is the proud father of three daughters.“

In 1989 he graduated from the Lithuanian State Conservatory (now the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre) with a master’s degree in solo singing.

„1989 baigė Lietuvos konservatoriją (V. Prudnikovo klasę)“

He pursued a Master’s program in Law and Management at Mykolas Romeris University from 2005, but these studies were later suspended.

„2005–dabar Mykolo Romerio universitetas… teisės ir valdymo magistro studijų programa (studijos sustabdytos)“

During 1992–1993 he participated in the European Center of Opera and Vocal Art (ECOV) training program in Belgium.

„1992–1993 m. atlikėjas stažavosi Europos operinio ir vokalinio meno centre Belgijoje (ECOV)...“

In 1992, after achieving success in the Pavarotti competition, he undertook further vocal training in New York with the renowned coach Marlena Malas, and also studied with Finnish baritone Tom Krause.

„... taip pat pas Marleną Malas (Niujorkas, JAV) bei pas suomių baritoną Tomą Krause. (ltvirtove.lt%20bei%20bariton%C4%85%20Tom%C4%85%20Krause))“

He completed his secondary education at Radviliškis 5th Secondary School in 1981 and then studied carpentry at the Vilnius 26th Technical School in 1981–1982.

„transporto ir verslo paslaugų mokykla), stalius 1970–1981 Radviliškio 5-oji vidurinė mokykla (dabar – Gražinos pagrindinė mokykla)“

In 2003 he toured the United States with the touring opera company "Teatro Lirico D’Europa."

„In 2003, he toured the United States with the company "Teatro Lirico D'Europa."“

Juozapaitis was a soloist at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre from 1990 until 2012.

„1990–2012 Lietuvos nacionalinis operos ir baleto teatras, operos solistas“

He served as the Opera Director of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre from 1999 to 2001.

„1990–2012 Lietuvos operos ir baleto teatro solistas, 1999–2001 dar ir direktorius“

From 1996 to 2012, he taught at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, attaining the title of Professor in 2010.

„1996–2012 dėstė Lietuvos muzikos ir teatro akademijoje; profesorius (2010)“

He was a docent (associate professor) at the Vilnius College of Higher Education Arts Faculty from 2006 to 2012.

„2006–2012 Vilniaus kolegija, Menų fakultetas, docentas“

In 2009 he founded the Vytautas Juozapaitis Educational Culture and Art Center (a public institution) and served as its director until 2012.

„2009–2012 VšĮ Vytauto Juozapaičio edukacinis kultūros ir meno centras, steigėjas ir vadovas“

He has also been active as a television personality in Lithuania.

„and a docent of Vilnius College of Higher Education, and a television personality“

In 1989 he made his stage debut at the Kaunas State Musical Theatre, performing the role of Freddie in the musical "My Fair Lady."

„1989 m. V.Juozapaitis debiutavo Kauno muzikiniame teatre Fredžio vaidmeniu F. Loewe operetėje “Mano puikioji ledi” (My Fair Lady), o 1990 m. – Volframo vaidmeniu R. Wagnerio “Tanhoizeryje”.“

In 1990, he made his debut at the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre, singing the role of Wolfram in Richard Wagner’s opera "Tannhäuser."

„... o 1990 m. Lietuvos nacionaliniame operos ir baleto teatre – Volframo vaidmeniu R. Wagnerio operoje „Tanhoizeris“.“

In 1994–1995 he performed the title role of Don Giovanni in Mozart’s opera at the Czech National Opera in Prague, and toured Japan with that production.

„1994–1995 m. atliko Prahoje, Čekijos nacionaliniame operos teatre, bei su šiuo teatru gastrolėse Japonijoje.“

In 2005, Juozapaitis served as an opera manager at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Spain.

„In 2005, Juozapaitis served as an opera manager at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona, Spain.“

He has collaborated with internationally renowned figures in classical music, performing under conductors like Mstislav Rostropovich and Krzysztof Penderecki and working with opera directors such as Anthony Minghella.

„He has collaborated with renowned conductors such as Mstislav Rostropovich and Krzysztof Penderecki, as well as directors like Anthony Minghella...“

He hosts a classical music television program called "Tegyvuoja klasika!" and has occasionally served as a judge on music competition shows in Lithuania.

„... Juozapaitis also hosts a television program called "Tegyvuoja klasika!", dedicated to classical music, and occasionally serves as a judge on music shows.“

He has released three solo recordings (albums) over the course of his musical career.

„He has released three successful solo recordings.“

He has served as a judge (and head of the jury) on the LNK television singing competition "Žvaigždžių duetai" (Star Duets).

„Operos solistas Vytautas Juozapaitis, dabar vėl sėdęs į LNK „Žvaigždžių duetų“ komisijos pirmininko kėdę...“

In the 2020 parliamentary elections Juozapaitis won the Aleksotas–Vilijampolė single-member constituency (No. 19) in Kaunas, and served as its Seimas member from 13 November 2020 to 14 November 2024.

„Išrinktas: Aleksoto–Vilijampolės (Nr. 19) apygardoje“

In November 2013 he was appointed as the opposition Homeland Union’s shadow Minister of Culture in a conservative “shadow cabinet.”

„Šešėliniu kultūros ministru taps parlamentaras operos solistas Vytautas Juozapaitis...“

Vytautas Juozapaitis became a Member of the Seimas (Lithuanian Parliament) on 16 November 2012, having been elected via the Homeland Union party list.

„Seimo narys nuo 2012-11-16 iki 2016-11-14. Išrinktas pagal sąrašą, iškėlė Tėvynės sąjunga - Lietuvos krikščionys demokratai“

He was re-elected to the Seimas in 2016 and served as an MP from 14 November 2016 until 13 November 2020 (again via the TS-LKD list).

„Seimo narys nuo 2016-11-14 iki 2020-11-13. Iškėlė: Tėvynės sąjunga - Lietuvos krikščionys demokratai“

After the 2024 elections, he returned to the Seimas on 19 November 2024 as a member via the party’s multi-member list for the 2024–2028 term.

„Seimo narys nuo 2024-11-19. Iškėlė: Tėvynės sąjunga-Lietuvos krikščionys demokratai“

He is a member of the Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrat party and its parliamentary faction in the Seimas.

„Tėvynės sąjunga - Lietuvos krikščionys demokratai... frakcija, Frakcijos narys“

Earlier in his career, from 1999 to 2001 he was one of the founders and a deputy chairman of the Homeland People’s Party (Tėvynės liaudies partija).

„1999–2001 Tėvynės liaudies partijos steigėjas, pirmininko pavaduotojas“

From 1 January 2014 to 14 November 2016 he served as a member of the Seimas Education, Science and Culture Committee.

„Švietimo, mokslo ir kultūros komitetas, Komiteto narys (nuo 2014-01-01 iki 2016-11-14)“

During the 2020–2024 term, Juozapaitis was Chairman of the Seimas Committee on Culture.

„2020-11-19 – 2024-11-14 | Kultūros komitetas, Komiteto pirmininkas“

He also served as a member of the Freedom Fights and State Historical Memory Commission in the Seimas from 2020 until 2024.

„2020-11-24 – 2024-11-14 | Laisvės kovų ir valstybės istorinės atminties komisija, Komisijos narys“

He was a member of the Seimas Commission for the Lithuanian World Community (diaspora) during 2013–2016 and again in 2020–2024.

„Pasaulio lietuvių bendruomenės komisija, Komisijos narys (nuo 2013-03-14 iki 2016-11-14)… 2020-12-17 – 2024-11-14 | … bendruomenės komisija, Komisijos narys“

He was a member of the Seimas Migration Commission from April 2015 to November 2016.

„Migracijos komisija, Komisijos narys (nuo 2015-04-29 iki 2016-11-14)“

From November 2012 to April 2015 he served as a member of the Seimas Ethics and Procedures Commission.

„Etikos ir procedūrų komisija, Komisijos narys (nuo 2012-11-27 iki 2015-04-28)“

In the 2012 parliamentary elections, Juozapaitis ran in the Radviliškis single-member constituency (his hometown) where his main opponent was Algimantas Salamakinas.

„Vytautas Juozapaitis rinkimuose į Seimą dalyvaus vienmandatėje apygardoje Radviliškyje, ten, kur yra gimęs ir augęs. Jo konkurentas... – Algimantas Salamakinas.“

In the 2012 Seimas elections Juozapaitis ran in the Radviliškis single-member constituency but finished third in the first round, failing to advance to the runoff (Algimantas Salamakinas of LSDP led with 30.75% and Zita Žvikienė of DP was second with 19.72%).

„Radviliškio (Nr.44) apygarda 1. Algimantas SALAMAKINAS (LSDP, Seimo narys) 30,75 proc.  2. Zita ŽVIKIENĖ (DP) 19,72 proc.“

In the 2020 parliamentary election, Juozapaitis switched to Kaunas and won the Aleksotas–Vilijampolė constituency. He led the first round with about 5,153 votes (29.8%) and then won the runoff with 56.84% of the vote, defeating Karolina Žekaitė (LVŽS/“Vieningas Kaunas”).

„Vytautas JUOZAPAITIS … 5153 … 29,76% nuo galiojančių biuletenių ... Aleksoto – Vilijampolės apygardoje laimėjo TS-LKD atstovas V. Juozapaitis, surinkęs 56,84 proc. rinkėjų balsų.“

In the 2023 Kaunas mayoral election, Juozapaitis (as the TS-LKD candidate) placed third, receiving 12,811 votes (about 9.8%). He was surpassed by incumbent Visvaldas Matijošaitis (around 77,750 votes, ~59.7%) and by LVŽS candidate Aurelijus Veryga (~16,636 votes, ~12.8%). Matijošaitis was re-elected in the first round.

„Vytautas JUOZAPAITIS … 12811 … 9,83% nuo galiojančių biuletenių (9,61% nuo dalyvavusių). Visvaldas MATIJOŠAITIS … 77750 … 59,66%. Aurelijus VERYGA … 16636 … 12,77%.“

In the 2012 parliamentary elections, Juozapaitis secured a Seimas seat via the Tėvynės sąjunga (TS-LKD) multi-member list, ranking 9th among the party’s candidates after preferential votes were tallied (TS-LKD won 12 proportional mandates that year).

„Tėvynės sąjungos-Lietuvos krikščionims demokratų atstovai: 1. Andrius Kubilius… 9. Vytautas Juozapaitis, 10. Kazys Starkevičius, 11. Dainius…“

In the 2016 Seimas elections, he again ran in the Radviliškis single-member constituency. Juozapaitis finished second in the first round with 16.96% of the vote, advancing to the runoff, where he was defeated by LVŽS candidate Aurimas Gaidžiūnas (Juozapaitis received about 29.13% in the second round against Gaidžiūnas’s 67.74%).

„44. Radviliškio | Aurimas GAIDŽIŪNAS (Lietuvos valstiečių ir žaliųjų sąjunga) – 18,06/67,74% Vytautas JUOZAPAITIS (Tėvynės sąjunga – Lietuvos krikščionys demokratai) – 16,96/29,13%“

According to his 2022 public asset declaration, Juozapaitis and his family owned residential real estate valued at approximately €210,590. This made him one of the top three MPs in terms of declared private house value that year.

„Toliau seka – Seimo narys, Lietuvos regionų partijos lyderis Jonas Pinskus (daugiau kaip 249 tūkst. eurų) ir konservatorius Vytautas Juozapaitis (per 210 tūkst. eurų).“

As a Member of Seimas, Juozapaitis earns a state salary. An ordinary Seimas member’s gross monthly pay in recent years is roughly around €3,500–€4,000 (approx. €2,500 net) depending on tenure and position (estimated).

„Seimo nario atlyginimo dydis priklauso nuo... Seimo svetainėje. Šių asmenų atlyginimai priklauso nuo užimamų pareigų,... nustatyto pareiginės algos koeficiento ir... bazinio dydžio...“

During the 2012 parliamentary elections, Juozapaitis and his wife declared assets totaling about 1.16 million litų (approximately €336,000).

„…šeimos deklaracijoje (1,16 mln. litų – red. past.) yra tiesa. (tv3.lt%20yra%20tiesa))“

By 2015, Juozapaitis’s publicly declared wealth (with his spouse) amounted to over 1.02 million litų (~€296,000) in assets, along with LTL 64,362 (~€18,600) in cash savings.

„…Juo​za​pai​čiai bu​vo dek​la​ra​vę tur​to už dau​giau nei 1,02 mln litų, ar​ba be​veik 295,7 tūkstan​čio eurų bei 64 362 litus ar​ba dau​giau nei 18,6 tūkstan​čio eurų.“

In 2019, a rank-and-file Seimas member’s official monthly salary was €3,356 (gross, before taxes), not including additional pay for parliamentary leadership duties.

„…minimalioji mėnesinė alga šalyje siekia 555 eurus, Seimo nario pareiginė alga siekia 3 356 eurus neatskaičius mokesčių. Seimo narių atlyginimai gali skirtis priklausomai nuo jų einamų pareigų…“

He is a member of the Lithuanian Musicians’ Union.

„Lietuvos muzikų sąjungos narys“

He serves as a Goodwill Ambassador of the Human Rights Monitoring Institute (Žmogaus teisių stebėjimo institutas).

„Žmogaus teisių stebėjimo instituto geros valios ambasadorius“

He is also a volunteer supporter (rėmėjas) of the Lithuanian police.

„policijos rėmėjas ([www.lrs.lt](https://www.lrs.lt/pls/inter/w5_show?p_a=5&p_asm_id=73575&p_k=1&p_kade_id=7&p_r=9755#:~:text=1999%E2%80%932001%20T%C4%97vyn%C4%97s%20liaudies%20partijos%20steig%C4%97jas%2C,Lietuvos%20nacionalin%C4%97%20kult%C5%ABros%20ir))“

Juozapaitis’s wife Eglė Juozapaitienė has been closely involved in his professional activities. Since 15 November 2012, she has served as the director of the Vytautas Juozapaitis Education, Culture and Art Center (the public institution he founded). She is also a member of the Lithuanian Musicians’ Union (a detail that Juozapaitis initially omitted in his interests declaration).

„dalininkai – A.P. ir E.J. Nuo 2012 m. lapkričio 15 d. įstaigos vadovės pareigas eina E.J... Seimo narys V. Juozapaitis... nenurodęs duomenų apie jo sutuoktinės E.J. narystę asociacijoje „Lietuvos muzikų sąjunga““

In 2018 the Seimas Ethics Commission found that Juozapaitis had failed to fully declare some private interests: he omitted the workplaces of one daughter (a deputy director at the state orchestra "Trimitas"), another daughter (an employee at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre), and his son-in-law (head of a dance studio).

„…dukra V.J.P. yra koncertinės įstaigos valstybinio pučiamųjų instrumentų orkestro „Trimitas“ vadovo pavaduotoja, dukra I.B.J. dirba Lietuvos nacionaliniame operos ir baleto teatre, o jo dukros V.J.P. sutuoktinis A.P. dirba šokių studijos „Boogie dance“ vadovu, tačiau šių duomenų apie artimus asmenis Seimo narys V. Juozapaitis nėra nurodęs savo privačių interesų deklaracijoje.“

In 2022, as Seimas Culture Committee Chairman, Juozapaitis remarked about the Kremlin’s war: “All that Putin and his henchmen can do is destroy culture and peaceful civilians.”

„Kultūros komiteto pirmininkas V. Juozapaitis: „Viskas, ką begali Putinas ir jo padugnės, – naikinti kultūrą ir taikius gyventojus““

After losing the 2023 Kaunas mayoral election to Visvaldas Matijošaitis, Juozapaitis stated that having a leader "collaborating with a pro-fascist Russia" in power was a national security concern for all of Lithuania.

„…kolaboruojantis su profašistine Rusija. Čia toks klausimas jau nebe miestiečių, o visos Lietuvos ir nacionalinio saugumo“, – pralaimėjimą pripažino konservatorių kandidatas į merus Vytautas Juozapaitis“

In 2013 Juozapaitis noted that a significant portion of his income was earned abroad (and taxed outside Lithuania), which explained why his personal income tax paid in Lithuania was relatively low.

„„Yra lėšų, kurios neapmokestinamos… Kita vertus, didžiausios mano pajamos visuomet buvo užsienyje uždirbti pinigai, už kuriuos mokesčiai buvo sumokėti užsienyje.““

In 2003 he was awarded the Officer’s Cross of the Order "For Merits to Lithuania".

„„Už nuopelnus Lietuvai“ Karininko kryžius (2003)“

He is a laureate of the Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize, which he received in 2004.

„Lietuvos nacionalinė kultūros ir meno premija (2004)“

Juozapaitis won Lithuania’s first national vocalists’ competition in 1992 and was also a diploma recipient at the International Luciano Pavarotti Vocal Competition in 1992.

„Pirmojo Lietuvos vokalistų konkurso laureatas (1992); Tarptautinio L. Pavarotti vokalistų konkurso diplomantas (JAV, 1992)“

He was awarded the "Auksinis scenos kryžius" (Golden Stage Cross) theatrical award in 2006.

„„Auksinio scenos kryžiaus“ apdovanojimo laureatas (2006)“

In 1999 he received the "Kristoforas" Award (St. Christopher Prize) for his performance as Guglielmo in Mozart’s opera "Così fan tutte."

„1999 m. pelnė “Kristoforo” laureato vardą.“