20/12/1884, Rakenai, Russian Empire - 16/04/1948, Kaunas, USSR
Lithuanian and Soviet composer, teacher and conductor. In 1915-1916 he studied at the Moscow Conservatory (composition class of N.M. Ladukhin), was mobilized and served as bandmaster of a military orchestra. Graduated from the Leipzig Conservatory (1924, composition class of S. Krehl, P. Trainer, S. Karg-Ehlert, and conducting class of D. Hochkofler). In 1924-1927 - conductor of the Kaunas Opera House. From 1924 he taught at the Kaunas College of Music (in 1927-1937 - director), in 1933-1948 - at the Kaunas Conservatory (from 1946 - professor). Among the students are A. Budriunas, A. Raciunas, J. Juzeliunas, V. Klova and others. Author of the ballet “Jurate and Kastytis” (staged in 1933, Kaunas) based on a Lithuanian folk tale, symphonic variations on Lithuanian folk themes (1945), symphonic poems, chamber instrumental works, songs and choral music for dramatic performances. Honored Artist of the Lithuanian SSR (1944). In 1984, the J. Gruodis House Museum was opened in Kaunas.
