Mantas Leonardo Lizzi (b. 2005, Milan, Italy) is an award-winning accordionist recognized for his expressive performances and artistic versatility. After moving to Lithuania with his family, he began studying at the Stasys Vainiūnas Art School in Palanga at age five. A year later, he started accordion studies with teacher Nijolė Daukšienė. By age 11, Mantas was already conducting his school’s accordion orchestra.

He later studied at the Juozas Gruodis Conservatory in Kaunas under Laimonas Salijus, a renowned accordionist and educator. During his studies, Mantas distinguished himself in over 90 national and international competitions, winning only the highest prizes. He has competed across Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Poland, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, and Lithuania, earning over 60 Grand Prix and first-place awards.

In 2017, Mantas was awarded the “Lietuvos Maksimalistas” scholarship for outstanding achievements in music and performed at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania. In 2022, he won 2nd prize in the Junior Coupe Mondiale category at the 75th Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Competition in Zofingen, Switzerland.

Previously, Mantas was a protégé of the M. Rostropovich Charity and Support Fund Help for Lithuanian Children, frequently performing in their concerts for young musical talents.

He has performed with prestigious ensembles including the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, St. Christopher Chamber Orchestra, Vilnius State String Quartet, Klaipėda Brass Quintet, Klaipėda City Choir, and the Vilnius Teachers’ Home Accordion Orchestra “Consona.” Mantas is passionate about ensemble playing and regularly participates in international festivals, concerts, and master classes with renowned Lithuanian and international musicians.

He is currently continuing his studies at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki under the guidance of professor Veli Kujala.