Silvija Velickaite is an accomplished pianist, educator, and advocate for veganism. As one half of the musical duo, the Velickaite Sisters, she performs alongside her virtuosic sister Greta Velickaite, a professional violinist and dedicated vegan for over 12 years.
Together, they create powerful, emotive performances that captivate audiences. In addition to their duo, Silvija and Greta are part of the vegan trio V3, alongside violinist and animal activist Sheena Gao, using their music to promote a message of compassion and sustainability.
Tell us more about yourself, please
Cruelty will never be beautiful
Silvija Velickaite
I’m Silvija Velickaite, a professional pianist and educator originally born in Lithuania and now based in Los Angeles.
When it comes to fashion, we always choose vegan, cruelty-free outfits. We also prefer meaningful, classy, and valuable styles that complement the music we perform
Silvija Velickaite
My musical journey has taken me around the world, and I’m deeply passionate about both performing and teaching. I teach piano and have many dedicated students who inspire me daily. I perform with my sister, Greta Velickaite, a professional violinist, as the duo “Velickaite Sisters”
.Additionally, I’m part of a vegan trio called “V3”, alongside Greta and another vegan violinist and animal activist, Sheena Gao.
🌱 As a vegan, I embrace compassion for all beings🦃 🦃🦃
Silvija Velickaite
I became vegan almost 13 years ago. The decision was inspired during my first trip to Los Angeles when I met a vegan who shared compelling insights about the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of veganism. This conversation had such a profound impact on me that I decided to transition overnight.
I’m happy to have grown stronger as a person. Challenges make us better
Silvija Velickaite
One significant challenge is ensuring that there is no cross-contamination with animal products, especially when dining in non-vegan establishments. To address this, I prefer to eat at exclusively vegan restaurants where cross-contamination is less of a concern.
When dining out with friends, I suggest vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants to ensure everyone can enjoy their meal and my dietary needs are met.
Let’s foster world peace and eliminate hate – it’s toxic
Silvija Velickaite
Being vegan feels deeply aligned with my values of compassion, sustainability, and mindfulness. It’s not just about dietary choices; it’s a way of life that allows me to contribute positively to the environment and animal welfare.
I feel healthier, more energetic, and more connected to my principles, and it’s rewarding to live in a way that reflects these values.
How would you encourage someone who’s not vegan yet to try plant-based meals?
I’d recommend starting with familiar dishes that are made vegan, such as veggie burgers or pasta with plant-based cheese. People are often surprised by how flavorful and satisfying these options can be. Encouraging them to explore a variety of vegan recipes and flavors can make the experience enjoyable and less daunting
I’m a huge fan of Thai, Indian, and Ethiopian cuisines. These types of food offer a rich array of flavors and are often easily adaptable to vegan diets. I love beans, lentils, and veggies, which are staples in these cuisines.
I’m not too picky about specific restaurants, as long as they are vegan or not cross-contaminated with animal products.
🍂 Grateful for life, health, music, and dreams this Thanksgiving.
One of the biggest misconceptions about veganism is that it’s restrictive, difficult to maintain, or leads to nutritional deficiencies. People often think that vegans are missing out on key nutrients like protein, iron, or calcium. However, as a professional musician who performs and teaches, I can confidently say that a balanced vegan diet has not only sustained me but helped me thrive.
I believe a plant-based diet provides all the essential nutrients needed for optimal performance, both physically and mentally. I educate others by sharing my own experiences and pointing them to resources about plant-based nutrition.
Personally, I respect everyone’s choices but when given a chance, I share the benefits of veganism and explain the cruelty animals face. I feel that many people simply aren’t connected with the issue, and my goal is to help them think about it more deeply.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their meatless journey?
Take it one step at a time ; it can start with a few plant-based meals a week. Educate yourself on nutrition and experiment with new foods. Surround yourself with supportive people and make use of vegan communities online or locally.
One of the keys to success is finding meals that you enjoy and that work with your lifestyle. Also, remember why you are making the switch—it could be for health, animals, or the environment. Keep that motivation in mind to stay on track.
Veganism is a huge part of my life—not just in what I eat but in how I live. I only use 100% vegan, cruelty-free products, and I avoid wearing anything made from animals.
I’m also very conscious about the environmental impact of my lifestyle. Ultimately, my goal is to prove that being vegan not only helps animals and the planet but also helps you perform at your best—whether you’re an artist, an athlete, or simply living your daily life. I want people to see that veganism can help you thrive, and the more connected we are to the issues animals face, the more compassionate and conscious we become in all areas of life.
Silvija Velickaite
Pianist
Teacher
Vegan
all images courtesy of Silvija Velickaite