The Culture Center of Vilnius University

The Culture Center unites 12 art groups - choirs, orchestras, theaters, ensembles. The main aim of the Centre is to offer services to the community of the University, i.e. to create and maintain its cultural educational spread and provide the opportunity of artistic self-expression and development of a creative personality for university students, employees and graduates.

The most important tasks of the Center are to keep and foster University’s cultural, artistic and spiritual traditions, to plan and coordinate the work of artistic collectives, to allow the artistic and estetic development of students and represent the University throughout the country and abroad. The Center organises concerts, plays and other events for students, employees, the society, carries out University holidays, commemorations, organises festivals, forums, creative seminars, etc. The groups of the Centre take part in Lithuanian and foreign song celebrations, international festivals, where they often become laureates, winning prizes and diplomas and in that way resounding the Vilnius University’s name all over the world. 

Vilnius University Chamber orchestra was founded in in the autumn of 1979 by the flautist Paulius Bernardas Koncė. The four core members of the present orchestra were inspired by the idea to bring chamber harmonies to the rich cultural life of Vilnius Alma Mater and to build musical bridges between the academia life and the music loving audience from all over the country and Europe. From November 2019 artistic director and conductor - Modestas Jankūnas.

During the past three decades the orchestra maintained its mission and not only became an established part of the musical life of Lithuania, performing in the greatest concert halls of the big cities, as well as small remote villages, but also travelled all the way from Mexico to Moscow drawing its musical horizons further than ever imagined. The orchestra also presented various programmes under some of the most beautiful domes of the churches and cathedrals in Europe, visiting Hague, Geneva, Paris, Sank Petersburg, Riga, Venice, Rome and Valletta in some of its most recent tours.

Furthermore, the orchestra presented several different musical programmes in collaborations with Lithuania’s most famous conductors and soloists, including maestros prof. S.Sondeckis, M.Pitrėnas, M.Barkauskas and enchanting voices of L.Grodnikaitė, A. Krikščiūnaitė, O.Kolobovaitė, J.Gedmintaitė and many others.

Another essential part of orchestra’s creative activity is the continuous cooperation with the academic choirs of Vilnius University, which also gives the opportunities to create the exceptional musical events, such as the performance of W.A.Mozart’s “Requiem” in December of 2012, involving more than 400 singers and musicians sharing the same stage. Finally, the orchestra has always tried to leave a long lasting remark, signifying its musical road and maturity. Therefore the orchestra recorded several compact discs and audio tapes with its most beloved musical pieces.

During the past three decades, the orchestra has not only welcomed plenty of new talented students from Vilnius University which helped the former ensemble grow in its size, but also built up a rich repertoire. Although the orchestra is perhaps best known for its wide and colourful palette of timeless and miraculous baroque masterpieces, years of practice and participation in various interesting cultural projects also brought expressive sounds of romanticism and even intriguing modern musical harmonies created by young composers of the twenty first century. Opening the page of the 40th anniversary of its musical history, Vilnius University Chamber orchestra is still full of creative energy and happy to bring new melodies to its audience. 

Vilnius University Wind orchestra „Oktava“ exists for more than 70 years. Musicians from various faculties of Vilnius University are members of the orchestra. Students play various music here – classical, jazz classic, popular and marsh music. Musicians are able to study well and actively participate in cultural activities – various concerts, Academic year start and end celebrations, festivals in Lithuania and abroad, international conferences, national celebrations and other parties. For more than 15 years the leader and conductor is Albinas Kučinskas.

In 1984 a choreographical group (leader T. Gritėnienė) was established and until now it participates with the orchestra and livens the performances in grand concerts, marching events and celebrations.

The orchestra adorns the cultural events, sports events in the University and in Vilnius. Many years "Oktava" participates in the opening ceremony of summer season in Vilnius University Botanical Garden, also in festivals and musical events in Trakai, Druskininkai, Birštonas and Vilnius. A few years ago the orchestra participated in international BigBand festival in Šiauliai together with the most professional bands from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Netherlands. “Oktava” always participates in the National Song Celebration – the most important cultural event for all Lithuanians. Every year Vilnius University orchestra "Oktava" participate in annual Baltic States students‘ festival „Gaudeamus“. In 2014 Summer they were honored to accomponate for Lithuanian student choirs in Latvia as they sang songs written by famous Lithuania musicians.

"Oktava" is often invited to play in other countries as well. One of the most memorable concert took place in Luxembourg Cathedral where the orchestra played solo compositions and accompanied for two Vilnius University choirs "Gaudeamus" and “Pro Musica“ performing sacral music. In September, 2014 "Oktava" received a prize for "The best artistic performance" in the "International Youth Orchestra Festival", Poland. The orchestra organized concert tours to Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Germany, Czech Republic and is preparing for new trips around Europe.

In the near future Orchestra „Oktava“ is preparing to record one more CD, compiled of the best melodies performed.

Vilnius University students are welcome to join us, Erasmus students as well. We always appreciate talented musicians who love music and play one of these instruments: saxophone, flute, clarinet, trombone, euphonium, trumpet, tube, drums, percussion or keyboard. Singers are welcome as well. Selections take place throughout the Academic year.

VU Lindihop dance group gathered in 2019. in September. Students who want to get to know this dance and learn the basics of dance gather here. The ensemble also welcomes already advanced dancers who want to spend their free time, acquire choreographic knowledge and stage skills. In the new season, we are waiting for motivated students to join the dance group. Dance group leader Teresė Gritėnienė.

Vilnius University women’s choir VIRGO was found in 1980 and at present has more than 60 members, who are both students and alumni of various faculties.

VIRGO repertoire is composed of a mix of music pieces from various periods – from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary music composed by Lithuanian composers.

VIRGO is one of the most acknowledged women’s choirs in Lithuania – it is a laureate of International Stasys Šimkus competition and a winner of the “Golden Bird” in the “International star” category. Abroad VIRGO has won Neuchatel (Switzerland), Cantonigros (Spain), Middlesbrough (Great Britain) and other competitions. Overall the choir has won more than 12 international competitions and has participated in at least 50 international festivals.

In 2013 VIRGO was recognised as the best women’s choir in Lithuania.

VIRGO constantly holds concerts not only in Lithuania, but in foreign countries, too. It has been in more than20 countries. The choir has held concerts in USA, Canada, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. VIRGO has performed in such famous concert halls as “Auditorium Stravinsky” (Montreux, Switzerland), “Palau de la Musica” (Valencia, Spain), “Academia Santa Cecilia” (Rome, Italy), Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo (Rome, Italy), Basilica of St. Agostino (Rome, Italy), church of St. Magdalene (Paris, France), The Olympic Centre (Tokyo, Japan), and the theatre Juiz de For a (Brazil).

VIRGO has released 6 CDs. The newest CD, released in 2013, includes works of B. Britten, P. Poulenc and B. Chilcott. All of the pieces are known for their rich and colourful organ parts.

From 1981 VIRGO is led by Rasa Gelgotienė, who has graduated from the National M. K. Čiurlionis School of Art and was an intern in Avenir’s Micailov’s class in the Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg State Conservatory. Rasa Gelgotienė is also the director of music in Vilnius University choirs “Gaudeamus” and “Pro Musica”.

Three choir teachers (concertmasters) work with VIRGO – Indrė Veličkaitė, Raminta Gocentienė, and Rita Kraucevičiūtė.

Every year Vilnius University Choir Pro Musica prepares new concert programs and deepens its knowledge of various musical styles. Since its foundation, the choir has presented Renaissance, Baroque, Spanish and American musical programs as well as music of Northern European and Lithuanian modern composers to its audience. The internationally acclaimed choir continually performs in Lithuania and abroad; it has given concerts in Spain, Italy, Russia, the Ukraine, Cuba, Mexico, Georgia, Belgium, Germany, Norway and the USA.

Founded in April 2004, the choir boasts a repertoire of vivacious pieces from different epochs as well as large works, e. g. W. A. Mozart’s Requiem (performed by the choir in the USA in 2008), P. Tchaikovsky’s Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and one of the most grandiose classical pieces – G. Verdi’s Requiem, which was performed by Pro Musica in Germany and Denmark together with local singers during 2011.

One will also find in the repertoire of the choir such rarely performed works as Missa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez, which was presented to the Lithuanian audience for the first time in 2006, and A Mass for Peace by K. Jenkins, performed in 2009.

  Every year Vilnius University Choir Pro Musica prepares new concert programs and deepens its knowledge of various musical styles. Since its foundation, the choir has presented Renaissance, Baroque, Spanish and American musical programs as well as music of Northern European and Lithuanian modern composers to its audience. The internationally acclaimed choir continually performs in Lithuania and abroad; it has given concerts in Spain, Italy, Russia, the Ukraine, Cuba, Mexico, Georgia, Belgium, Germany, Norway and the USA.

Founded in April 2004, the choir boasts a repertoire of vivacious pieces from different epochs as well as large works, e. g. W. A. Mozart’s Requiem (performed by the choir in the USA in 2008), P. Tchaikovsky’s Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom and one of the most grandiose classical pieces – G. Verdi’s Requiem, which was performed by Pro Musica in Germany and Denmark together with local singers during 2011.

One will also find in the repertoire of the choir such rarely performed works as Missa Criolla by Ariel Ramirez, which was presented to the Lithuanian audience for the first time in 2006, and A Mass for Peace by K. Jenkins, performed in 2009.

Rasa Gelgotiene graduated the art gymnasium of M. K. Ciurlionis and Music Academy of Lithuania (LMA) and then did an internship at the conducting class of Prof. A.Michailov in the Conservatoire of St. Petersburg. Still being a student, she started working as a concert master at LMA and as a choir master at Children’s Choir of Radio and TV of Lithuania. In 1982 Rasa Gelgotiene started to work with the women’s choir of the University of Vilnius “Virgo” and in 1995 she was asked to take the lead for the Academic Choir of the University of Vilnius. After establishment of the choir “Pro Musica” in 2004, Rasa Gelgotiene has been leading three choirs of the University of Vilnius, where nearly 200 people sing – students and graduates.

Leading three choirs, Rasa Gelgotiene achieved great developments while winning prize places in more than 30 international and national competitions and participating in over 50 international festivals. Listeners from twenty-five European countries as well as in USA, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Cuba, Japan and other nations have listened to choirs conducted by her.

Rasa Gelgotiene has recorded 10 albums and created arrangements for over 30 music pieces. She is a presiding member of the Union of Lithuanian Choirs, member of creative groups for Song Festivals, conductor of World Lithuanian Song Festivals and Baltic Students Song and Dance Festivals Gaudeamus and is an expert-consultant of choirs in Alytus district. Rasa Gelgotiene shares her long experience giving lectures of choir mastership at the Music Academy of Lithuania.

“Gaudeamus” is a mixed academic choir situated in Vilnius University. It is one of the oldest and most notable student choirs from Lithuania and the choir was established in 1940. The choir “Gaudeamus” was created by Konradas Kaveckas who was a choir leader, educator, composer, an organist and all around cultural figure in Lithuania. Later on this Vilnius University choir was run by many notable Lithuanian choir leaders: P. Silžys, P. Gylys, B. Jankauskas, R. Zdanavičius, J. Kalcas and now it is run by Rasa Gelgotienė who took the role of the choir leader in 1995.

“Gaudeamus” choir frequently participates in Lithuanian and international festivals and contests, solemn events of Vilnius University. Sings in events like “Lithuanian Song and Dance festival”, Baltic State student festivals “Gaudeamus” and “Juventus”, participates in projects organised by Lithuanian Musicians’ Union and projects ran by municipalities of Vilnius, Panevėžys, Šiauliai, Marijampolė and other cities of Lithuania. In 1993 the choir “Gaudeamus” sang to the Pope John Paul II when he visited Lithuania.

On 2012 December 8th choir “Gaudeamus” with other two Vilnius University choirs “Pro Musica” and “Virgo” organised a completely new project called “Classic for All” that had no similar analogues in Lithuania or Europe. The choirs of Vilnius University invited everybody who is familiar and can sing out of the note sheets to sing a classical song. More than 400 singers gathered to sing W.A.Mozart’s “Requiem” in Saint John’s church that is situated in the centre of Vilnius.

In 2013 when Lithuania was leading the council of EU the choir actively participated in events around the world showing the culture of Lithuania. “Gaudeamus” sang a musical programme consisting of only Lithuanian music in various countries of Europe.

The choir visited a lot of European countries, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Mexico, Cuba and USA by actively touring, participating in festivals, competitions or just in order to show the Lithuanian music to the world. “Gaudeamus” has won a couple Lithuanian and international competitions, released CD’s with music created by classical and Lithuanian composers. In 2007 the choir got an award called “Aukso Paukštė“ which is given to the best of the best in Lithuania and in 2013 won 3rd place in the IX International Competition of Mixed Academic Choirs “Juventus”

Vilnius University Drama Theatre has entered the fifth century of existence. In 1570, the first student performance Hercules came on stage in one of the University Courtyards.

The basis of creative searching of Drama Theatre lies in the interpretation of drama and other genres of literature. DramaTheatre troupe (previously named MINIMUM ) has been mentioned in numerous publications in the press. Favourable reviews have been published not only in Lithuania but also in Austria, Germany and England. The Lithuanian State Television filmed a short performance called PROMETHEUS.

MINMUM has participated in many international festivals in the UK, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Croatia, Belarus, Russia, Hungary, Latvia, Ukraine, Poland, Mexico, Morocco.

In 2013. Dijon University (France) published a book about the global university theatres („The University Theatre. Practice and Experience“). In this book there is an article about the theater of Vilnius University.

MINIMUM is a member of International University Theatre Association.

Latest awards:

The best acting ensamble (Performance „Marathon“) - International University Theatre Festival of Tangier, Morocco, 2011.

The best scenography (Performance „Marathon“) - InternationalUniversity Theatre Festival „TeatralnyKoufar“, Minsk,Belarus, 2011.

The best original music („Dummyland's Ruler“), the award of Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre, 2012.

The best scenography („Circus“) - „Teatralny Koufar“, Minsk,  2013.

The best amateur theatre - the award „Golden Bird – 2013“ of Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre. 

The best director, the best performance (“Philopater”) and the best actor (the role of Telegon) - Lithuanian Amateur Theatre Contest, 2015.

The Kinetic theatre is guided by choreographer and director Andrius Pulkauninkas (abbr.: A. Pulka) since 1999. Though it’s constantly changing the members and names, it is being faithful to the traditions of physical/visual/non-verbal theater, and thus confusing consciousness of audience with absurd experiments on the scene.

The only troup's form is the absence of form. The only existence’s expression is fluidity, because if one can notice the form – it means – the form is already dead. The Kinetic Theatre propagates live improvizasions, use of natural effects and elements (fire, clay, peat, sand, etc.), and risk factors (dangerous tools, sharp instruments) as the method to awaken the sleeping audience. The performances take place indoor as well as outdoor. The performances have strong feel of risk (2 members of the Company work as stuntmen in the cinema production as well), shock and oddity, which creates the general ironical combination of grotesque and absurdity and questions the individual’s peculiarity, personal expression, loneliness, conflict with society, meaninglessness, and emptiness of daily consuming life.

The troup participates in nontraditional events, art exhibitions, concerts, cinema/video projects, dance/theater festivals. It keeps in contact with the Lithuanian and international contemporary professional dance/theater scene and contemporary movement of mimes. Stating that “there’s no border between professionals and amateurs, it’s only a border between good and bad performance” they organize alternative festival of interdisciplinary arts Open and workshops inviting people no matter the school they belong to: professionals or amateurs, dance or theater…

VU Kinetic Theatre participated and received the acknowledgement in the number of international festivals covering the geographical range from Europe (Lithuania, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Marocco, Georgie etc.) to Latin America.

Vilnius University Song and Dance Ensemble is a well-known collective in Lithuania. It became famous for reconciling innovative and archaic elements.

Ensemble was found in January of 1940. It started as a group of 16 dancers, but since then it has grown to a big company of artists, combining more than 50 dancers, musicians and singers. For all of them ensemble is their leisure and pleasure, a second family, where they gather together after long lectures, work or exhausting exam sessions. All dancers, musicians and singers know how to live an interesting life. All members plan and combine their studies and free – time successfully. They enrich ensemble of Vilnius University with their youthful energy and sincerity.

A performance starts… Songs, music, dances, high spirits… There is a group of young people on the stage, who love and cherish Lithuanian folk art. Lyric or humoristic dances, cheerful songs and subtle melodies always amaze audience. The inimitable, charming and magic spirits of the performers do not leave the public indifferent. Every piece of a program is always followed by long and sincere applause of the audience. The program of Vilnius University Ensemble is colorful and interesting. It includes unique wedding traditions and merry – making, serious dances of hard work, small episodes of Lithuanian festivals and moments of joy. All that, together with sincere smiles, high fulfillment techniques and unique Lithuanian culture creates unforgettable and marvelous performance on the stage.

Ensemble’s late leader V. Aleksandravičius said: “By appreciating Lithuanian folk art, we also create a new form, a new content for it. Ensemble‘s artistic direction and performances are composed of traditional and modern “language“”.

This year Ensemble of Vilnius University celebrates its 75 anniversary. During those years ensemble has gained victories in competitions of amateur artistic work, deserved the names of laureates in different reviews, participated in the number of concerts and festivals in Lithuania and all over the world.

No matter what part of the world Vilnius University ensemble performs at, it always leaves a small but very bright and unforgettable part of Lithuanian culture there.

"Ratilio" is Vilnius University's folklore ensemble with student members coming from all Lithuania's ethnic regions. An exclusive characteristic of youth as well as rapid orientation towards contemporary vicissitudes of life inspires our members' activity. Active and lively, our members come to the ensemble with little understanding of the traditional music, singing and dancing, but with great desire to explore the tradition through the embodiment of its values, which helps them to grasp the subtleties quickly and to represent Lithuanian folklore in Lithuania and beyond.

Songs, dances, and round dances are learned from folklore collections and from compatriots met during folklore expeditions. One can listen to ancient music instruments such as ragai (horns), daudytė, skudučiai (pan-pipes) and kanklės (a type of nine to five-stringed zither). A special part of their program is formed by the archaic Lithuanian folklore genre of multipart harmonious singing the sutartinė (which was added by the UNESCO to the list of intangible cultural heritage in 2010).

Vilnius University Folklore Ensemble "Ratilio" was founded in 1968. Since then many people were members of the ensemble and it now has a huge community of people from various fields who are proud to tell they are part of “Ratilio” family. The ensemble is considered one of the best and most reputed of the folklore ensembles in Lithuania. It is always referred to be the one that is aiming for professionalism and youthfulness in folk music.

Vilnius University folk music group "Jaunimėlis" has been counting for more than a decade. The ensemble was founded in 1971 and still brings enthusiasts of Lithuanian folk art to dance, sing and nurture the values of traditional art together. The folk music group organizes concerts not only in various cities of Lithuania, but also represents the name of Vilnius University in many events and competitions in Lithuania and abroad successfully – Baltic song festival “Dainų šventė”, “Grok Jurgeli“, “Linksmoji armonika“, “Trakų pilis“, “Dzūkelis“, “Gaida“, “Universitas Vilnensis“, “Gaudeamus“.

“Jaunimėlis” has expanded the geography of its activities all over the world. Since the beginning the folk music group has visited more than 10 countries – USA, Germany, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Belarus, Czech Republic, Poland, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, FYR of Macedonia, Belgium and Uzbekistan. With such a list of places visited, awards and various recognitions have appeared.

In 2001 and 2003 at the Republican Folk Musicians' Festival "Linksmoji armonika", the ensemble received a special prize for the best and most professional folk music group. Also, the “Jaunimėlis” was nominated for one of the most prestigious awards in the „Aukso paukšte“ competition for the best folk music ensemble and conductor in 2012. During almost 50 years of activity, Vilnius University folk music ensemble "Jaunimėlis" had many professional leaders, who have formed the identity of the ensemble - "to be proud to be Lithuanian".

Currently, the traditions of the ensemble are maintained and conducted by the long-term artistic director of the ensemble Bronislovas Glovickis and the head of the dance group, choreographer Gabrielė Kulienė. Follow us on social media: facebook.com/vujaunimelis, instagram.com/vujaunimelis.

The organ studio Unda Maris unites members of the VU community who love the most complex musical instrument - the king of musical instruments. Students, teachers, staff and alumni are kindly invited to try their hand and foot at the largest Lithuanian organ.

The organ studio is led by VU organist Vidas Pinkevičius - an active promoter of organ improvisation and organ art, who makes this instrument famous through various lectures, seminars, demonstrations and concerts.

Exodus. Organ and VU Kinetic Theatre Troupe Improvisations at The Sts. Johns Church.

For the 450th anniversary of the Jesuit mission in Lithuania - improvisations of organ music according to M.K. Sarbievius' poetry at The Sts. Johns Church.

Concert for Christmas time 'Christmas with Bach'.