KAUNAS CANTAT FESTIVAL PRE-CONCERT

Wednesday May 14th, 2025 10:53 AM

13th International Choir Festival and Competition “Kaunas Cantat”

The Kaunas Cantat festival returns for its 13th edition – an international celebration of choral music that annually gathers outstanding choirs from across Europe and beyond. This year’s program promises a wealth of memorable performances, meaningful encounters, and musical excellence.

The festival will begin with a preliminary concert featuring two distinguished choirs with long-standing experience and international recognition:

Mixed Choir “Gintaras” of Kaunas Culture Center

Established in 1936, this is one of the oldest and most prominent choirs in Lithuania. “Gintaras” has received numerous awards, including the national “Aukso paukštė” (Golden Bird) nomination. Its repertoire includes Lithuanian folk songs, classical pieces, and contemporary works.

Conductor – Jovita Kulakauskienė

Mixed Choir K.O.O.R. (Estonia)

Founded in 2012 and led by the charismatic Raul Talmar, the choir quickly gained recognition in Estonia and abroad. K.O.O.R. is a multiple international award winner, known for its emotional expression and professional sound.

Conductor – Raul Talmar

May 17 (Saturday)

6:00 PM, Ąžuolynas Library, Star Hall (Radastų St. 2, Kaunas)

Let’s begin the festival together – with music, inspiration, and a festive spirit!

CONCERT PROGRAM:

🎤 Mišrus choras „Gintaras“ (Lietuva)
Vadovė: Jovita Kulakauskienė

Už Raseinių ant Dubysos – muz. J. Naujalis, ž. Maironis

Vasaros naktys – muz. J. Naujalis, ž. Maironis (diriguoja Gabija Frejerytė)

Tu man graži – muz. V. Miškinis, ž. Šekspyras

🎤 Mišrus choras K.O.O.R (Estija)
Vadovas: Raul Talmar

Veljo Tormis – Arrival of the Wedding Guests (iš „Votian Wedding Songs“)

Pärt Uusberg / Juhan Liiv – She is Not Beautiful

Urmas Sisask / Jaan Tammsalu – Grati Pueri Homines (iš „Gloria Patri II“)

Urmas Sisask / Juhan Viiding – Blizzard

Antonio Lotti – Crucifixus

Ola Gjeilo – Northern Lights

Heino Lemmik / Aleksander Suuman – Autumn Etudes I–III

Gabriele Taschetti – O sacrum convivium

Eric Whitacre / Charles Anthony Silvestri – Sleep

Harri Otsa / Estijos tautinė poezija – The Seto People Are Riding

Cyrillus Kreek – Psalm 104 of David

🎶 Jungtiniai kūriniai
Pärt Uusberg / Juhan Liiv – Musica

Vaclovas Augustinas – Cantemus

Lituania Cantat