Saulės muzika | World music festival | Educations

From November 6 to 9, the fifth annual Saulės Muzika (Sun Music) festival in Vilnius will invite visitors not only to listen to music, but also to experience it up close. Educational events held at the Teachers' House and Naujoji Vilnia cultural center will bring together children, families and music lovers for cozy musical lessons. Participants will learn about the traditions of various countries – from ancient Norwegian, Swedish, Irish, and Hungarian melodies to the sounds of the Beskid Mountains, country music, and the clarinet – everyone will discover something new. The little ones can look forward to playful Danish folk song sessions and Latin cumbia rhythm workshops for the whole family. And in a joint circle, the songs of the Baltic sisters will resound – magical Lithuanian sutartinės and enchanting Latvian and Estonian melodies.

Musical education program:

NOVEMBER 6, THURSDAY, 6:00–6:45 p.m. Naujosios Vilnius Cultural Center – The Kingdom of Beskids: An Introduction to the Musical Traditions of Beskids*

Katarzyna Gacek Duda and Martin Walach (Kingdom of the  Beskid team)  leading an educational program focused on the musical traditions of the Polish Beskids, particularly around the regions of Laliki and Istebna. Program will introduce various Polish instruments, including whistles, flutes, and the Multanka, as well as the Beskid bagpipes. Participants will have the opportunity to play the Beskid horn and learn a traditional Polish melody from the Beskid mountains, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's rich cultural heritage.

The educational program introduces several traditional Polish instruments, including:

1. **Piszczałki (Whistles)** - Simple woodwind instruments often used in folk music.

2. **Flety (Flutes)** - Typically made of wood, these flutes are essential in Polish folk music.

3. **Multanka** - A unique type of wind instrument that combines features of various folk instruments.

4. **Gajdy beskidzkie (Beskid bagpipes)** - A characteristic instrument of the Beskid region, providing a distinct sound.

5. **Róg beskidzki (Beskid horn)** - A traditional horn used in various cultural celebrations.

These instruments play a key role in the musical traditions of the Polish Beskids.

*The class will be held in English.

SATURDAY, November 8 Vilnius Teachers' House, Small Hall:

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Pimasz: an introduction to Hungarian folklore and dance*

We invite you to join us for the PIMASZ education program, where you will learn about the folk music traditions and values of Hungarian culture. During the program, we will mainly focus on teaching round dances, which are an important part of our folk heritage. Our goal is to teach you two different traditional dances. I will also present the instruments I have made and play them, so participants can explore and learn about different sounds. I make shepherd flutes, whistles, and cavals using traditional methods. We look forward to seeing you! *The class will be held in English.

12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. From jigs to polkas: the magic of Irish music with Solar Grove*

Solar Grove will introduce the audience to the rich tradition of Irish music, exploring the different types of tunes commonly played, such as reels, jigs, hornpipes, marches, slides, and polkas. An example of each tune type will be performed, allowing listeners to hear their unique rhythms and character. *The class will be held in English.

1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. Sandra Carrillo and Paulius Volkovas: Family Education "Cumbia Rhythms and Songs"

Sandra and Paulius invite families with children to a lively introduction to Latin American cumbia rhythms. During the session, the musicians will invite everyone to play music and move to the beat together. This is a great opportunity to experience the joy of making music together, discover new sounds, and immerse yourself in the spirit of cumbia!

The activity is suitable for children of all ages and their parents – the most important thing is to bring your curiosity, energy, and desire to dance and sing together!

For inspiration, visit https://youtu.be/eFdUXU9ZGls?si=J1Smgt5_3AR18GOl

14:30 - 16:30 The Baltic sisters: Baltic song circle

Three countries – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – invite you to join a song circle that will reveal the rich and unique heritage of our ancestors. Participants will learn about Lithuanian sutartinės*, join in special Latvian song harmonies, and try out Estonian melodies and Setoma dance rhythms. It is an experience in which different languages merge into one – the common voice of the Baltic.

"Sutartinės are some of the oldest recorded songs. They are an incredible legacy of those who lived in harmony with nature, singing rituals to celebrate each change in the natural world. We will stand in a circle, without preconceptions, social roles, or masks, here and now. In this circle, we will speak another language – sutartinės," say The Baltic Sisters.

*Sutartinės (from the word sutarti – to be in concordance) is a form of polyphonic music performed by female singers in north-east Lithuania.

SUNDAY, November 9 Vilnius Teachers' House, Small Hall:

11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. MIŠKAS: musical journeys with the clarinet

What is so special about the clarinet and what role does it play in classical and contemporary music? The group Miškas invites you to a playful and creative educational event for the whole family, where this instrument will reveal itself in completely unexpected ways. Together, we will try to recognize and imitate sounds from animated films, imitate animal voices, and create moods and atmospheres using only the clarinet. This is a fun and interactive activity that invites you to experience music in a different way – through imagination, sound, and play.

12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. The world of country music with Gytis Ambrazevičius

Do you know what distinguishes country music from other genres? During this educational session, you will learn about the history of this style and become familiar with the rhythms, melodies, and themes that create the unique atmosphere of country music. You will hear the sounds of acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins, and harmonicas live – instruments that are essential to the true spirit of country music. This activity is designed for the whole family – both children and adults – so everyone will discover something new and interesting. It is a great opportunity not only to expand your knowledge, but also to experience an authentic musical journey together.

1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. A Friend in Vilnius: Danish folk melodies for children*

Music lovers of all ages are invited to join a fun musical journey where they will be introduced to Danish folk songs and melodies. During the educational concert, children will hear playful rhythms, try out simple musical elements, and discover new sounds. *The educational concert will be held in English.

2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Ævestaden: an introduction to Swedish and Norwegian folk music*

During the educational session, Ævestaden will invite you into the world of Norwegian and Swedish folk music, where you will hear not only old melodies, but also stories about their origins. The band members will present their unique instruments: the Kravik lyre, violin, kantele, etc., demonstrate their sound live, and share how they use old musical traditions to create new songs. *The session will be held in English.

The festival is funded by the Lithuanian Culture Institute, Creative Europe, Vilnius City Municipality, and the embassies of Estonia, Finland, Ireland, and Norway in Lithuania.

Festival partners: Naujoji Vilnia Cultural Center, UPBEAT, Music Club TAMSTA, Vilnius Teachers' House, Būkčia Kombucha, VIETA Café, and Comfort Hotel.