„Vilnius–Paris“ A cappella concert
Event information
One year after the Season of Lithuania in France, the musical dialogue between the Vilnius University Culture Center and Sorbonne University continues in Vilnius with the first concert of the “Vilnius–Paris” concert series.
On April 24, an a cappella choral music programme will be presented at St John’s Church, revealing the full expressive range of the human voice – from subtle timbres and transparent harmonies to rich musical dramaturgy.
The concert will feature the Sorbonne University Choir COSU (Chief Conductor Nicolas Agullo, Artistic Director and Conductor Frédéric Pineau) and Vilnius University choirs “Virgo”, “Gaudeamus”, and “Pro musica” (Artistic Director and Conductor Rasa Gelgotienė).
The programme includes contemporary choral works by Pärt Uusberg, Kim André Arnesen, Philippe Hersant, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Donatas Zakaras and others. A recognisable highlight of the evening will be Elton John’s Circle of Life, arranged for choir. The concert will conclude with a joint performance by all Vilnius University choirs – Ēriks Ešenvalds’ Stars.
📅 24 April 2026 ⏰ 19:00–20:15 📍 St John’s Church, Šv. Jonų St. 12, Vilnius
PROGRAMME
Sorbonne University Choir (COSU)
Pärt Uusberg – Kodutee
Lars Jansson – To the Mothers in Brazil: Salve Regina
(arr. Gunnar Eriksson)
Kim André Arnesen – Child of Song
Philippe Hersant – Allégories (excerpt), I. Enfance III
Norwegian Folk Song – Gjendines Bådnlåt
(arr. Gunnar Eriksson)
Ēriks Ešenvalds – Only in Sleep
Zana Zaganjori – Comme un canard
Elton John – Circle of Life
(arr. André van der Merwe)
Conducted by Frédéric Pineau
Vilnius University Mixed Choir “Pro musica”
Rihards Dubra – Miserere
Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
Gediminas Kalinas – Ave Maria
Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
Jevgenijs Ustinskovs – Stabat Mater
Conducted by Ignas Garla
Vilnius University Women’s Choir “Virgo”
Donatas Zakaras – Cantate Domino
Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
Ēriks Ešenvalds – Lux aeterna
Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
Ēriks Ešenvalds – O Salutaris Hostia
Conducted by Indrė Pinkevičė
Soloists:
Juliana Malinovskaja (soprano)
Vytautė Cvirkaitė (soprano)
Vilnius University Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus”
Laura Jēkabsonė – Pērkontēvs
Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
Donatas Zakaras – Letters to Sofia
Conducted by Ignas Garla
Finale
All Vilnius University choirs
Ēriks Ešenvalds – Stars
Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
The second concert of the “Vilnius–Paris” series, featuring joint performances by choirs and orchestras of Sorbonne University and Vilnius University, will take place on April 25 at 18:00 at St John’s Church. More about the concert series: https://fb.me/e/6JqxySNaF
The concert series is organised by the Vilnius University Culture Center, which brings together 16 artistic ensembles and studios, fostering long-standing traditions and creating cultural experiences.
→ https://www.instagram.com/vukulturoscentras/
→ www.kultura.vu.lt
Information for visitors:
📌 The event may be photographed and filmed. By attending, you consent to the use of this material for communication purposes.
📌 Please switch off mobile phone sounds during the concert.
📌 The event is recommended for audiences aged 7 and above. We kindly ask parents and guardians to ensure children remain quiet during the performance.
📌 When taking photos or videos, please do not disturb performers or other audience members.
📌 When sharing content on social media, we invite you to tag the Vilnius University Culture Center and participating ensembles.
Thank you for helping to create a respectful and welcoming concert atmosphere.
Important information
About event organizer
„Vilniaus universitetas“, VŠĮ
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