“Vilnius–Paris” Joint Choral and Symphony Orchestra Concert

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 second concert of the “Vilnius–Paris” concert series

On April 25, more than 200 performers will gather on the stage of St John’s Church, creating a musical experience of a scale rarely seen in Lithuania.

This special event will bring together the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra COSU (Chief Conductor Nicolas Agullo, Artistic Director and Conductor Frédéric Pineau), the Vilnius University Chamber Orchestra (Artistic Director and Conductor Modestas Jankūnas), and the Vilnius University Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus” (Artistic Director and Conductor Rasa Gelgotienė).

The programme will feature excerpts from Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’ overture Kęstutis, and a cappella choral works Kyrie, Gloria, and Sanctus. The evening will conclude with Francis Poulenc’s Gloria for choir, orchestra, and soprano. The solo part will be performed by Salomėja Petronytė.

This evening is the only concert of its kind in Lithuania, bringing together this unique ensemble and programme, and highlighting the partnership between the two universities and the power of music to unite performers from different countries in a shared creative experience.

📅 25 April 2026
⏰ 18:00–19:30
📍 St John’s Church, Šv. Jonų St. 12, Vilnius

PROGRAMME

Sorbonne University Orchestra and orchestra (COSU), VU Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus,” and VU Chamber Orchestra

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis
Kyrie – conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
Gloria, Sanctus – conducted by Frédéric Pineau

VU Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus” and Sorbonne University Choir (COSU)

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis – “Kęstutis,” overture
Conducted by Modestas Jankūnas

Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 5 (excerpts)
I. “Trauermarsch” – conducted by Modestas Jankūnas
V. “Rondo–Finale” – conducted by Nicolas Agullo

Sorbonne University Orchestra and orchestra (COSU), VU Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus,” and VU Chamber Orchestra

Francis Poulenc – “Gloria”
Soloist – Salomėja Petronytė (soprano)
Conducted by Nicolas Agullo

The first concert of the joint choir and orchestra series “Vilnius–Paris” by Sorbonne University and Vilnius University, featuring an a cappella choral programme, will take place on April 24 at 19:00 at St John’s Church.

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.

For the latest information, visit:
→ 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. If necessary, please step outside briefly and return once they have settled.
📌 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 welcoming concert atmosphere.