Latvian Song Evening at the Song Club

On Monday, November 30, at 18:00, the Song Club will gather once again in the Grand Hall of the Adomas Mickevičius Public Library of Vilnius County.

This time, in celebration of Latvia’s Independence Day, observed on November 18, we will learn songs from the Latvian people, whose language and culture are closely related to ours.

The club will welcome Paula Lāce and Ņikita Kazakevičs, Latvian students pursuing their master’s degrees at the Faculty of Philology of Vilnius University. They will teach us both popular Latvian folk songs and lesser-known songs from all regions of Latvia, including various forms of drone singing. They also promise to introduce us to songs associated with the November season of remembrance of the dead and explore some of the Christmas repertoire. Some of the songs will be accompanied by the sounds of the nine-string Kurzeme kokle, a traditional Latvian zither.

The Latvian students living in Vilnius will also provide insights into the songs and the material presented, commenting on linguistic features, cultural references and other aspects. Their aim is to introduce and showcase not only “national songs” and staged folk performances, but also authentic folklore.

The club is open to everyone, with no age restrictions. You do not need perfect musical pitch or any previous musical experience.

Participation is free of charge.