Centennial Lithuanian Song Festival "Kad giria žaliuotų" (May the Forest Stay Green)

In July of 2024, the Vingis ensemble and the entire Lithuanian folk art community were immersed in the spirit of the Centennial Lithuanian Song Festival. The grand event began ceremoniously at Kaunas Song Valley, the place where the first Song Festival was held in 1924. Spanning an entire week and filling Vilnius with joy, the centennial festival "Kad giria žaliuotų" passed in the blink of an eye for its participants.

"Vingis" musicians and singers created magic during the Ensemble Evening "Tree of Life." traditionally held at Kalnai Park. Here, the Tree of Life was interpreted as a representation of the world, nurtured by the four elements: Fire, Air, Water, and Earth.

During Dance Day, "Vingis" dancers and orchestra performed "Bridges Through the Ages". Our artistic director of the ensemble, Rimutė Zaleckaitė, was one of the leading choreographers of the event, while the director of the orchestra, Kęstutis Lipeika, served as the music director. Participants created breathtaking visual performances alongside Lithuanians from all around the world. In folklore, bridges symbolize connections — between earth and sky, beginnings and endings, and the realms of humans and gods. This symbolism was reflected in Dance Day, as participants built bridges of hearts, generations, cultures, and a bridge home.

After more than a year of preparation and a week of shared rehearsals, it was a majestic feeling to sing, play, and dance in unity with the Lithuanian nation. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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