On 24 October at 8 pm, a concert at Sapieha Palace will bring the Lithuanian National Youth Choir’s 2026 season to a close. At the heart of the programme is The Magic Paint Brush by Danish composer John Høybye, based on an ancient Chinese folktale.
The programme will also feature Renaissance music, choral works from the Nordic and Baltic countries, echoes of folk song and contemporary choral compositions. The concert will include works by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi, John Høybye, Thomas Morley, Knut Nystedt, Jānis Cimze, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Romualdas Gražinis, Bo Holten, Vytautas Miškinis, Evaldas Alekna, Vaclovas Augustinas and Ambrož Čopi.
About the Choir
The Lithuanian National Youth Choir is a dynamic ensemble bringing together talented young singers from across Lithuania. Uniting a new generation of musicians, the choir offers opportunities to work with leading conductors and vocal coaches from Lithuania and abroad, develop ambitious concert programmes and introduce Lithuanian choral culture to international audiences.
The choir’s repertoire spans a broad range of choral music, from Lithuanian musical traditions to works by some of the world’s leading choral composers. Alongside a commitment to artistic excellence, the choir places particular emphasis on exploring new concert formats, artistic ideas and opportunities for collaboration.
In 2026, the choir performs in Lithuania and Italy. One of the season’s highlights is its collaboration with the Italian National Youth Choir, including concerts in Italy. The season will culminate in a concert at Sapieha Palace in Vilnius on 24 October.
Organised by the Lithuanian National Culture Centre, the project also serves as a creative laboratory – a space for the professional development of young musicians, cultural exchange and the presentation of contemporary Lithuanian choral culture both at home and abroad.
• PROGRAMME •
Jaakko Mäntyjärvi – ANNOUNCEMENTS
John Høybye – THE MAGIC PAINT BRUSH
John Høybye – THE SLOW SPRING
Thomas Morley – NOW IS THE MONTH OF MAYING
Knut Nystedt – PAL SINE HONUR
Jānis Cimze – RĪGA DIMD
Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, arr. Romualdas Gražinis – DAINŲ DAINELĖ
Vaclovas Augustinas – ANOJ PUSĖJ DUNOJĖLIO
Bo Holten – NORDISK SUITE
Vytautas Miškinis – DUM MEDIUM SILENTIUM
Evaldas Alekna – LYJA LIETŪS, LYJA
Vaclovas Augustinas – M. K. O. PRIESAKAI SŪNUI
Ambrož Čopi – HE WISHES FOR THE CLOTHS OF HEAVEN
ARTISTIC AND ORGANISATIONAL TEAM
Artistic Director and Conductor – Povilas Vanžodis
Choirmaster – Gabrielius Gaidamavičius
Vocal Coach – Stein Skjervold (Norway)
Project Coordinators – Silvija Pročkytė, Tomas Kreimeris
Organiser – Lithuanian National Culture Centre