Performers: Choir and orchestra of the state ensemble "lietuva" Chief conductor Egidijus Kaveckas, chief choirmaster Algimantas Kriūnas, artistic director Giedrius Svilainis
The educational program for children "The Singing Revolution," created in 2025 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Lithuania's independence, remains relevant today – the theme of freedom does not lose its importance and resonates with particular sensitivity in the context of current events.
This project will remind the young generation of the freedom won for Lithuania by their parents and grandparents, not with weapons, but with song and inner determination. It will also spark children's curiosity and desire to learn about history, musical culture, and traditions passed down from generation to generation. Music continues to unite, foster a sense of community, strengthen inspiration and pride in Lithuania, and allow for the experience of uplifting emotions.
The Singing Revolution was a period from 1988 to 1991, when the Baltic states sought independence from the USSR. The name originated from the numerous demonstrations and rallies held at the time, during which various songs now attributed to the Singing Revolution era were sung. In Lithuania, people gathered in mass assembly places (Vingis Park, Kalnų Park, etc.). While keeping watch and guarding state-significant objects, folk songs and circle dances were also indispensable.
In this educational program, children will take a theatrical journey through different spaces of that time – the Press House, the Seimas, the TV Tower, Vingis Park, Kalnų Park, and other locations significant to that era, where various activities took place, such as rallies and fights for freedom. Freedom, which we won with song. Children will be introduced to the most important songs that united the nation and will be involved in building barricades, confusing the enemy, singing long-forbidden songs, and other activities characteristic of that time.
Together with professional artists from the "Lietuva" ensemble, children will sing songs from that era – from sutartinės to those by legendary bands like "Foje" ("Laužo šviesa"), "Antis", Vytautas Kernagis ("Baltas paukštis"), "Šaukiu aš tautą", and others. The pieces will remind today's children of the revolutionary moods that prevailed at the time and the determination to fight for their nation's freedom.