Role

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Ensemble

 

Vilnius Municipal Choir, Jauna Muzika, is a renowned classical music ensemble based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The choir was founded in 1989 by its current artistic director and conductor, Vaclovas Augustinas, and has since become one of the most prominent choral groups in the country. The birth of Jauna Muzika can be traced back to the fall of the Soviet Union, when Lithuania gained its independence and a new era of cultural freedom began. Augustinas, who had previously studied choral conducting at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, saw an opportunity to create a new kind of choir that would embrace the country's newfound artistic freedom and explore new directions in choral music. With this vision in mind, Augustinas gathered a group of young, talented singers from the Vilnius Conservatory and formed Jauna Muzika, which translates to "New Music" in Lithuanian. The choir quickly gained a reputation for its innovative programming and high level of musicianship, and soon began to attract attention both in Lithuania and abroad. Over the years, Jauna Muzika has performed at some of the most prestigious venues and festivals in Europe and beyond, including the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the Edinburgh International Festival. The choir has also collaborated with many leading composers and conductors, including Arvo Pärt, Krzysztof Penderecki, and John Rutter. One of the highlights of Jauna Muzika's career came in 2003, when the choir won first prize at the International Chamber Choir Competition in Marktoberdorf, Germany. This was a significant achievement for the ensemble, as the competition is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious choral competitions in the world. In addition to its international success, Jauna Muzika has also been a major force in the development of choral music in Lithuania. The choir has commissioned and premiered numerous works by Lithuanian composers, and has played a key role in promoting contemporary choral music both at home and abroad. One of the most notable examples of Jauna Muzika's commitment to new music is its ongoing collaboration with the Lithuanian composer Bronius Kutavičius. Kutavičius, who is widely regarded as one of the most important living composers in Lithuania, has worked closely with the choir for many years, and has written several works specifically for Jauna Muzika. Another important aspect of Jauna Muzika's work is its commitment to education and outreach. The choir regularly holds workshops and masterclasses for young singers, and has also established a choral academy to train the next generation of choral conductors in Lithuania. Overall, Vilnius Municipal Choir, Jauna Muzika, is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and inspire creativity and innovation. Through its commitment to new music, international collaboration, and education, the choir has become a true ambassador for the rich cultural heritage of Lithuania, and a beacon of excellence in the world of choral music.

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