Name: Kantičkas Valančius: The Old Hymnal in the Voices of the Younger Generation
Start: 2026-11-20T19:00
Location: Mažeikiai St. Church of Francis of Assisi

Kantičkas Valančius: The Old Hymnal in the Voices of the Younger Generation

Concerts

How would the hymns that people sang in churches, at home, during holidays, processions, and vigils over 150 years ago sound today?

Šiauliai State Chamber Choir "Polifonija" invites you to a concert, where the old hymnal of Motiejus Valančius will meet the work of the younger generation of Lithuanian composers.

To commemorate the 225th anniversary of the birth of Bishop Motiejus Kazimieras Valančius of Samogitia, three composers: Lukas Butkus, Dovydas Baltrimavičius, and Deividas Kukta, each selected three hymns from "Kantičkai" and created nine new compositions for mixed choir based on them.

This is definitely not a reconstruction of the sound of the 19th century, it is a look at the old hymnal by today's young creator, where historical text, contemporary choral music, and living cultural memory meet.

The concert will be complemented by the visual dramaturgy of video artist and director Kristijonas Dirsė, in which music and images will merge with the architecture of the sanctuary, creating a unique journey between the past and the present.

Fr. Prof. Dr. Saulius Stumbra will tell you about the history of the Kantičkai, their place in Lithuanian religious culture, and the singing tradition.

November 20 | 7 p.m.

Mažeikiai St. Francis of Assisi Church

Performed by – Šiauliai State Chamber Choir “Polifonija”
Conducted by – Povilas Vanžodis
Composers: Lukas Butkus, David Baltrimavičius, David Kukta
Author of visualizations – Kristijonas Dirsė
About Kantičkas tells – Fr. Prof. Dr. Saulius Stumbra

In the program:

Lukas Butkus
"I am a sad person speaking"
"Have fun, Heaven"
"O Foolishness of Man"

David Baltrimavicius
"Hello, morning star"
"Oh, what shall we do?"
"Happy Man"

David Cook
"Eternity"
"Souls Fall Like Snow"
"Holy God"

The event is free.