no
Chicago based, Lithuanian Choral Ensemble DAINAVA is a dynamic cultural ensemble of 80 members actively pursuing fresh, new musical selections to complement its current inventory of Lithuanian folk music. The concert, open to the public, is a part of the 30th biennial conference of the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies.
Since the 19th century, Baltic diaspora communities from around the world have played a pivotal role in sustaining and preserving their countries of origin. From the streets of Chicago to Rio Novo in Brazil, the diverse transnational networks of Baltic diasporas have withstood empires, world wars, Soviet occupation, and the Cold War to help forge new identities and memory as independent peoples and nations. Therefore, it seems appropriate to reflect on the genealogies and the social, political, and cultural contributions of Baltic diaspora communities worldwide, as well as the experiences and perspectives of diaspora groups currently residing in the Baltic region.
Gathering at the 30th biennial conference of the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies (AABS), to be held on the campus of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on May 28-31, 2026, will bring together Baltic diaspora communities and Baltic Studies scholars from around the world. The conference will feature panels from all fields of the humanities and social sciences, education, technology, transnational security, safety, and well-being.
More about the conference can be found here.
In the heart of many a Lithuanian, song is innate; it is present at birth, and it develops as if nurtured by a mother. Across the Atlantic, song is alive today in the lovely name of Dainava.
This cultural ensemble was established in 1945, when the mass immigration started to Germany from Lithuania during World War II. At that time, over 100 choral members as well as folk dancers joined this newly established cultural group whose motto would lead it into the future: „Forward To Freedom with Song!”
Six years later in 1951, the Dainava Lithuanian Chorale was re-created in Chicago by the newly immigrated S. Sodeika, conductor; and G. Velička, art director. The repertoire of the ensemble was spiritually fortified by its major theme, the longing for and the memories of homeland.
Presently, Dainava has developed into a dynamic cultural ensemble of 80 members; this group has performed in over 300 concerts, various musical productions, classical oratories, and Lithuanian cantatas. The ensemble – under the leadership of its chorus master, composer, conductor, and artistic director Darius Polikaitis – is actively pursuing fresh, new musical selections to complement its current inventory of Lithuanian folk music with a more classical repertoire.
However, Dainava will not veer from its roots – Dainava resounds to keep its Lithuanian heritage alive and to ensure that its audience – young or old – experience the joy of song in their souls.
More information about Dainava can be found here.
Program TBA.