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At present the ensemble is quickly moving forward by the speed set by modern society of knowledge. Recently the legal status of the ensemble has been changed. After it was registered in the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, the ensemble became Concert institution, which shows the professionalism and acknowledgement of the ensemble. The ensemble is in the continuous creative process, concert programs are being improved, and new work pieces are created. The desire to get the spectators interested, surprised, amused and spiritually enriched always remains.
One of the main priorities of the ensemble is educational activity. The cooperation with Lithuanian schools and kindergartens is continued; only professional concert programs that meet the recommendations of LR Ministry of Education and Science are suggested for children.
The ensemble is original and interesting because of variety and plenty of the instruments. More than 20 different Lithuanian instruments are used in the concerts: reed-pipes, kanklės, horns, ožragis, skudučiai, daudytės, tabalai, wooden bells, lumzdeliai, molinukai, džingulis, pliauška, etc. These instruments are used to perform not only Lithuanian folk songs and dances, but also original work pieces created by various composers. The concerts of the ensemble are very successful both in Lithuania and abroad. Mission of "Ainiai" To develop concert, educational activity by propagation, popularization and introduction to all Lithuanian folklore instruments. Besides, to engage and make the young generation closer to the national art, and at the same time to preserve and enrich it . Vision of "Ainiai" The ensemble that preserves its uniqueness and individuality in modern society of knowledge and that constantly increases its popularity inside and outside the country. Concert Institution Kaunas Music Ensemble "Ainiai" is a harmonious, diligent and stable collective. Credo of "Ainiai" To treasure its dower into the chest of national culture. |
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History |
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Concert Institution Kaunas Music Ensemble “Ainiai“ was formed in 1991. It was established by the present head of collective, Jonas Urbonas and actor of Kaunas Drama Theatre, Petras Venclova. The ensemble had been working for about one year without having legal status, as an amateur collective. After their professionalism was proven, “Ainiai” became legal entity in 1992. “Ainiai” is the first professional ensemble in Lithuania that was incorporated as a budgetary institution. The cast of ensemble was changing time from time. The ensemble has admitted and produced the soloists and musicians, the musical programs have been changing, the new work pieces were born. Only the musicians and soloists with high musical education have been playing in the collective. All the musicians are poly-instrumentalists.
It is possible to state that the ensemble that was formed immediately after recovery of country’s independence was refreshing Lithuanian spirit, raising its culture, and the prestige of Lithuania abroad. From 1992 until 2004 the ensemble was on tour in Russia, Ukraine, Germany, England, Poland, France, Norway, USA, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, etc. During the concerts the ensemble was always able to make the spectators excited and interested. It is seen in the archival material of the ensemble, press reports, and gratitude of individual persons.
One of the most memorable events was a concert in the City Hall of Oslo ( Norway), after which the representatives of the city expressed their grievance that “such music had been under the iron curtain even for 50 years”; besides, it was received sincere gratitude of the employees of the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania. After the concerts in England it was received acknowledgement not only in the Home of Community of English Lithuanians, but it was also gained an exceptional permission to play in Covent Garden, a prestigious place, where many already famous musicians – artists have started their musical career. In Beverlly festival ( England) “Ainiai” surprised both: spectators and other participants, when they showed that the ecclesiastical music may be performed in a different way. This helped it to gain the sympathies of spectators. After the concert in Detmold, the ensemble received an invitation to play in Hamburg fair.
The tour in America was memorable because of the acquaintance with present Lithuanian president Valdas Adamkus. When talking about the ensemble he has said these words: “while speaking about Lithuanian music. “Ainiai” have to be talked about individually”. During this tour it was played in various festivals, churches, fairs, and for the communities of foreign Lithuanians as well.
The ensemble is a regular participant of Kaunas City Days and other Kaunas celebrations. Besides the concerts for adults, from the very beginning the ensemble has been performing educational work. It has been playing in schools and kindergartens and in such a way it educates and makes the young generation interested in the riches of Lithuanian folklore.
The collective of the ensemble always remains in a good mood, strong and optimistic. |
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