To ensure a fitting celebration of Europe Day despite the pandemic, Vilnius University organised an unusual art project. In the spirit of social distancing, members of the university’s Oktava wind orchestra and the Ration folk ensemble performed from home. They played Ode to Joy as the anthem of the European Union.
The wind orchestra last met for a live rehearsal in November 2020. Albinas Kučinskas, the orchestra’s artistic director, explained that although the rehearsals under quarantine conditions were challenging, they never stopped the musicians from playing: “Although the orchestra hasn’t met for a live rehearsal in over six months, we managed to record this joint performance celebrating Europe Day with video and audio from the homes of various students in almost all parts of Lithuania in just over a week. The drive and enthusiasm of these students show once again how important music making is in our lives.”
On behalf of the Arqus European University Alliance, the Vilnius University collectives and their artistic directors hope that their musical greeting will reach all members of the Arqus community.
More information about the Arqus European University Alliance can be found on our website and the Arqus website.