“Gaudeamus” is a mixed academic choir situated in Vilnius University. It is one of the oldest and most notable student choirs from Lithuania and the choir was established in 1940. The choir “Gaudeamus” was created by Konradas Kaveckas who was a choir leader, educator, composer, an organist and all around cultural figure in Lithuania. Later on this Vilnius University choir was run by many notable Lithuanian choir leaders: P. Silžys, P. Gylys, B. Jankauskas, R. Zdanavičius, J. Kalcas and now it is run by Rasa Gelgotienė who took the role of the choir leader in 1995.
“Gaudeamus” choir frequently participates in Lithuanian and international festivals and contests, solemn events of Vilnius University. Sings in events like “Lithuanian Song and Dance festival”, Baltic State student festivals “Gaudeamus” and “Juventus”, participates in projects organised by Lithuanian Musicians’ Union and projects ran by municipalities of Vilnius, Panevėžys, Šiauliai, Marijampolė and other cities of Lithuania. In 1993 the choir “Gaudeamus” sang to the Pope John Paul II when he visited Lithuania.
On 2012 December 8th choir “Gaudeamus” with other two Vilnius University choirs “Pro Musica” and “Virgo” organised a completely new project called “Classic for All” that had no similar analogues in Lithuania or Europe. The choirs of Vilnius University invited everybody who is familiar and can sing out of the note sheets to sing a classical song. More than 400 singers gathered to sing W.A.Mozart’s “Requiem” in Saint John’s church that is situated in the centre of Vilnius.
In 2013 when Lithuania was leading the council of EU the choir actively participated in events around the world showing the culture of Lithuania. “Gaudeamus” sang a musical programme consisting of only Lithuanian music in various countries of Europe.
The choir visited a lot of European countries, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Mexico, Cuba and USA by actively touring, participating in festivals, competitions or just in order to show the Lithuanian music to the world. “Gaudeamus” has won a couple Lithuanian and international competitions, released CD’s with music created by classical and Lithuanian composers. In 2007 the choir got an award called “Aukso Paukštė“ which is given to the best of the best in Lithuania and in 2013 won 3rd place in the IX International Competition of Mixed Academic Choirs “Juventus”.
Choir leader Rasa Gelgotienė
Choirmasters: Ignas Garla, Deividas Kukta and Nerijus Masevičius