Vilnius University Culture Center presents a unique musical meeting – the concert series “Vilnius–Paris”, bringing together young performers from two of the oldest European universities: Sorbonne University and Vilnius University.
This project continues the creative collaboration that began in 2025, when the Vilnius University choir “Gaudeamus” and the VU Chamber Orchestra performed at the prestigious Grand Amphitheatre of the Sorbonne in Paris together with the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra (COSU).
On April 24–25, 2026, this musical dialogue moves to Vilnius. Two concerts will take place at St. John’s Church of Vilnius University, featuring the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra (COSU) alongside Vilnius University ensembles: the VU Chamber Orchestra and VU choirs “Virgo”, “Gaudeamus”, and “Pro Musica”.
The programs will include choral and symphonic music from various eras – from contemporary works to sacred classics.
APRIL 24 A cappella concert
On the first evening of the “Vilnius–Paris” concert series, April 24 at 7 PM at St. John’s Church, an a cappella choral music program will be performed, revealing the diversity of the human voice – from subtle timbres and transparent harmonies to intense musical dramaturgy. The concert will feature the Sorbonne University Choir COSU (chief conductor Nicolas Agullo, artistic director and conductor Frédéric Pineau) and Vilnius University choirs “Virgo”, “Gaudeamus”, and “Pro Musica” (artistic director and conductor Rasa Gelgotienė).
The program includes contemporary choral works by Pärt Uusberg, Kim André Arnesen, Philippe Hersant, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Donatas Zakaras, and other composers. The concert will also feature a recognizable highlight for listeners – Elton John’s “Circle of Life”, arranged for choir. At the end of the evening, all Vilnius University choirs will unite for a final piece – Ēriks Ešenvalds’ “Stars”.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Sorbonne University Choir (COSU)
Pärt Uusberg – Kodutee
Lars Jansson – To the Mothers in Brazil: Salve Regina (arrangement – Gunnar Eriksson)
Kim André Arnesen – Child of Song
Philippe Hersant – Allégories (excerpt), I. Enfance III
Norwegian folk song – Gjendines Bådnlåt (arrangement – Gunnar Eriksson)
Ēriks Ešenvalds – Only in Sleep
Zana Zaganjori – Comme un canard
Elton John – Circle of Life (arrangement – André van der Merwe)
Conducted by Frédéric Pineau
Vilnius University Mixed Choir “Pro Musica”
Rihards Dubra – Miserere (Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė)
Gediminas Kalinas – Ave Maria (Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė)
Jevgenijs Ustinskovs – Stabat Mater (Conducted by Ignas Garla)
Vilnius University Girls’ Choir “Virgo”
Donatas Zakaras – Cantate Domino (Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė)
Ēriks Ešenvalds – Lux aeterna (Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė)
Ēriks Ešenvalds – O Salutaris Hostia (Conducted by Indrė Pinkevičė)
Soloists: Juliana Malinovskaja (soprano), Vytautė Cvirkaitė (soprano)
Vilnius University Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus”
Laura Jēkabsonė – Pērkontēvs (Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė)
Donatas Zakaras – Letters to Sofija (Conducted by Ignas Garla)
All Vilnius University choirs
Ēriks Ešenvalds – Stars (Conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė)
TICKETS
The concert series “Vilnius–Paris” is organized by the VU Culture Center, which brings together 16 artistic groups and studios that nurture long-standing traditions and create cultural experiences. The latest information about events can be found on the center’s website and social media:
→ https://www.instagram.com/vukulturoscentras/
→ www.kultura.vu.lt
The Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra COSU (Chœur et Orchestre Sorbonne Université) brings together more than one hundred young musicians – mostly students of Sorbonne University. The ensemble continues the university’s long-standing musical tradition, actively participates in academic and cultural events, and fosters international collaboration. More about the ensemble:
→ https://cosu.sorbonne-universite.fr
→ https://www.instagram.com/cosu_sorbonne_universite/