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 25 Symphonic and choral concert.
At the second concert of the series, on April 25 at 7 PM at St. John’s Church, you will see the VU Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus”, the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra (COSU), and the VU Chamber Orchestra. Other instrumentalists and members of the VU Wind Orchestra “Oktava” will also join this special evening. This is a rare opportunity to see such a large ensemble of choirs and orchestras on one stage.
For this exceptional meeting, the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra “COSU” (chief conductor Nicolas Agullo, artistic director and conductor Frédéric Pineau), the Vilnius University Chamber Orchestra (artistic director and conductor Modestas Jankūnas), and the Vilnius University Academic Mixed Choir “Gaudeamus” (artistic director and conductor Rasa Gelgotienė) will unite.
The program will feature excerpts from Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis’ overture “Kęstutis”, and a cappella choral compositions “Kyrie”, “Gloria”, and “Sanctus”. The evening will culminate in Francis Poulenc’s “Gloria” for choir, orchestra, and soprano. The solo part will be performed by Salomėja Petronytė.
This evening is the only concert of its kind in Lithuania with such a lineup and program, showcasing the partnership between two universities and the power of music to bring together performers from different countries for a shared creative experience.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra (COSU)
Gustav Mahler – Symphony No. 5 (excerpts)
I. Trauermarsch – conducted by Modestas Jankūnas
V. Rondo–Finale – conducted by Nicolas Agullo
Vilnius University ensembles
Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis – “Kęstutis”, overture
Conducted by Modestas Jankūnas
Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (a cappella)
Kyrie – conducted by Rasa Gelgotienė
Gloria, Sanctus – conducted by Frédéric Pineau
Joint performance
Francis Poulenc – “Gloria” for choir, orchestra, and soprano
Soloist – Salomėja Petronytė (soprano)
Conducted by Nicolas Agullo
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/