Figure 1.--This is a portrait of the Ąžuoliukas choir with their trade mark black suits amd lace collars, we think in the 1960s.

Lithuania is today a small Baltic country. It was gistorically a much larger country with a history closely associated witn Poland. It is a largely Catholic country. We have no information about historical choirs. Unlike Poland, religion is much less important than before World War II, in part because of Soviet atheism campaigns. At this time we little information about Lithiuanian choirs. We first chois we note was organized in the late 1950s during the Soviet era. As a result they did not have a church connection, although they do perform classical choral pieces that ahave a religious character. It is the aclaimed Azuoliukas boys choir. They appeared in the United states for the first time in 2001. They performed contemprary works at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. The boys imitially had a lace collar and shirt pants outfit, but now white shirts and bows or bowties. Some boys wear vests. we have noted some other active choirs.

Ąžuoliukas

Ąžuoliukas or Little Oaks is a Lithuanian boys' and youth choir. It is the very first Lithuanian boys' choir, at keast in modern times. It was established in Vilnius during Soviet times (1959). The Choir was founded by professor Hermanas Perelšteinas. As a result of the Soviet foundation, they did not have a church connection, although they perform classical choral pieces that have a religious character. Ąžuoliukas began with 30 boys, but later grew into a combination of several boys' and men's choirs and its own music school. The choir did not only grow in talented singers but also in its significant achievements. One of these is the Mineur Prix in the International Children's Choir Competition in Nantes, France (1990). They appeared in the United States for the first time (2001). They performed contemprary works at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. The boys imitially had a lace collar and shirt pants outfit, but now white shirts and bows or bowties. Some boys wear vests. Ąžuoliukas continues to perform in various festivals and concerts in both Lithuania and abroad. The choir is currently conducted by the professor Vytautas Miškinis. Ąžuoliukas held numerous concerts designated to mark its 50th anniversary (2009).

Dagilėlis

The Dagilėlis of Šiauliai Boys’ Choir is one of the most important choral groups in the Baltic. The Choir was founded just as Lituania was resetablishing its iundeopendence (1990). It was directed by Remigijus Adomaitis whose artistic and teaching skills have led to the development of a world class choir. The number of choiristers has grownng and the choral singing school Dagilėlis was established in Šiauliai (1999). Each year Dagilėlis holds concerts. The boys according to the choir, ... rejoice the hearts of the audience by their perfect performance, emotionality and their vibrant sounding voices." Dagilėlis thus amkes an imprtant contribution to the cultural life of Lithuania. They also represent Lithuania in international choral competitions which has been acknowledged by Lithuanian presidents. They have brought home excellent assessments of recognized music experts. We notice a 2017 performance in Cleveland, Ohio, a city with an importantnLithuanian community. The boys perform in blkack suits and red bow ties. Dagilėli have performed in the prestigious concert halls of the United States, China, and many European countries. The choir regularly prepares new and varied programs. They appear with notable art collectives and soloists. Dagilėlis has staged manyparticularly outstanding pieces with the State Hermitage orchestra, St Petersburg Camerata (Russia), Lithuanian national symphony orchestra, and others. The Choir continues to participate in various international projects, festivals and competions. they have won 12 international choir competitions. One of the latest – absolutely the best Lithuanian choral name and the Grand Prize winner of the festival – competition “We are Children of Lithuania” in Klaipėda (Lithuania). The concert tours are important because they show case the artistic level of the choir and stimulates the development of artistic skills.