This exceptional ensemble started out of a love of music and tradition. Since its foundation, Melodija has been preserving the heritage of sung folklore, bringing the community together and testifying to the power of song to bring people together. The leader of the ensemble is Janina Stupienko and the leader of the band is Svetlana Mikelskaitė. The ensemble is made up of teachers and music enthusiasts from various schools and kindergartens in the region: the Juzef Ignacy Kraševski Gymnasium in Naujoji Vilnia, the Žaliakalnis school-kindergarten, the Kastonas kindergarten, and the Jalovka gymnasium. “The repertoire of Melodija is rich and varied, ranging from Vilnius region folk songs to Polish and Lithuanian patriotic pieces and Christmas carols. The ensemble has represented the region at the Lithuanian Song Festival four times – in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2024. In 2025, the ensemble won an incentive award at the International Festival of Christmas Carols and Pastorals in Bedzin (Poland), named after Father Kazimierz Švarlik. The origins of the ensemble go back to the Pierwiosnki collective, which was continued by the current director Janina Stupienko. In the first years, Melodija worked completely voluntarily, driven by passion and dedication – rehearsals were held at Janina’s house, until the group started to collaborate with the cultural centre of Naujosios Vilnia. Today, after thirty creative years, Melodija invites you to an exclusive anniversary concert with fortune telling!
The evening will be hosted by the charismatic Anna Adamowicz, well-known as Aunt Franukova. A warm, sincere and full of surprises evening awaits the audience, where Melodija promises to conjure up happiness, love and the fulfilment of dreams – all to the rhythm of Vilnius region songs, coming straight from the heart. Special guest of the concert will be Capitan Folk (Poland), who will bring even more musical energy and folk temperament to the event. Let this evening be a shared celebration of joy, laughter and music, because – after all – whoever hears “Melodija” will carry it in his heart for a long time.
The event is free of charge, but free reservations are required.
The event is part of the project “Melodious 30th Anniversary of the Melodija Ensemble”. The project is funded by the Senate of the Republic of Poland as a targeted grant to support activities related to the care of people of Polish origin and the Polish diaspora abroad.
Organised by the Naujosios Vilnios Culture Centre and the ensemble “Melodija”.
