Vilnius city senior folk ensemble “Rasoda” was founded 1999. Original founder Rima Milickienė led it till 2001. From 2001 to 2005 the ensemble was led by Danutė Tautavičienė. Valentina Račkauskienė has been leading the ensemble since 2005.

From 1999 to 2007 art directors were Dalia Vilbrantienė and Juozas Petraitis. Ever since the founding of “Rasoda”, the repertoire contained harmonized Lithuanian folk songs and choral music. During the period when the art director was ethnomusicologist Jurgita Zvonkute (2007-2009) the ensemble became stronger, grew significantly and could properly be called a folk ensemble. Current art director, ethnomusicologist Toma Grašytė, has been in charge since 2009.

Currently, the ensemble consists of about 30 people, aged 50-80. Most members come from Aukštaitija, Dzūkija and Suvalkija ethnographic regions and despite living in Vilnius, continue to speak in their native dialects. Thus, most of the songs selected for the performances are from those 3 regions, while the traditional dances, particularly popular amongst the ensemble performers, are chosen from all regions of Lithuania.

The folk music band consists of the bayan, a diatonic button accordion, lumzdelis (Remigijus Guliokas), violin, kanklės (Toma Grašytė), the drum and various bells, rattles.

The ensemble has performed in almost every region of Lithuania. They frequently participate in concerts in Vilnius, visit retirement homes, hospitals (rehabilitation units), churches, schools, municipalities etc. Every year “Rasoda” participates in festivities, organized by Vilnius Ethnic Culture Center, such as the international folklore festival “Skamba skamba kankliai”, “Užgavėnės”, St Casimir’s fair. In 2009 they presented a program “Lino kelias” (the road of flax) at the World Lithuanian Song Festival. In 2012 “Rasoda” has participated in the international folklore festival “Subatėlės vakarėly…” that took place in Dzūkija national park.

The ensemble has performed in and organized a variety of gatherings for the Lithuanian communities in Poland, Italy, Austria, France, Belgium (Brussels), participated in international folklore festivals in Latvia and Belarus.

Contact person:

Valentina Račkauskienė

Tel. +370 674  72844