About organisation
In 1987 a group of folklore lovers united in an ensemble led by Aldona Ragevičienė. The group has chosen the title of probably the cleanest and purest Lithuanian river. However the “Ūla” group has its roots in 1967, the movement of folklore groups in Lithuania. The “Ūla” members participated in the first folklore expeditions, the first programmes of Vilnius University and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences folk ensembles. The group hosts over 30 members, led by Janina Bukantaitė. “Ūla” has prepared thematic programmes of spring, Christmas, wedding, flax pulling, St. John’s Day songs and traditions, Samogitian, All Saints’ Day, family, literature songs and other programmes enriched with dances and storytelling. The repertoire is composed by the group leader, though a great part of it consists of songs brought in by group members Adelija and Stasys Mickai, Virginija Savickienė, Irena Juškienė, Algirdas Matijoška. The group’s programmes were performed at various festivals, events in Lithuania and abroad: Latvia, France, Norway, Canada, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Russia. The group members play accordion, fiddle, pipes, drum, bass, horns, whistles and kanklės.
Projects
The Lithuanian National Radio’s archives keep long records of "Ūla". The ensemble has released 14 CDs and other records of songs, chants and instrumental music. In 2000 “Ūla” was recognized the best Lithuanian folk group (in a category of towns) and handed the “Gold Bird”. The CD “Pasilikot jauni, dainose amžini” (You have stayed young in songs forever) (2016) of partisan songs prepared and released as well as the partisan songs and poetry programme performed at various events. The concert dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the group hosted (2017). The CD “Oi, tu sakale” (Oh, Falcon) (2018) of folk singer Adolfas Verseckas’ songs prepared and released as well as the programme “A Song – the Value of Life” dedicated to this personality presented at the Song and Dance Celebration, other events. The group participates in the cultural events, calendar celebrations, folklore festivals of the Vilnius City and other regions.
