About organisation
The ethnic culture community “Radasta” was founded in 1981. During long years of existence the folk group prepared more than 10 programmes on Calendar holidays, also thematic programmes: “Saulala giedrioji” (Oh bright sun) (folk songs and instrumental music of Viečiūnai village in Varėna district), “Gimtoji žemė” (Motherland), “Žydi, klesčia radastėlė” (Deutzia is blooming), “Apie šokius...” (On dances), “Pasišersiu sau žirgelį” (I will feed the horse) and other. The group actively contributed to the preparation of publications on ethnic culture, also performed dances for video publications: “Šoks broliukai šokinį” (Brothers will dance), “Kadriliai. Jonkeliai” and the representative DVD “Lithuanian dances, songs and instrumental music”. “Radasta” actively participates in all major Lithuanian folklore events: World Lithuanians’ Song and Dance Celebrations (since 2003), international folklore festivals “Baltica” (since 1993), annual festival “Skamba skamba kankliai” (Kanklės Play), the Capital City’s Day, the Shrovetide, St. John’s Day celebrations, Christmas fair in Vilnius, St. George’s Day in Palanga, other events organised by various organisations, the elderly care centers, schools, also events in other cities, regional festivals in Nida, Kuliai, Palanga, Klaipėda and elsewhere, takes part in TV broadcasts “Duokim garo” and other.
Projects
Since 1983 the group represents Lithuania at many international folklore festivals abroad. The group has closely cooperated with the Hamar town (Norway) folk group “Solja”. In 2016 “Radasta” was acknowledged as the best folk group (of the town) and awarded the “Gold Bird” prize. “Radasta” not only performs, but is also involved in educational activities: organises oral folklore events, calendar celebrations, evenings at schools, takes part in seminars for art field personnel, pedagogues, and presents Lithuanian traditions to foreign guests. In 2018 the group recorded few Christmas songs for the CD “Atvažiuoja Kalėdos” (Here Rides the Christmas) by the Lithuanian National Culture Centre.
