enthusiasts from different countries, dedicated to preserving traditional folk music. This is when
the International Festival “Pokrov Bells” takes place, an event well-known beyond Lithuania’s
borders. In 2024, it will celebrate its nineteenth edition!
Are events like this still relevant today? What inspires traditional music performers to come to “Pokrov
Bells,” crossing borders to participate, and what encourages audiences to carve out time from their busy
lives to attend concerts during such difficult times? The answer can be both simple and nuanced.
Ultimately, people are willing to go to great lengths for what they truly care about. The festival reflects a
growing interest in exploring family histories and native cultural traditions, including music. This journey
often involves reconnecting with one’s heritage amidst the rich tapestry of cultures that coexist in our
modern world. In today’s globalized society, many city dwellers feel a strong urge to rediscover their
roots, understand their cultural backgrounds, and preserve their identities.
The “Pokrov Bells” Festival has evolved into a lively platform for dialogue among experts in musical
folklore, traditional performance enthusiasts, and audiences. Its diverse program offers a wealth of
opportunities to engage with various interests, from cultural and educational to scientific and practical.
For example, the International Conference “My Family – My Roots” encouraged meaningful
collaboration between children and parents as they prepared their presentations. Many included unique
documentary materials and photographs from family albums and archives, showcasing their significant
historical and cultural value.Additionally, the round table discussion “Problems of Continuity in Folk
Traditions in the Context of Globalization” gathered specialists from Lithuania, Armenia, Poland,
Ukraine, Latvia, Georgia, Spain, Norway, and Germany. This discussion provided a vital forum for
tackling pressing issues related to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage today and for exploring
effective ways to promote traditional culture.
In the creative lab on traditional singing and dance, practical folklorists from different countries
showcased their methods for mastering folk music. This exchange is incredibly valuable, as it fosters
direct contact, dialogue, and interaction through the study of various musical traditions.
Participants in the lab had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sound ideals of different cultures,
which greatly expanded their understanding of musical language. They shared techniques for learning
folklore, acquired new vocal skills, and explored the principles of developing unique singing styles.
The concerts held at St. Catherine’s Church, Vilnius City Hall, and the Theater Hall of Vilnius University
were truly unforgettable. The festival highlighted a range of approaches to presenting traditional folk
music, from authentic performances to contemporary interpretations by composers. The City Hall concert
transformed into a six-hour musical marathon, offering a rich and diverse showcase of ensembles.
Remarkably, despite its length, it felt like it passed in an instant! Each section of the concert conveyed its
own unique idea, tone, and atmosphere, reflecting the different musical traditions on display. The
program flowed from the haunting harmonies of Lithuanian sutartinės to the lyrical round-dance and
wedding songs of the Lithuanian Old Believers. The audience was captivated by an array of instrumental
pieces and the virtuosity of folk fiddles, with talented musicians from Latvia, Ukraine, Armenia, Poland,
and Norway contributing their skills. Ukrainian and Polish singers impressed with their vibrant, powerful
voices, while the stunning complexity of Georgian polyphony brought the concert to a breathtaking
conclusion. This experience underscored the importance of not only honoring the performance traditions
of rural folk musicians but also recognizing how contemporary artists reinterpret these musical heritages.
Thanks to many talented musicians today, traditional music continues to thrive and captivate audiences
around the world.
Here’s what the performers and guests of Vilnius have to say:
Luka Mebonia, Georgia: “What sustains us in difficult times? It’s undoubtedly the song. Music has the
power to help people endure and repair relationships. At this festival, cultural traditions unite us, and in
this moment, we are all fulfilling a higher purpose—singing together. Georgia thrives on its traditions;
they are essential to our identity. Culture can mitigate negativity among people. Is it naive to hope for
this during times of conflict? Perhaps, but I believe that if we engage more deeply with culture, it can
help alleviate aggression and bring us closer together.”
— You mentioned that Georgians have a keen sense of when and what to sing. Which songs from your
repertoire do you believe are most important for people right now?
“In my opinion, the most important song is one that praises God. We must first give thanks to the Creator
for our blessings—life, health, and family. The second most important song celebrates our people, and
the third is about love. Without love, nothing truly good can emerge. Love saves and unites us; it is the
essence of life.”
Ilia Datuashvili, the leader of the “Gurjaani” ensemble, then expressed his feelings about Lithuania
being the first country to officially use the name “Sakartvelo” instead of Georgia:
“Of course, it’s fantastic! When this decision was announced in Vilnius, I was here with the choir of the
Tbilisi Opera Theater, and we all felt a great sense of pride—it was a truly memorable moment. Lithuania
and Georgia have enjoyed a strong relationship for many years. We’re deeply thankful to the festival
organizers, Irena and Nikolai Zakharov, for their professionalism and for always extending such warm
hospitality to us, along with a grateful audience.”
— Georgian song art is truly beloved in Lithuania. Can you share the secret behind the unique qualities
of your nation’s male singing? While many cultures have polyphonic traditions, what makes Georgian
singing stand out as truly exceptional?
Our ancestors bestowed upon us a remarkable treasure, and we are committed to preserving it. The secret
behind our unique tradition remains elusive—no one truly knows why it exists. There are beautiful myths
that surround it. In different regions of Georgia, even neighboring villages may sing the same song in
distinct ways, and when performers unite, polyphony emerges. As our singers say, ‘One Georgian is not a
Georgian, and one voice is not a song.’ Another explanation could be the stunning natural diversity of
Georgia itself. The mountains have one voice, the lakes another, and the sea a third.
It’s heartening to see that musical traditions are still cherished by our youth. For a Georgian boy not to
know folk songs would be a real shame. Parents play a crucial role in nurturing this love for music within
the family. At our core, Georgians are farmers and winemakers, able to thrive in any environment. A
Georgian is never alone—bread, wine, and song are constant companions. Yes, the song must always
come first!
Tatiana Zachikevich, head of a family ensemble and a longtime partner and teacher at the “Pokrov
Bells” festival (Poland-Ukraine), expressed her thoughts: “Even when we don’t explicitly talk about
the war, it lingers subconsciously within all of us. It has profoundly altered our lives. In terms of music,
these events have prompted us to rediscover a significant part of the Ukrainian folk repertoire. We had
sung songs about war, the hardships faced by soldiers, and themes of separation and longing, but they felt
distant. Now, having been personally affected, we feel these songs deeply. When we put together our
spring program, we realized how challenging it was to perform. We often find ourselves in tears, and the
audience does too. There are moments of intense silence in the hall. Even in countries where people don’t
speak Ukrainian, the emotions resonate. The feelings of performers and audience members connect in a
profound way. We’ve unearthed new emotions in these old songs, but I wish no one had to experience
this pain.
On the other hand, music therapy has gained popularity in medicine, highlighting how singing can help
release deep emotions, including difficult ones. When you sing, it often brings a sense of relief. This idea
isn’t new; village grandmothers have long shared that singing has always been a way to ease the soul, and
many folklore genres are built around this practice. People didn’t just sing at weddings and celebrations;
they also gathered to sing in times of sorrow. This communal act provided comfort and support, helping
many to stay afloat through life’s challenges.
In such difficult times, I felt a wave of hope when I heard that the “Pokrov Bells” festival would be held
this fall as usual. Knowing the strength of its traditions and the resilience of its leaders, it didn’t surprise
me. Even during the pandemic, when everything was canceled, the “Bells” continued to resonate in
Vilnius. Now, despite the war, people come together to sing, finding both spiritual and physical strength
in the process—both for those who sing and those who listen. For us Ukrainians, folklore is a vital means
of asserting our identity and navigating these challenging times.
Participants and audience members at the festival expressed their deep gratitude to the organizers of this
celebration of folklore. Irena Zakharova, the festival director and musician, captured the spirit of the
event: “The festival must endure, regardless of the challenges we encounter. It’s a place where kindness
and mutual understanding flourish, and where folk music serves as a bridge between cultures. The
collective creativity that unfolds here unites people and brings joy, especially in these difficult times.
What matters most is the community we create. While knowing traditions, singing, and dancing are
wonderful, the true essence of the festival lies in bringing together like-minded individuals who aspire to
make the world a better place.”
The organizers of the festival, the team at the “Center for Folklore and Ethnography of National
Communities of Lithuania,” are committed to diversifying the program, exploring innovative formats,
and attracting talented and authentic groups, all while ensuring a high standard of performance and
respectful representation of various musical cultures on Vilnius’s finest concert stages.
As the “Pokrov Bells” ring out and the 19th festival concludes, the impressions, knowledge, and
emotions it stirred will resonate with guests and participants for a long time. This experience will inspire
the continuation of a cherished tradition: gathering once again in November in Lithuania for the “Pokrov
Bells,” where we can once more immerse ourselves in the enchanting world of folk music.
Photographer - Yulia Malyshkina
