Vilnius Municipal Choir Jauna Muzika
The Vilnius Municipal Choir Jauna Muzika is a renowned chamber choir based in Vilnius, Lithuania. Founded in 1989 by conductor and composer Remigijus Merkelys and long-time director Algimantas Gurevičius, the choir has been under the leadership of Vaclovas Augustinas since 1992. In 1994, it became officially recognized as the Vilnius municipal choir. The choir consists of professional musicians, including graduates and students of the Lithuanian Academy of Music, with a flexible number of singers ranging from 24 to 50, depending on the repertoire.
Jauna Muzika has a rich history of success in international choral competitions, winning 15 first prizes and six Grand Prix between 1990 and 1996. Notably, in 1993, the choir was awarded the Grand Prix Europeo by the International Federation for Choral Music in Varna, Bulgaria. The choir is known for its diverse a cappella repertoire and collaboration with various orchestras, including the Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra, and international ensembles such as the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra and Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin.
The choir has performed in prestigious venues across Europe, China, Japan, and Israel and has collaborated with celebrated musicians like cellist Mark Drobinsky and singers Robin Blaze and Joseph Malovany. Jauna Muzika is also active in promoting Lithuanian choral art internationally and has organized numerous projects and workshops to enhance professional skills among choir conductors in Lithuania. The choir's concert base has been St. Catherine's Church in Vilnius since 2006.