Contact
Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane
e: info.hughlane@dublincity.ie
t: + 353 1 222 5550
Saturday 18 February 2012/ 3pm
Concert: Lithuanian Folk Music
We cordially invite you to the joint educational folk concert by two Lithuanian folk groups “Sedula” and “Lietuviškas dobilas” – “Sun Wheel”.
The folk music performed in the concert will be typical Lithuanian folklore and accompanying work and festivals during the year.
The explanation of the traditions told by archeologist D.Steponavičienė (Rugiaveidė) will be translated in to English language.
Admission Free
All are welcome
„SEDULA“ – that’s six women joined by their love of traditional folk song. This band was formed back on the 28th of April, 1994, under the leadership of the archaeologist Daiva Steponavičinė. As a female band, the collective performs the “feminine” range of folk music derived from all the regions of Lithuania (which constitutes the largest part of the sung ethnographic heritage.)
The small collective is quite well known among the folk community, as it stands out from other such bands with their softly toned sonorous vocals, wide range and an idiosyncratic manner. The band gives first priority to the vocal aspect of their music and its interpretation. However, on some occasions during concerts instrumental sounds are also subtly used: be they the zither, violins, pan pipes, recorders, drums or various percussives. “Sedula” has also managed to successfully materialise a vivid idea of the medieval costume; following the indications available through Lithuanian archaeological, as well as Western European comparative sources. The 14th – 16th c. Lithuanian style of apparel is “closer to the flesh” as it were, not only physically; it also spills over into the very sense of the songs of the time, over against the traditionally adored colourful garments of the later 19th c.
“Sedula” favours “sutartinės” (from the word for accord or agreement) , songs otherwise known as multipart, as well as monadic songs, both of which the scholars of ethnographic heritage deem as the oldest existent. However, the collective accord and assemblage is best revealed in ”Sedula’s” performaces of the polyphonic songs. Folklore for “Sedula” is not a documentary, or museum entrapped treasure; but a living and evolving one: such that it can be presented in a thoroughly appropriated and creative way that ever more courageously pursues a new ring, new media of expression.
In 1995, “Sedula” was involved in the production of a play entitled "[King] Mindaugas" directed by Irena Bučienė. The band’s records are played by the Lithuanian radio stations, while the collective itself often appears in TV programmes is active in putting on concerts, and by taking part in Lithuanian and international festivals. Finally, “Sedula” is a member of the experimental archaeology club “Pajauta,” whose mission it is to disseminate the ideas of Baltic cultural renewal, not the least by actively participating in the living archaeology festival in Kernavė, as well as a variety of European Middle Ages and Vikings' festivals.
Lietuviŝkas Dobilas
„LIETUVIŠKAS DOBILAS“ is a Lithuanian folk group founded in 2006 in Dublin. Their repertoire draws upon folk songs, dances and instrumental music from all five ethnographic regions of Lithuania and they are proud to bring Lithuanian music to Ireland. As well as being accomplished musicians they teach folk handicraft and are a popular attraction at folk days and festivals around Ireland.