Students’ folk song and dance ensemble Nemunas of Kaunas University Of Technology was established in 1949. Nemunas is one of the oldest national art groups in Lithuania. The ensemble became the winner of World Youth Festivals in Warsaw and in Moscow. Nemunas has been very popular in Lithuania since that time.

The ensemble gave performances times out of number since its establishment. Long or short concerts are always pleasing either for spectators or participants. Nemunas takes part in annual concerts and festivals like “Ei, studente, sukis vėju!” common performances of all art groups of Kaunas University of Technology. However, the most important event over the past few years was the festival of folk song and dance ensembles “Kadagys” in 2001. Nemunas had all the competitors and was accepted as the best folk song and dance ensemble of the year.

Apart from usual performances inside Lithuania, the students represented their homeland in Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Canada, Finland, Great Britain, Denmark, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium and other countries. In summer 1997 the ensemble took part in three impressive international festivals in the USA. In summer 1998 the ensemble took part in the international European Folklore Festival in Douai (France) and in the International Folklore Festival “Dei Couri” (Italy). In autumn 1999 in the International University Vocal Music Festival “Ecume” in Montpellier (France), in summer 2000 in the International Students art Festival “Krokow 2000” (Poland). Last summer Nemunas visited France once again. The ensemble was invited to take part in the 37th International folk festival of Chateau Gombert.

During these years several generations of participants have changed. Only the main ensemble features – the youthfulness, enthusiasm and energy – didn’t change. Every year the new members join the ensemble. They are united to one friendly and harmonious group by the desire to know better the national dances, music and songs.

Nemunas can give performances in small groups or all big group together according to the requirement. The program consists of slow and tuneful music as well as joyful and mood raising melodies. The duration of the program is to begin with 10 min up to 2 hours. The members of the group are very communicative and during the concert they are easily involve the spectators into action and keep a tight contact between the participants of the program and spectators during all the performance.

If you are fresher and join us in autumn, you will have a party of our national food – cepelins (it is a big dumpling from boiled potatoes and meat inside). A weekend later you will be graced during the Lapkritinių party. After employable autumn months, Nemunas is preparing for the New Year celebrations and affairs: waltz, toasts, and greetings. Besides, freshers will have “lots of fun” when they will be christened. Further more, spring season’s warmth makes excitement between girls and boys. Boys’ hearts become flaming, so as a proof they organize a wonderful party for girls. That evening is elected Miss of Nemunas and the other girls are warmed of love and attention. During summer holidays group goes for some days to Kapitoniškės where girls make a party for boys and elect Mr. Nemunas.

Leader Margarita Tomkeviciute
e-mail: nemunas@cr.ktu.lt