Zonta Club of Alytus holds charity concert

On 23 September, Zonta Club of Alytus, Lithuania, organized the charity concert “Musical Bridges Bring Us Together.” The concert took place at the Audiovisual Arts Center, and the funds raised were dedicated to young musicians from the Alytus Music School, who will represent the city of Alytus and Lithuania in Lithuanian communities across the United States.

Other Alytus civic clubs were also invited to contribute, including Alytus Rotary, LIONS Women’s Club, Dzūkija LIONS and Soroptimist International.

The mayor of Alytus, Nerijus Cesiulis, and deputy mayor Kristina Daugelevičienė wished success to the Alytus Music School accordion ensemble traveling to the United States and presented them with symbolic gifts.

From 23 October to 3 November, the young talents will present the city of Alytus and Lithuania to Lithuanian communities in the U.S.

“Music always brings people together. In your hands, the accordion becomes a bridge between cities, cultures and hearts. I am delighted that this musical instrument resonates so loudly here in Alytus,” said Mayor N. Cesiulis.

The musical project was initiated by the Alytus City Municipality, which established connections with the Lithuanian community in America. These efforts created a unique opportunity for the young musicians to travel across the Atlantic.

City leaders expressed pride in the students and teachers of the Alytus Music School and gratitude to Professor Dalia Giedrimienė, Alytus’ ambassador in the U.S., living in Hartford, Connecticut. The cardiologist has maintained close ties with her homeland for many years and contributes to joint projects. It is thanks to her initiative that the concerts in America are being planned, including arranging accommodation and hosting the young performers.

The Alytus Music School accordion ensemble is a laureate of national and international competitions, promoting the name of Alytus abroad. The young performers traveling on this special trip are: Rapolas Lastauskas, Simonas Nastulevičius, Gabrielius Zenevičius, Edas Knyšius, Justinas Velička and Eimantas Lučinskas, accompanied by their teachers Rūta Vaičaitienė and Rima Beitnarienė.

The musical bridges are already built. Alytus’ young accordionists are ready to fly to America, where their talent will become a gift for the Lithuanian community, for whom they will perform four concerts. The Zonta Club of Alytus is proud to be part of this effort.