The ensemble GRANDINĖLĖ comes from the city of Panevėžys, located in the ethnographic region of Aukštaitija, characterized by its relatively high elevation in comparison to the other four Lithuanian regions. Aukštaitija is the historic centre from which the Lithuanian national identity sprang.
The ensemble first came into being in 1978, turning into GRANDINĖLĖ after 15 years of operation. It is a devoted promoter of the Lithuanian heritage of dance and music. It is composed of four age groups of children, teenagers and adults (aged 7-25). At the Festival the dancing group will be comprised of 18 children aged 8-12. Since its establishment, the ensemble has participated in 86 international festivals (e.g. in the Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, Belarus, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belgium, England, Turkey, Denmark, Czech Republic, Morocco, Greece, Austria, Macedonia, Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Estonia).
Zita Rimkuviene, who is an eminent culture worker in Lithuania, is the ensemble leader and choreographer; Audrius Dervinis is the band leader. The band will be playing such instruments as the syrinx, kanklės, bells, drums, pipes and the accordion. The children will be performing traditional games, songs and dances. The off-stage activities will include handicraft and national cuisine presentation.
The ensemble first came into being in 1978, turning into GRANDINĖLĖ after 15 years of operation. It is a devoted promoter of the Lithuanian heritage of dance and music. It is composed of four age groups of children, teenagers and adults (aged 7-25). At the Festival the dancing group will be comprised of 18 children aged 8-12. Since its establishment, the ensemble has participated in 86 international festivals (e.g. in the Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, Belarus, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belgium, England, Turkey, Denmark, Czech Republic, Morocco, Greece, Austria, Macedonia, Poland, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Sweden, Spain, Estonia).
Zita Rimkuviene, who is an eminent culture worker in Lithuania, is the ensemble leader and choreographer; Audrius Dervinis is the band leader. The band will be playing such instruments as the syrinx, kanklės, bells, drums, pipes and the accordion. The children will be performing traditional games, songs and dances. The off-stage activities will include handicraft and national cuisine presentation.