|
2010.01.17. In summer of 1990, the youth choir of the Arch-Cathedral Basilica of Vilnius (choirmasters V. Navickaitė and R. Muleika) traveled to France by invitation of Paris’ Gregorian Choir „Le choeur grégorien de Paris“. The choristers of „Cantores chorales capellae S. Casimiri“ were kindly invited to join the traveling party. It was then that we have seen the black monks of Solesmes, known for their angelic, inspired, grand chanting of the chorale, for the first time. We made a vow to learn, to keep terms with, and labour for the restoration of black monks in Lithuania.
To this monastery came the first postulants as well as our choristers; our choirmasters have been studying there; large groups of choristers have been visiting there. From this abbey the founder-monks’ party have taken their departure for the far-off northern country – Lithuania. We are going there this year to take part in Gregorian chant week PAŽAISLIS-SOLESME 2010 and to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the abbey.
Solesmes Abbey is only one year younger than Lithuania. The vicinity is much older – the Roman-Gaul Solemnis estate was first mentioned in the fifth century A.D. The celebration venue is a sacred, holy place…
Ad multos annos!
The summary of the Abbey’s history>>>
|
