Chamber choir “Atžalynas” awarded the “Golden Bird” for the second time

The chamber choir “Atžalynas” of the Šiauliai Cultural Center and its art director Mindaugas Žalalis have received the highest amateur art award in Lithuania – the “Golden Bird.” This recognition is granted to the best amateur art ensembles in the country and their leaders for significant artistic activity and contribution to Lithuanian culture.

The “Golden Bird” nominations were established in 1999 on the initiative of the Lithuanian Folk Culture Centre and the World Lithuanian Song Festival Foundation. Their aim is to draw public attention to amateur artistic creativity, highlight its importance in the country’s cultural life, and honor the most outstanding ensembles and their leaders.

This is already the second such award for the chamber choir “Atžalynas” – the first “Golden Bird” was presented to the ensemble in 2010, when it was led by art director Jurgita Juozūnienė. This award reflects the choir’s consistent artistic maturity, professionalism, and significant contribution to the nurturing of choral music.

The chamber choir “Atžalynas” was founded in 1992. Its founder is conductor and choir director Marija Žibūdienė. From 2006 to 2016, the choir was led by Jurgita Juozūnienė, and since 2016 it has been directed by art director Mindaugas Žalalis.

Over the past decade, under the leadership of Mindaugas Žalalis, the choir has continued to steadily develop its artistic level, expand its repertoire, actively perform in Lithuania and abroad, and participate in festivals and competitions. Each year, the ensemble prepares new programs, maintains the tradition of presenting sacred music to audiences during the festive season, and in 2022 released a CD titled “Choral Encounters.”

Photo from the archive of the Šiauliai Cultural Center.