Sutartinės singing workshop
A living introduction to Lithuanian multipart songs: rhythm, listening, interlocking voices and the joy of singing together.
What are sutartinės?
Sutartinės are archaic Lithuanian multipart songs, especially connected with northeastern Lithuania. Their name comes from the idea of being in concord, and their sound is built through rhythm, repetition and interweaving voices.
UNESCO recognizes sutartinės as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In this workshop, participants do not only hear about the tradition - they try it through voice, listening and shared rhythm.
No previous singing experience is required. The workshop can be adapted for beginners, teams, communities, cultural groups and retreat programmes.
| Duration | 1.5–2 hours |
|---|---|
| Group size | Usually 10–20 people; adaptable to your group |
| Experience | Beginners welcome; no previous singing experience required |
| Location | Labas Noras clay house in Labanoras Forest, outdoors or another suitable acoustic space |
| Practice | Rhythm, listening, combining voices and singing simple sutartinės |
Tell us your group size and preferred date to discuss a singing workshop.
Enquire about a sutartinės workshopRead about the sutartinės singing tradition, browse our Lithuanian song texts or compare cultural workshops for adults.
Singing sutartinės develops community feeling, attentive listening and a sense of connection with other people and the surrounding space.
The practice can feel meditative, calming and creative. Repetition helps the group enter a shared sound world and leave everyday worries aside for a while.
Participants learn to find their voice, listen for timing and experience how simple melodic lines create a rich shared harmony.
Sutartinės workshop gallery
Sutartinės singing: questions and answers
What is a sutartinės singing workshop?
It is a practical introduction to sutartinės, an old Lithuanian multipart singing tradition recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Do I need singing experience?
No. The workshop can be adapted for beginners. Participants learn simple sutartinės, rhythm, listening and the basic principles of shared voice harmony.
How long does the workshop last?
A typical sutartinės workshop lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the group size can be agreed according to the setting.
What do participants experience?
Participants hear examples, learn about the meaning of sutartinės, practise matching voices and feel the effect of singing together in rhythm.
Where can the workshop take place?
It can take place in the Labas Noras clay house, outdoors in nature or in another quiet space with suitable acoustics.
Why are sutartinės good for groups?
Sutartinės strengthen listening, rhythm, trust and shared attention, making them valuable for communities, teams and cultural groups.