Minister K. Budrys congratulates the Lithuanian-Canadian choir celebrating 50 years anniversary
On April 26th in Toronto, Canada, the Toronto Lithuanian Choir “Volungė” celebrated its 50th anniversary. The event brought together choir members, friends, and supporters, and featured the Ambassador of the Republic of Lithuania to Canada, Egidijus Meilūnas, who presented greetings from Lithuania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kęstutis Budrys.
“Thank you for your sincere and meaningful work, your active engagement, your preservation of Lithuanian traditions, and your invaluable contribution to uniting and bringing together generations of the Lithuanian community in Canada. I wish you continued dedication in preserving and passing on the traditions, values, and strong ties with Lithuania that unite us, for the benefit of future generations,” the Minister’s letter stated.
In his message, the Minister also emphasized that the values cherished by the Lithuanian diaspora - national identity, patriotism, and unity - are especially important now, as the threats posed by authoritarian regimes are growing, and are being countered with the help of Ukraine’s fight for our shared freedom.
Ambassador Egidijus Meilūnas also thanked choir's director Dalia Viskontienė and the entire "Volungė" community - both current and former members of the choir - for fostering Lithuanian heritage and promoting the name of Lithuania in Canada and around the world.
The “Volungė” choir was founded in Toronto in 1975. Over the decades, "Volungė" has actively presented Lithuanian culture through concerts in Canada, the United States, and other countries around the world. The choir has captivated audiences at North American and World Lithuanian Song Festivals, and is now preparing to perform at the upcoming North American Lithuanian Song Festival in Cleveland, taking place June 27–29.
