Kharkiv State Music Lyceum is one of only four specialized music schools in Ukraine. However, since the start of the large-scale war, regular learning here has become almost impossible. Due to constant air threats, children study individually – from home, shelters, or remotely. They have sheet music, instruments, and teachers, but often do not have the opportunity to be together.
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Therefore, two weeks in Lithuania mean much more to these children than a trip to another country. It is a rare opportunity to become an orchestra again – to rehearse in one space, hear each other, learn, and make music together.
This year, 38 children aged 8 to 16 and 11 of their teachers are coming to Lithuania. The bus departs from Kharkiv on August 30, and they are expected in Lithuania on September 1.
Music that restores community
The children will spend two weeks in Daugai, where there will be a camp and intensive rehearsals. The stay will culminate in concerts in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Daugai.
This is the third summer in a row that students from the Kharkiv music school have come to Lithuania. During the two previous visits, they held 12 concerts. This summer, the project brought together children from other Kharkiv art schools as well.
The goal of this project is not only to give children the opportunity to improve their musical skills. Equally important is to restore what the war has taken from their daily lives: shared learning, friendship, the stage, and time spent together.
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Two weeks of music. Two weeks of being children. This leitmotif of the project reflects its essence – to give children at least briefly the chance to live not according to the rhythm of war, air threats, and remote learning, but according to the rhythm of music.
Lithuanian and foreign sponsors contribute to the project
The children’s stay in Lithuania is organized by the Vilnius International Rotary Club, coordinating the project together with the Kharkiv-City Rotary Club. Its president, Oleg Oriščenko, is also the director of the Kharkiv State Music Lyceum.
Project partners and sponsors: the main sponsor “Strong Together,” as well as “Allianz,” “Coner,” Pakruojis district and Alytus district municipalities, Rotary district 1462, Vilnius St. Christopher Rotary Club, Vilnius International Rotary Club, Rotary Club “Litua,” Druskininkai Rotary Club “Sūrutis,” Rotary Club “Perkūnas,” Pakruojis Rotary Club, Rotary Club “Vytis,” Rotary Club “Dipolis,” and Lithuanian Millennium Rotary Club. The project is also supported by Rotary district 7980 (USA, South Connecticut) with the initiative “Opus For Peace.”
Information project partner – news portal 15min.
Project website.
We invite you to attend concerts by Kharkiv art school students PEACE MUSIC FREEDOM:
September 9, 2026, 6 p.m. at the Kaunas National Drama Theatre. Locations and dates for concerts in Vilnius and Daugai will be announced soon.
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