VU Wind Orchestra “Oktava” Wins Grand Prix at Lithuanian Championship

Vilnius University (VU) Wind Orchestra “Oktava” has achieved a historic victory – at the 26th Lithuanian Wind Orchestra Championship, the ensemble was awarded the Grand Prix, scoring an impressive 95 points. Held on 20–22 March in Plungė, the country’s largest wind orchestra event brought together 37 orchestras competing across five categories, ranging from youth ensembles to professional groups. 

Competing in Category D for the third time, “Oktava” had already secured notable achievements in previous years: in 2024, the orchestra won first place (86.6 points), along with awards for Best Conductor in Category D (Albinas Kučinskas) and Best Concert Orchestra; in 2025, it repeated its first-place result (86.6 points). However, 2026 marked a true breakthrough for the ensemble. 

In addition to the Grand Prix, “Oktava” received the award for Best Concert Orchestra, Best Duo (flautists Mėta Liepa Kvedaravičiūtė and Audrė Vidžytė), and Best Conductor in Category D, awarded to the orchestra’s conductor Donatas Viaževičius. This recognition also grants the ensemble the right to compete next year in the highest professional Category E alongside Lithuania’s leading wind orchestras. 

“We are truly delighted with these results. We wanted this deeply and worked with great focus and patience, so receiving such recognition is a dream come true. Our sincere thanks go to the soloists and orchestra members – the remarkable people who devoted so much time and energy to raising the name of Vilnius University to the highest level,” says conductor D. Viaževičius. 

Audiences will have the opportunity to hear the award-winning programme live very soon – a concert at the VU Grand Aula is planned for May. Further details will be announced on the VU Culture Centre channels. 

VU Wind Orchestra “Oktava” brings together students from various fields of study as well as members of the wider VU community. The orchestra operates within the VU Culture Centre, which unites 16 artistic groups and creative studios, fosters artistic expression, and strengthens the cultural life of the university community. More information about upcoming events available here.