Kaunas City Museum, Folk Music Branch

One of the crowning glories of Lithuanian culture is its folk music. And the undoubted jewel in that crown is the sutartinė, a form of polyphonic music that is traditionally performed by female singers in the east of the country. A variation of the canon form, this singular singing style was used to mark all occasions throughout the year, from the most somber to the most joyful. And at the Folk Music Branch of the Kaunas Museum, you’ll have an opportunity to not only learn more about the history and practices of this style, but have a chance to have a go yourself. You’ll also be able to discover the sweet gossamer tones of the kanklės, a Lithuanian plucked string instrument that is part of the zither family, and see how it is traditionally made. With particular focus paid to the music that played part of the everyday life, the museum provides a unique insight into how the past sounded. Visitors can also enjoy the many performances and events that the museum organizes.