American Lithuanian church choirs – nurturers of national identity

Abstract

Mass emigration of Lithuanians to the USA started at the end of the nineteenth century. There were musicians among the first immigrants. Some of them brought along their violins, harmonicas and clarinets, gathering in dormitories after a hard day’s work so that their songs would ring out even a few blocks away. Others partied in their own homes; and still others, who were more business minded, opened their own saloons–Lithuanian- style inns with dancing and singing, only bolder and more audacious. Thus country musicians, like art pioneers, were the first to spread Lithuanian music among their own and other nationalities. It would be difficult to imagine any large Lithuanian gathering, party, and wedding without them. These evening gatherings were spontaneous, without anyone purposefully directing or coordinating them. Thus today, we can consider them only as the beginnings of musical life or the introductory stage of a new era, which started by founding Lithuanian parishes and associations. Being far from their motherland, Lithuanians not to forget their native language, national customs and traditions as well as the faith inherited from their ancestors. This is why they donated their hard-earned money for the construction of Lithuanian churches, hired organists, started parish choirs, and engaged in various musical activities.