On May 7 at 6:00 PM, an exceptional charity concert for Ukraine titled “Two Port Cities – One Heart” will take place at the Fishermen’s Palace Cultural Centre in Klaipėda. Students and teachers from three Klaipėda schools will come together on one stage, making it one of the largest school solidarity events in the city in recent years, bringing together around 500 students.
The event is organized by the newly forming school solidarity network “Klaipėda Students for Odesa Students,” which unites Klaipėda Lyceum, Klaipėda Vydūnas Gymnasium, and Klaipėda Eduardo Balsys Arts Gymnasium, along with partners in Odesa. A ticket to the event serves as support for students in the city of Odesa.
Unity on Stage – Featuring Edmundas Kučinskas
The concert is designed as an artistic narrative. Each school will present its own program, including vocal, instrumental, and contemporary dance performances. The evening will feature both Lithuanian folk and modern music, reflecting themes of war, hope, and human connection.
One of the most moving moments of the evening, according to the concert’s director Taurūnas Baužas, will be the artistic bridge with Odesa—a planned live connection with Ukrainian school communities currently living under wartime conditions.
At the end of the concert, approximately 250 young performers from the three Klaipėda schools will join together for a collective performance alongside popular singer Edmundas Kučinskas. This symbolic finale will be dedicated to the children of Ukraine and carry a message of unity: “we are together.” Students and Kučinskas will perform the song “World, Let Children Grow Up.”
An Idea Born from Community and Human Connection
The project was initiated by Klaipėda Lyceum. It grew out of the school community’s social initiatives and was further developed by social activities coordinator Sigitas Benediktas Jurčys together with journalist, TV host, and project ambassador Darius Jurgelevičius, who will also host the event.
It was through Jurgelevičius’ initiative that Klaipėda Lyceum began cooperation with Odesa’s “Harmony” Lyceum, later expanding to include more schools from both Odesa and Klaipėda.
“This Is Not Just a Concert – It’s a Long-Term Commitment”
Dr. Regina Kontautienė, Chair of the Board of Klaipėda Lyceum, emphasizes that this initiative goes beyond a one-time event and is becoming an ongoing educational and values-based project:
“This will not be just a concert. It is a living, evolving network of school solidarity where children learn not only music or stage culture, but also empathy, responsibility, and civic awareness. We want our students to understand that their voice can reach another city, another country, and another childhood,” she says.
She also highlights that the relationship with Odesa is being steadily developed, including not only support but also exchanges, educational opportunities, and long-term partnership.
Focus on Young Talent in Wartime Conditions
According to Dr. Kontautienė, one of the key goals of the network is to support talented Ukrainian students who have limited opportunities to learn and create due to the war.
Klaipėda Lyceum has already taken concrete steps—three students from Odesa have been invited to study at the school starting this autumn, receiving free education under the International Baccalaureate program and full support. This, she notes, is both an educational and humanitarian act of solidarity.
The project organizers also invite other organizations, companies, and families to contribute by supporting educational opportunities for Ukrainian students and helping them remain in the education system during the war.
Exhibition, Student Activities, and Open Doors
Before the concert, starting at 5:00 PM, visitors will be welcomed in the foyer of the Fishermen’s Palace with activities supporting Ukraine. These will include an exhibition of a national drawing competition titled “Two Port Cities – One Heart,” a sale of student artwork, and a photography exhibition by students from Odesa.
Students from Klaipėda Eduardo Balsys Arts Gymnasium and Klaipėda Vydūnas Gymnasium will perform in the foyer, creating a vibrant artistic atmosphere ahead of the main event. Organizers encourage attendees to arrive early, as doors will open at 5:00 PM. The exhibition and competition are curated by Jūratė Kavaliauskienė, Deputy Director for Education at the Eduardo Balsys Arts Gymnasium.
Support That Becomes Real Help
Funds raised during the concert will be allocated to three schools in Odesa to improve learning conditions, strengthen student well-being, and upgrade computer classrooms. A ticket to the event is considered direct support for Odesa Lyceum “Harmony,” Odesa Lyceum No. 84, and Odesa Lyceum No. 9.
The organizers emphasize that this is not a one-time initiative, but the beginning of a long-term school solidarity network aimed at building a lasting connection between young people in Klaipėda and Odesa—based not only on support, but also on shared growth. Tickets can be purchased HERE.