Folk music band
Punelė
The band was formed in 1987 and from that date began a success story that has been going on for 33 years. And it is a very eloquent story, with beautiful Lithuanian folk songs, eloquent melodies, heartfelt waltzes and rousing polkas.
Leader Gintautas Šmitas, Head of Cultural Activities, Puņia branch
The history of the group's creative activity includes active concert activities at the festivals of the town of Punia, Alytus district events, guest appearances in neighbouring municipalities, national events, competitions, anniversaries, TV shows, as well as visits to Poland. The group's songs and music are loved by lovers and listeners of chapel music almost all over Lithuania.
The repertoire of the ensemble includes: arranged folk songs, romances, original compositions. The repertoire is added to and renewed every year with new works, which each time sound more and more vivid melodic chords.
From the activities of the ensemble:
- In 2001 participated in the LRT programme "Būk artistas", in the programme "Duokim garo!";
- 2005 - in the village band festival "Grok, Jurgeli!" Dzūkija region qualifying concert and won the right to represent Alytus district and Punia region on the Lithuanian big stage;
- In 2008, won 2nd place in the LRT show "Gero ūpo";
- 2011-2012 in the LRT programme "Duokim garo!" - 1st place;
- 2012 - "Grok, Jurgeli!" 2nd place;
- In 2013 participated in the 16th Lithuanian Rural Musicians and Bands Festival "Ant rubežiaus" in Šiauliai.
Every year, several times, the folk music band "Punelė" participates in the LRT programme "Duokim garo!".
Three CDs have been released: 'Ant Nemunas kranto' (2005), 'Prisiminimai' (2009) and 'Vaikystės pirkelė' (2014).
In 2017, the band "Punelė" celebrated the 30th anniversary of its creative activity.
On the initiative of its leader Gintautas Šmitas, since 2013 Punia has been organising a festival of bands "Ant Nemuno kranto" to celebrate the Day of Restoration of Lithuanian Independence. The best folk music bands from all over the republic participate in the event. It is a favourite event of the residents and guests of the Alytus district.
The band "Punelė" has established cooperation relations with many well-known Lithuanian folk music groups, popularises Lithuanian folk songs, represents the Alytus district and promotes its name in Lithuania.
