Danguolė Aukselienė, leader of LVJC children and youth choir "Kivi", is an informal education teacher and expert. She graduated from the Lithuanian State Conservatory (now the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre) in 1982, acquiring a specialty in music education and choir conducting. Since 1994, she has been working at the Lithuanian Children and Youth Centre and has been leading the children's choir "Kivi" since 1997. This year, the choir celebrates its 20th anniversary. The choir consists of students from various schools in Vilnius who want not only to spend their free time but also to learn the secrets of improvisation and ensemble singing. By participating in study events, children become freer, more self-confident, creative, friendly, and acquire the ability to communicate with each other. Children are taught to sing a capella – to sing without instruments and only live. Members of the older groups sing a capella according to a prepared repertoire. The "Kivi" choir has already performed with world-renowned stars such as the Swedish jazz vocal group "The Real Group," American jazz singer LaGaylia, and Lithuanian saxophonists, accordionists, and other professional performers. Danguolė Aukselienė, herself a former performer (sang in the "Jazz Land" ensemble, led by Artūras Novikas), also passes on her stage culture experience to youth. There are many young people working in various cultural and artistic institutions. Some of the graduates choose the path of singers and performers, improving their knowledge not only at the Lithuanian Academy of Music but also at other universities abroad. This is a significant appreciation of the leader's work when children choose to improve themselves in the world of music. Danguolė Aukselienė herself organizes the collective's concert trips and gathers the collective to participate in various international competitions and youth projects both in Lithuania and abroad. She is also invited to jury commissions to evaluate choir and vocal ensemble competitions. Danguolė Aukselienė, along with other internationally renowned conductors, was included in the world choir conductors' encyclopedia "Who is Who in Choral Music" (Gent Lazri, Stefan Simon) in 2007.
