THE Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea celebrated the festive season in grand style at its recent Christmas meeting, welcoming the internationally acclaimed Melbourne Lithuanian Choir Dainos Samburis for a special performance that left members deeply moved.
Thirteen of the choir’s 24 singers made the journey to the Whittlesea Bowls Club, arriving with their piano, traditional Lithuanian costumes and an abundance of enthusiasm. The Bowling Club prepared a separate dressing room and increased seating capacity to accommodate the special occasion, reflecting the excitement surrounding the visit.
Formed in 1949, Dainos Samburis is now in its 76th year and remains a cornerstone of Melbourne’s Lithuanian community. Based at Lithuanian House in North Melbourne, the choir regularly performs at national and cultural commemorations, as well as festivals across Australia and abroad. Their history includes performances in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Poland, and multiple appearances at Lithuania’s iconic Song Festivals — most recently in 2024.
As the choir entered the meeting room resplendent in traditional dress, an audible ripple of anticipation spread through the crowd. What followed was a unique multilingual concert featuring Lithuanian, English, Latin and German pieces. The six-song program included Silent Night, Christmas Hallelujah, Aussie Jingle Bells, and other carols reflecting the joy, reverence and cultural richness of Christmas.
Audience members, many with musical backgrounds, watched intently as conductor Birutė guided the choir through each piece, sharing stories about the songs’ origins and the choir’s long-standing traditions. The blend of voices, languages and festive sentiment made the performance a standout moment for all in attendance.
The meeting concluded with heartfelt applause before members made their way to their annual Christmas dinner and the choir returned to their everyday routines.
For the Probus Club, the opportunity to host a choir of such calibre, donating their time purely for the joy of sharing music, was considered a true Christmas gift — one that will be fondly remembered for years to come.
