Tylos Labanoro

Tylos Labanoro is a project of bagpipers Gvidas Kovėra and Todaras Kaškurėvičius reviving a forgotten Baltic tradition. Labanoro Pipe (or bagpipe) is a traditional Lithuanian folk instrument, its distinctive types were widespread already in the 15th – 16th c., not only in Lithuania, but also in the present territory of western Byelorussia and Latvia. The importance of bagpipes in myths and old rites proves that they were used also during pre-Christian times.

In 2005 musicians recorded the album Tylos Labanoro, playing the instruments made according to surviving authentic examples of Baltic bagpipes. Famous jazz saxophonist Petas Vyšniauskas adds a contemporary touch to this album. The CD is part of the project Labanoro Pipe, supported by UNESCO, and in 2006 presented by several impressive concerts in various Lithuanian towns.

Both musicians are active Labanoro Pipe performers also with other ensembles. Gvidas Kovėra plays in Keisto folkloro grupė; additionally, he recorded also an album of Indian-Lithuanian music together with Veronika Povilionienė and band Lyla. Byelorussian Todoras Kaškurevičius not only plays bagpipe; he is also instrument master, making bagpipes for more than 10 years.

© Ugnius Liogė