This Folk Group boasts a long history. The Group was founded in 1968. Young people studying various subjects - philology, physics, medicine, biology, mathematics, etc., take part in these activities. Many of them come from cities, but others tell tales and legends in their local dialects during performances. At present, there are 30 people in this Folk Group.
Songs, dances, and rounds are learned from folklore collections and from compatriots met during annual folklore expeditions.
One can listen to ancient music instruments such as ragai (horns), daudytė, skudučiai (pan-pipes) and kanklės (a type of nine or five-stringed zither). A special part of their program is formed by the archaic Lithuanian folklore genre of polyphonic harmonious singing the “sutartinė”.
In 1980, their first record was made, entitled “Lietuva - dainų kraštas” (“Lithuania Country of Songs”). A second release was recorded in 1987. In 1990, an audiocassette was made.
Vilnius University Folk Group Ratilio gives performances during national or University events, and visits different towns of Lithuania. Performances have been held in Italy, the USA, Canada, Latvia, Poland, France, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany.
