On Monday, April 20, 2026, Omaha’s long‑standing sister city relationship with Šiauliai, Lithuania was celebrated through education, music, and meaningful civic dialogue, as University of Nebraska at Omaha faculty members Pete Madsen and Zack Bresler spent a full day engaging with students, educators, and city leaders.
Inspiring Young Artists at Šiauliai Saulius Sondeckis Gymnasium of Arts
The day began at the Šiauliai Saulius Sondeckis Gymnasium of Arts (Šiaulių Sauliaus Sondeckio menų gimnazija), Lithuania’s premier secondary-level arts school, named for the renowned Lithuanian conductor Saulius Sondeckis. At the school, the Omaha visitors led hands-on instructional sessions for students pursuing professional training in music and the arts. Pete Madsen, Director of Jazz Studies at UNO, presented an engaging lesson on New Orleans Blues, tracing its historical roots and musical language while highlighting its ongoing influence on jazz and global popular music. Zack Bresler offered students an introduction to computer music composition, exploring creative possibilities at the intersection of technology and sound, and opening new perspectives on contemporary music-making. The enthusiastic response from students underscored the universal language of music and the value of direct artistic exchange between sister cities.
Academic Dialogue at Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy
Following their visit to the arts gymnasium, Madsen and Bresler traveled to Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy (Vilniaus Universiteto Šiaulių Akademija), a major regional academic center and an integral part of Lithuania’s oldest and most prestigious university system. There, they met with senior academic leaders: Professor Dr. Daiva Malinauskienė, Director of the Institute of Education, whose leadership spans research, teacher preparation, and international cooperation, and Dr. Regina Karvelienė, Vice Director for Studies, responsible for academic programs and curriculum development across the academy. Discussions focused on future opportunities for collaboration, including faculty exchanges, joint creative projects, and expanded educational partnerships between Omaha and Šiauliai institutions. The meeting reinforced shared values around innovation, student-centered learning, and international engagement.
A Visit to Šiauliai City Hall
The day concluded with a brief but meaningful visit to Šiauliai City Hall, where the delegation was welcomed by members of the Mayor’s Office. Madsen and Bresler met Vita Kušleikienė, Assistant to the Mayor and Vice Mayor Justinas Švėgžda, who plays a key role in municipal leadership and international relations for the city. The visit highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and affirmed the city’s support for continued people-to-people connections between Šiauliai and Omaha.
A Living Sister City Relationship
This visit exemplifies the spirit of the Omaha–Šiauliai Sister Cities partnership: musicians teaching students, universities exchanging ideas, and civic leaders welcoming collaboration. Through music, education, and open dialogue, relationships formed across continents continue to grow.
