ISM University of Management and Economics has entered into a strategic partnership with Bel Canto, Lithuania’s leading independent choir.
As part of this collaboration, the choir becomes the official ensemble of ISM University and will be known as the ISM Bel Canto Choir Vilnius. This development marks a new phase of cultural and institutional growth. With this initiative, ISM follows in the footsteps of world-renowned universities such as Cambridge, Oxford and Harvard by integrating the arts into academic life to further enrich and inspire the student experience.
According to ISM President Prof. Dr. Dalius Misiūnas, this achievement represents more than just cultural expansion; it reflects a broader perspective on leadership and personal growth. He stresses that the arts and creativity are essential elements of lifelong learning and explains:
‘ISM strives to develop leaders who think broadly, act responsibly, and drive meaningful change. Hence, art is an inseparable part of leadership, as it nurtures emotional intelligence, creativity, and a deeper connection with oneself and the world. Our partnership with Bel Canto has long been anticipated as a meaningful step toward integrating art into academic life, offering our students greater opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. We are confident that this collaboration will enrich not only the university, but also the cultural life of the city of Vilnius’.
As part of the agreement, ISM will provide the choir with access to modern university-level facilities and the infrastructure required for rehearsals and other artistic activities. In return, the choir will incorporate ISM into its official name, perform at university events, and offer opportunities for students to participate and enhance their choral singing, musical understanding, and vocal technique. ISM and the choir will also collaborate on the development of the international choral music festival Open To The World, which will include open rehearsals, masterclasses, and lectures for the ISM community.
Fostering Creativity, Collaboration and Connection
Audrius Valatkevičius, President and Producer of ISM Bel Canto Choir Vilnius, emphasises that this partnership marks a new chapter in the choir’s journey, opening the door to growth, experimentation and reaching broader audiences. He notes:
‘Since the beginning, our goal has been to reshape the image of choral music, challenge outdated perceptions and encourage more people to discover its beauty and emotional power. I believe that together with ISM, we will achieve these goals even more quickly. This partnership also offers practical value for business students. While choral singing may seem far from the business world, it cultivates many essential skills for career success. Singing in a choir means learning to listen to each other and create harmony, aligning pitch, rhythm, and breath into one seamless sound. This ability to “breathe together” nurtures empathy, accountability, emotional intelligence, and teamwork, all of which are vital for thriving in a collaborative work environment. Performing on stage also builds confidence and reduces fear of public speaking, while music stimulates creativity and strategic thinking. In short, a choir is not just an artistic community; it’s also a professional network – it’s like a living LinkedIn’.
Indeed, the benefits of choral singing are supported by research. A 2015 study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science demonstrated that singing in a choir rapidly fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens team bonds, which are crucial for developing empathy and collaboration. At Harvard, Professor Ronald Heifetz incorporates singing into leadership training to enhance presence, connection, and audience engagement, all key elements of authentic leadership and public speaking. A similar approach is also used at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
From Concert Halls to Global Streaming Platforms
The influence of the choir extends beyond personal development; many of its members are also accomplished professionals, including executives from leading companies. The ISM Bel Canto Choir Vilnius unites over 50 talented individuals who share a passion for music and excellence.
In 2023, the ensemble was named Lithuania’s best choir for the third consecutive time. Renowned for its diverse repertoire, Bel Canto collaborates with prominent artists from Lithuania and abroad and participates in international competitions and festivals. Since 2018, the choir has organized the Open To The World international festival, which attracts over 10,000 audience members and bringing world-class performers to Lithuania.
Notably, Bel Canto was the first Lithuanian choir to appear on major streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, where their recordings have amassed more than 21 million views. Their music has also been featured in global film and television productions, including Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, the cult comedy It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and the film Sisi & Ich.
