Russian Singers Come to Chirton - 10th May

 

By David Baker

ST JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH CHIRTON

 

Picture and copyright © David Baker

 

The Hermitage Ensemble from St Petersburg will be singing in the church in Chirton SN103QS on the 10th May at 7.30 pm. This choir consists of five male soloists who are accompanied only by one another. They sound like a Slavic barbershop quartet one minute and the massed ranks of the Red Army the next. They are, as individuals, at home in the opera houses and concert halls of St Petersburg but they see it as the goal of their ensemble to maintain and promote the Russian traditions of church and folk music.
Their arresting Russian vibrancy and deep resonance can be appreciated in their Russian Orthodox religious pieces. The rich tapestry of the Russian Folk tradition is expressed in a variety of exuberant and melancholy melodies. Only the balalaikas and Cossack dancers are missing !
The church in Russia was almost entirely suppressed during the communist period and the music was not sung (it never was accompanied by instruments) except privately. Reviving the tradition when the regime relaxed its control must have needed much love and hard work. But the rites of the church and the churches themselves seem to be flourishing in modern Russia. The folk and national songs, on the other hand, became the pop music of the socialist times and were brought to the West by massive touring groups of The Red Army.
Tickets in aid of church funds:
£12 at the door or in advance at : £10 (adults), £2 (children),
From: Anthony Mather, The Horseshoes, Chirton SN10 3QR - 01380 840261,
Email: anthonycm.mather@virgin.net
CD?s of the music of the Hermitage Ensemble will also be available on the day.
Don?t miss this musical experience on Tuesday 10th May 2011 in Chirton SN103QS Begins: 7.30 pm .
More about the singers can be found on the Hermitage web page, where you can also hear samples of their music:

http://hermitage.seenworks.com