Male choir of Vologda Philharmonic Society named after V.A. Gavrilin gave concert in museum

During the concert, spectators listened to some compositions of the Great Northern War, Cossack, marching, recruiting, lyrical and wedding folk songs. Artists of the male choir won the hearts of the audience with emotionally touching execution of lyrical songs composed to the verses of Alexander Blok and Nikolay Rubtsov. They were especially delighted with a comic music and dramatic miniature “Akkulina and Valentino” (music of V. Gavrilin, text of V. Maximov). The composition of Yuri Saulsky “St. Tatiana’s Day” became a wonderful present for all women named Tatiana on this festive day. The music program was concluded with everyone’s favourite song “Full of Light is Room of Mine”, maitre A. Mishin soloed in it.

Workmanship and professionalism of the musicians won the hearts of the Kirillov’s residents. At the end of the concert, the audience gave a standing ovation to the artists of Vologda. The grateful spectators encored the choir twice.

Albert Mishin, artistic director and conductor of the choir, Honoured Artist of the Russian Federation, answered our questions after the event.

- Albert Vladimirovich, can you tell us about your creative activity and establishment of the group?

- I began my creative work as a choirmaster in the Church of St. Nicholas (in the Archbishop’s Quarter) in Vologda. Our music group was founded in the Vologda Philharmonic Society in 2000. Last year we celebrated the 15th anniversary. Our repertoire includes ancient chants of various styles, rarely performed compositions of the classics of choral music and modern composers, folk lyrical, labour and wartime songs, ancient romances, songs of Valery Gavrilin and Alexander Morozov, adapted versions of Russian and foreign pop songs, and certainly folk songs that are the most soulful and that all people like. The choir has performed the whole multi-genre palette of the Russian song in different years: playing, labour, lyrical, wedding, historical and wartime. I want to note that Russian music makes up the greater part of the repertoire of the male choir.

- Your group resembles the Turetsky Choir, what is your attitude to this comparison?

- I like this music group, but I withhold comments on such a comparison. While touring, we sometimes met with the Turetsky Choir in some city, but performed on various grounds. They have their own specific features and audience, and we have our.

- Who makes original versions for the group?

- I make all original versions and transcriptions for the choir. Choirmaster Olga Sych used to work with us before. Today we have sung her versions of several compositions.

- What about your tour schedule?

- The male choir gives about 100 concerts, performs in Russia and aboard, participates in prestigious international festivals every year. We have already visited France and have taken part in the religious music festival this year.

- Spiritual music holds a special place in your repertoire, doesn’t it?

- Yes, it does. Spiritual music holds the most prominent place in the creative activity of our group. The choir participated in the first performance of the Liturgy of Old Russian Chants in the Large Hall of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Society (2010), the Great Commemoration of the Romanov Dynasty (St. Petersburg, the Peter and Paul Fortress, 2013), the chants of the consecration of the church (St. Petersburg, the Church of St. Nicholas and Tsarina Alexandra the Martyr, 2014). The choir released two CDs: “Medieval Chants of the Russian North” and the collection of note interpretations of Old Russian chants. Many artists of our group work at churches and take part in services.

- Albert Vladimirovich, you performed the song “Full of Light is Room of Mine” at the end of the program. It is rather unexpectedly when the conductor begins to sing. Is your solo performance improvisation?

- Every improvisation is well-prepared. It is our secret.

- Do you have your favourite composition?

- I cannon answer. It is a difficult question.

- Do you give concerts on various grounds? What are your impressions of the performance on the museum stage?

- We have first performed in the Kirillo-Belozersky Museum-Reserve and we are very satisfied. The atmosphere here was very warm and the audience was great! We promise to come back!

- Your group is very popular in the region and outside it. You have children’s programs. Will you share your plans for the future with us? What next program are you preparing?

- I won’t unlock all secrets. It is a creative secret now.

In conclusion, Albert Mishin wished residents of Kirillov kindness, happiness and love. “Love makes the world go round, love is the main engine both in creative work and art”, noted the master.