Alexandrov Ensemble concert brings generations together at the National Centre RUSSIA
Songs that have become an integral part of the Russian people's historical memory and shared cultural identity were performed on 5 November at the National Centre RUSSIA during a concert by the Twice Red Banner, Order of the Red Star Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Alexandrov. Marking the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and National Unity Day, the performance formed part of the programme of International Week "Peoples of Russia".
Through folk traditions, classical art and wartime songs, the programme offered audiences an insight into the generosity of the Russian spirit, the power of shared memory and the ways in which tradition intertwines with modern life. The evening opened with "Invincible and Legendary" ("Song of the Soviet Army"), a world-famous Soviet song composed during the Great Patriotic War by Alexander Alexandrov, with lyrics by Osip Kolychev.
The concert continued with "The Sacred War", an enduring symbol of our great country's heroic history, which the audience stood to hear. Spirited marches from an army medley gave way to "The Cherished Stone", a poignant account of a sailor from Sevastopol dying in a boat at sea, far from his native land. The lyrical section of the evening concluded with "Smuglyanka" and "The Sailors Are Marching", reminding the audience how culture and art helped people survive, love and believe in Victory even in the harshest of times.
A substantial part of the concert celebrated the warmth and exuberance of the Russian spirit, equally capable of sorrow and sparkling joy. The ensemble performed lively, internationally recognised folk dances, including "Along Piterskaya Street", "Kalinka", "Korobeiniki" and "Kamarinskaya".
The programme culminated in songs that also need no introduction: the celebrated "Victory Day" and "Farewell of Slavianka", performed by everyone taking part in the concert — the choir, soloists and orchestra.
The Twice Red Banner, Order of the Red Star Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Alexandrov is a legendary military performing ensemble and the world's first army song and dance ensemble, founded in 1928. Its Head and Artistic Director is Colonel Gennady Sachenyuk, Honoured Artist of Russia and Professor at the V. S. Popov Academy of Choral Art.
The ensemble has performed at the National Centre RUSSIA on numerous occasions, with every concert becoming a memorable event that brings together people of different generations and nationalities. Over its 98 years of artistic work, the ensemble has established many traditions. One of them is never to say goodbye to its audience, but rather, "Until we meet again."
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