Next Friday, 24 March 2017, enjoy a concert of Russian church and folk music at Walpole St Peter’s Church.

More information from the organisers of the event:

“The Hermitage Ensemble consists of five male soloists who sing accompanied only by one another.  They sound like a Slavic barber shop quartet one minute and the massed ranks of the Red Army the next.  Every choirmaster and every singer in the area should go and hear them because their sound and their musicality are  unique.  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 bring the Russian traditions of church music and folk music to other countries.

“Their programme on Friday 24 March 2017 at Walpole St Peter Church starts at 7:30pm.

“The first half is serious stuff – starting with a sequence of Russian Orthodox religious pieces which may include, ‘Praise the Lord from the Heavens’, an extended ‘anthem’ by Bortnyansky – a contemporary of Beethoven and the founder of ‘modern’ Russian choral style .  It establishes immediately the features and qualities that go on to thrill throughout the concert – most strikingly the arresting Russian vibrancy, resonance and intensity of expression which are maintained even in slow and hushed movements.

“After the interval, the mood changes. 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 over culture must have needed much love and hard work.  But the rites of the church and the churches themselves do now 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 are available at £15 from Michael Anstey by calling 01553 849988 (cash or cheques only, please).  Alternatively, please go to www.wegottickets.com/event/390108 for card payments only on-line (plus booking fee of £1.50).  Seating is on a first-come-best seats basis.  Refreshments will be available during the interval.  CDs of the choir’s performances will be for sale in the interval and afterwards.
“We do hope that we can see you at the concert to give a warm welcome to our Russian visitors.”