The ensemble performed in Derbent's central square

The Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation continues its tour of the cities of Crimea and the North Caucasus. On June 13, 2021, the ensemble's artists were welcomed by the residents of Derbent, an ancient city in southern Russia located in the Republic of Dagestan on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

In 2015, Derbent celebrated its 2000th anniversary. Congratulating the residents of the city on the anniversary, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin noted:: "Derbent is one of the oldest cities in Russia. For centuries, the city has served as one of the most important and key centers of the Caspian region. Being at the crossroads of civilizations of Europe and Asia, North and South, on the Great Silk Road, Derbent was a participant in significant, truly epochal events, played a significant role in the development of trade, science, culture, and education. The residents of the city can rightfully be proud of the glorious pages of its history, and of the many generations of their fellow countrymen, including famous writers, scientists, composers, and military leaders. It is encouraging that Dagestan carefully preserves and transforms the remarkable traditions of its ancestors».

A significant event for the residents of the city of Derbent was a large concert by the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard of the Russian Federation at the central square of the city, Freedom Square, which becomes the center of Derbent's city events on festive days.

The famous ensemble presented a large concert program to the audience, which included songs from the Great Patriotic War, songs by Soviet composers, and Russian folk songs.

The song “You, My Russia” by composer Serafim Tulikov, based on the lyrics by Sergey Ostrovoy, is one of the hallmarks of the Rosgvardia Ensemble. One of the best songs about Russia, performed by the choir and the ensemble's lead soloist, Honored Artist of Russia Natalia Eliseeva, traditionally opens the ensemble's concerts. The song's heartfelt rendition and the ensemble's soloist's incredible charm have captured the hearts of the audience.

The concert featured musical works dedicated to the Great Patriotic War: "March of Artillerymen" (V.Gusev, T.Khrennikov), "Song of the Frontline Chauffeur" (B.Mokrousov, B.Laskin, soloist Vitaly Gerasimenko), patriotic songs: "Song about the Soviet Army" (A.Aleksandrov, O.Kolychev), "Song about the Russian Soldier" (K.Akimov, K.Filippova).

The audience enjoyed the medley on the themes of songs from the repertoire of Leonid Utesov in the original arrangement of the Honored Artist of Russia Alexey Mazanov performed by the leading soloists of the ensemble: Honored Artist of Russia Natalia Eliseeva, Honored Artist of Russia Alexey Dmitriev, Honored Artist of the Republic of Ingushetia Alexander Vdovenko, Pavel Pushkin, Mikhail Zaraev.

The song “The Best City on Earth” (A. Babajanyan, L. Derbenyov), which was very popular in the 1960s, has been reinterpreted by the Honored Artist of Russia Natalia Eliseeva. The song's dance-like melody lifts the spirits of the audience. Dance art holds a special place in the cultural life of the diverse peoples of Dagestan.

The ballet group of the ensemble presented the choreographic compositions “Home with Victory” directed by the Honored Artist of Russia A. Safronov, as well as “Cossack Dance” and “Golden Khokhloma” directed by the Honored Artist of Russia P. Kovalev. The audience warmly thanked the artists with applause.

The concert ended with the legendary song "Farewell, Slavonic" (by V. Agapkin and A. Fedotov), performed by the choir and orchestra to the thunderous applause of the audience.

On behalf of the city's leadership, the deputy head of the city administration, Arthur Gamzatov,

The big tour of the Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation, led by the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Eliseev, continues.