"Faith and Loyalty" The ensemble took part in the gala ceremony of the Andrei Pervozvanny Foundation International Award

The International Prize of the Andrey Pervozvanny Foundation "Faith and Loyalty" is a symbol of society's recognition of achievements in the service of the Fatherland. The Prize was established in 1992 and is a non-governmental, non-partisan, non-ecclesiastical, and non-political award. The Andrey Pervozvanny Prize aims to strengthen society's understanding of moral values. Its history reflects the life of modern Russia through the lives of our outstanding contemporaries. The Prize is awarded to individuals of various religions and nationalities.

Past winners include: Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill, Supreme Mufti of Russia Talgat Tadzhuddin, President of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia Alexander Boroda, People's Artists of the USSR Alexey Batalov, Vasily Lanovoy, Nikita Bogoslovsky, Lyudmila Zykina, Yuri Bashmet, Alisa Freundlich, People's Artist of the Russian Federation Artist of Russia Valery Gergiev, outstanding figures of science and culture Viktor Sadovnichy, Irina Antonova, Mikhail Piotrovsky, Mikhail Perelman, writer Fazil Iskander, twice Hero of the Soviet Union cosmonaut Alexey Leonov and many others.

On December 13, 2021, the day of St. Andrew the Apostle, the XXVIII Grand Ceremony of the International Award of the St. Andrew the Apostle Foundation "Faith and Loyalty" was held at the State Kremlin Palace.

Vladimir Yakunin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation, greeted the award winners. "We present the public award to people who, in various historical circumstances, have preserved their human dignity, fulfilled their professional and civic duty. They are role models and a reminder of the high value of the principles reflected in the award's motto-faith and loyalty" — Vladimir Yakunin said in his address.

One of the 2021 award winners was Denis Matsuev, a People's Artist of Russia. The award was presented to the world-renowned pianist for his mentorship and support of young talents.

At the ceremony, the winners were awarded diplomas, the All-Praising Apostle Andrew the First-Called Award and the Order Star, a moire ribbon, and a handwritten icon of Saint Andrew the First-Called.

LaureatesThe St. Danilov Monastery Choir, People's Artist of Russia Larisa Dolina, Honored Artist of Russia Diana Gurtskaya, pianist Ivan Bessonov, and singer Evgeny Kungurov welcomed the International Prize of the St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation.

The gala evening ended with a performance by the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances 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. Accompanied by the Ensemble's choir and soloists, – Honored Artist of Russia Tatyana Petrova and soloist of the choir Alexey Kholyavko – the song “Farewell to the Slavonic” (music by V. Agapkin, lyrics by V. Lazarev) was performed. The audience warmly welcomed the artists' performances.

The event was hosted by Anna Shatilova, People's Artist of Russia, and Evgeny Kochergin, Honored Artist of Russia.