THE IMMORTAL SONGS OF A GREAT COUNTRY. A CONCERT BY ALEXANDER KOGAN AND THE ENSEMBLE WAS HELD IN THE CENTER OF SMOLENSK, DEDICATED TO THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GREAT VICTORY

In the history of Russia, Smolensk is known as the "Shield of Russia," which for many centuries served as a reliable defense for Moscow, protecting it from the encroachments of foreign invaders. During the Time of Troubles, the bravery and selflessness of the people of Smolensk helped to hold back the numerous Polish army. The resilience and patriotism of the people of Smolensk were evident in their battles against Napoleon's forces in 1812 and the defeat of the Nazi occupiers during the Great Patriotic War. Smolensk rightfully holds the prestigious title of Hero City.

The Central Park of Culture and Recreation "Lopatinsky Garden" is a favorite recreation area for the city's residents. On August 22, 2020, a festive concert dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War was held at the park's open concert venue as part of the grand musical marathon "Immortal Songs of the Great Country."

At the beginning of the concert, the song "Echo of a Long-Ago Parade" by composer Alexandra Pakhmutova, based on the lyrics by Nikolai Dobronravov from the film "Battle for Moscow," was performed by the popular singer and composer Alexander Kogan and the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation.

The festive concert was attended by participants in the defense of Smolensk, veterans of the Great Patriotic War, home front workers, representatives of public organizations, and thousands of residents of Smolensk.

The concert featured songs from the war years: "The Holy War," "Dark Night," "The Song of War Correspondents," "Random Waltz," "The Song of a Frontline Chauffeur," "Cranes," "For That Guy," "Take Your Overcoat," "Victory Day," and many others, performed by Alexander Kogan, the choir, and the orchestra of the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard of the Russian Federation, led by the artistic director and chief conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Yeliseyev.

The audience especially warmly welcomed the songs "You, My Russia" (music by S. Tulikov, lyrics by S. Ostrovoy) and "Ah, If Only the Earth Could Speak" (music by Yu. Martynov, lyrics by O. Milyavsky) in the heartfelt performance of the ensemble's soloist, Honored Artist of Russia Natalia Eliseeva.

The ensemble's dance group performed choreographic compositions dedicated to the heroic deeds of our people during the Great Patriotic War.

The Great Music Marathon "Immortal Songs of the Great Country" was launched on February 18, 2020, at the State Kremlin Palace, but was forced to be suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, the music tour with a concert program dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory is ongoing. Concerts by singer and composer Alexander Kogan and the Academic Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the National Guard of the Russian Federation will take place in many Russian cities.