"LEGEND OF RUSSIA" AT THE PHILHARMONIA - 2 The ensemble performed at the S.V.Rakhmaninov Concert Hall of the Moscow State Academic Philharmonic

The cultural life of the capital, which had been quiet during the coronavirus pandemic, is gradually returning to normal. One of the notable cultural events this spring was the performance of 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, which took place on March 24, 2021, at the S.V. Rakhmaninov Concert Hall of the Moscow State Academic Philharmonic, as part of the "Legends of Russia" subscription series No. 123.

The opening song of the Rosgvardia Ensemble's grand concert, "You, My Russia" (music by S. Tulikov, lyrics by S. Ostrovoy), performed by the ensemble's soloist, Honored Artist of Russia Natalia Eliseeva, set the solemn and festive mood for the entire evening.

The ensemble's repertoire includes musical works of various genres: songs by Soviet composers, popular classics, folk songs, and world-renowned pop hits. However, a special place in the concert programs of the creative team is occupied by pesni of the Great Patriotic War. These include the "March of the Artillerymen" (T. Khrennikov - V. Gusev) and the "Song of the Frontline Chauffeur" (B. Mokrousov - B. Laskin), performed by the ensemble's choir and orchestra. As always, the audience warmly received the performance of the war songs "Hot Snow" (A. Pakhmutova – M. Lvov), "Our Medical Battalion" (I. Luchenok – M. Yasen), and "Song of War Correspondents" (M. Blanter – K. Simonov) by the popular singer Alexander Kogan.

Folk songs performed by the ensemble are always popular with the audience, such as the Russian folk songs "Down the Volga River" (soloist: Honored Artist of Russia Alexey Volzhanin) and "Along the Peter Street" (soloist: Honored Artist of Russia Viktor Gromov).

The concert program of the ensemble is very organically intertwined with works of foreign classics and modern foreign hits. The audience was heartily delighted by the ensemble's brilliantly performed Cavatina Figaro from the opera by J. R. R. Tolkien. Rossini's "The Barber of Seville", a contemporary rendition by People's Artist of Russia Grigory Pinyasov of the world hit" 16 Tons " by American guitarist and country singer Merle Travis.

The audience received the song "The Best City on Earth" (Arno Babajanyan – Leonid Derbenyov) performed by Honored Artist of Russia Natalia Eliseeva with a special feeling. First performed in 1964 by People's Artist of the USSR Muslim Magomayev, this remarkable song remains popular today. Natalia Eliseeva's rendition brings a new and modern touch to the song.

The audience was also interested in the dance performances, including the choreographic compositions "Khokhloma" and "Cossack Dance" performed by the ensemble's ballet group, and the sailor dance "Yablochko" choreographed by the Honored Artist of Russia Peter Kovalev.

At the end of the concert, performed by the choir, orchestra, and soloists of the Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation under the direction of the Artistic Director and Chief Conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Major General Victor Eliseev , the patriotic song "Glorify" from Mikhail Glinka's opera "Ivan Susanin" sounded like an anthem to Russia, spring, and life!

The concert was hosted by Igor Shustikov, an Honored Artist of Russia and a Colonel.