The ensemble paid tribute to the artists of the Academic twice Red Banner Ansemble of Songs and Dances of the Russian Army named after A.V. Alexandrov, who died in a plane crash on December 25, 2016

The year 2020, which has already been called the most difficult and tragic year since the beginning of the new century, is coming to an end. This leap year, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed the lives of more than one and a half million people around the world. Many prominent figures in Russian culture and the arts have also passed away.

Exactly four years ago, on the same leap year, December 25, 2016, a terrible tragedy occurred. The Academic Twice Red Banner Alexandrovsky Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Russian Army suffered the heaviest losses in its 78-year history. Among the 64 people who died in the Tu-154 plane crash near Sochi were the artistic director and chief conductor of the ensemble, People's Artist of Russia, Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov, the deputy head of the ensemble, Andrey Sonnikov, the chief choirmaster, Konstantin Mayorov, and the soloists Evgeny Bulochnikov, Vladislav Golikov, and Viktor Sanin. Of the eight leading soloists of the ensemble, five were killed. In an instant, the ensemble lost almost half of its creative staff.

On that day, the Alexandrovsky Ensemble plane was flying from the Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow to Syria, where the legendary military band was preparing a New Year's performance for Russian military personnel in Syria. The plane was scheduled to refuel at the Mozdok airfield on its way to the Syrian airfield of Khmeimim, but due to unfavorable weather conditions, it was diverted to Sochi. At 5:40 a.m. Moscow time, the plane took off from the Adler airfield and crashed into the sea 72 seconds later. All those on board perished. Among the victims was Elizaveta Petrovna Glinka, a doctor, resuscitator, public figure, and human rights activist – the legendary Doctor Liza.

The entire country experienced this terrible tragedy as a personal grief.

The history and creative path of the A.V. Alexandrov Academic Twice Red Banner Ensemble of Song and Dance of the Russian Army are inextricably linked with the history of the country, the army, and our people. During the Great Patriotic War, the artists of this legendary military ensemble performed hundreds of concerts on the front lines, boosting the morale of our soldiers in their struggle against the German fascist invaders. The song "Holy War," composed by A.V. Alexandrov and written by V.I. Lebedev-Kumach, became an anthem of defense for the Fatherland. The author of this patriotic song was able to combine the formidable marching steps with a wide melodic melody.

The high level of musical and choreographic art of the Academic Two-Time Red Banner Ensemble of Songs and Dances of the Russian Army named after A.V. Alexandrov has allowed the ensemble to gain worldwide fame and the love of millions of viewers.

Today, paying tribute to the outstanding artists of the renowned A.V. Alexandrov Ensemble who died in the line of duty, the choir of the Academic Ensemble of Song and Dance of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation will perform "Alexandrov Rhapsody" (music and lyrics by People's Artist of Russia A. Evsyukov). The soloist is the artistic director and chief conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Major General Viktor Eliseev.