Russian Patriarchate Choir raises the “iron curtain” at University Auditorium on Nov. 10
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Raising the “iron curtain,” the Russian Patriarchate Choir led the way in the re-discovery of Orthodox Church music. This feat is made even more impressive since it occurred during the Soviet Regime. At this time – when music was far from approved by the government – the choir spent decades decoding ancient manuscripts that had lain in obscurity for centuries. With the collapse of the Soviet Union came the opportunity for the choir to perform internationally and bring this music to a wide public.
The Russian Patriarchate Choir of Moscow was founded by Anatoly Grindenko in Trotse-Sergieva Lavra (near Moscow) in 1983. In the traditional manner, it consists of 12-13 members including Mr. Grindenko. In addition to performing both in Russia (where the choir is an actual church choir) and internationally, the singers are dedicated scholars of the repertoire for male voices. Through its live performances and many recordings, it has reached a huge worldwide audience, attracted first and foremost by the sheer beauty of the choir’s singing. The group has appeared throughout Europe and Scandinavia; at festivals in Utrecht, London, Paris, Maastricht, Barcelona and Ravenna; and at Les Folles Journées in Nancy.
In addition to its church music, the choir performs traditional Russian folk songs that it has restored to their original richness and emotion. The choir performs full Vespers or Vigil services, often featuring repertoire from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. While the choir is not permitted to perform with instruments in a liturgical setting, it has successfully collaborated with instrumental ensembles to present sequences of orchestra and instrumental works and a cappella vocal music. Finnish conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste created a sequence of music juxtaposing Russian Orthodox works with such disparate orchestral works as Schubert’s “Unfinished” Symphony and Arvo Pärt’s “Tabula Rosa.”
The Russian Patriarchate Choir will perform at the University Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10. There will be a pre-performance discussion with UF Professor Galina Rylkova at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are: $30, front orchestra and mezzanine; $25, rear orchestra; and $20, balcony.
Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or by calling Ticketmaster at 904-353-3309 or toll free at 800-277-1700. Orders may also be faxed to 352-846-1562. Tickets are also available in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Union and all Ticketmaster outlets; and on the web atwww.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Group tickets are also available.
The Phillips Center Box Office is open Monday – Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and two hours prior to the performance. Performance dates, times and programs are subject to change.
Credits
Contact
- Amy Douglas, adouglas@performingarts.ufl.edu, 352-392-1900, ext.324