The 23rd Moscow Easter Festival recently concluded. This year the event, which annually draws hundreds of thousands of spectators across the country, was particularly large in scale — 29 concerts took place in 26 cities throughout Russia. As always, the festival delighted audiences with three programs: bell-ringing, symphonic, and choral. The venue for the latter, following a long-standing tradition, was the Museum of Ivan the Terrible. "We have been cooperating with the Moscow Easter Festival for twenty years now and are very proud of this partnership. After all, thanks to it our fellow countrymen become acquainted with the work of the world’s best sacred choirs. Over the years ensembles from Sweden, Bulgaria, Serbia, the Baltic states, Armenia, etc. have performed here. Each concert is of the highest level of mastery and a landmark event in the cultural life of our city and district!", emphasized the Deputy Director of the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda museum-reserve, Larisa Zarayskaya.
A total of 23 ensembles were involved in this year’s choral program. At 'Sloboda' the Ensemble of Singers of the Yessentuki Deanery performed; it was formed a couple of years ago as a festive choir for episcopal services at the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Yessentuki. The ensemble conducts active educational and outreach activities and participates in charitable musical projects.
The ensemble’s founder and choirmaster, Alina Mukhamedzhanova, shared her impressions after the concert: "In this line-up the ensemble is taking part in the Easter Festival for the first time. It is a joy to become acquainted with our Russia. Our deepest thanks to the custodians of the museum for their magnificent historical heritage. By performing sacred and secular musical works on such significant stages, we call divided peoples to unity. It is heartening to see that our people are singing! We live in difficult times — and only God, love, hospitality, and our heartfelt warmth will save the world!"
Press service of the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda museum-reserve
