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During a tour of the East Coast of the United States, the Men’s A Cappella Ensemble from Valaam Monastery in northern Russia visited the University to sing a variety of sacred and folk songs in Bartley Hall’s Amphitheater on Nov. 3. “The purpose of our tour is to present to the American audience the rich and distinct tradition of Russian Church and folk singing,” stated Anastasia Goryanina, manager of the five professional singers.

In the first part of the concert, Psalm 103, “Bless the Lord, O My Soul,” Greek chant “Troparion,” and other sacred songs were performed. “I am quite sure that this traditional liturgical singing will reach deep into the listener's heart and soul and foster the friendship and understanding between the American and Russian people,” Goryanina asserted. The latter part of the concert was devoted to folk songs including “Oh, As The Mist Fell” and “Barinya.”
Formed in 1993, the group’s members include Mikhail Ruzanov, Dmitri Popov, Nikholai Kozlov, Dmitry Shmelev and Mikhail Krouglov. They will be in the United States for over a month, singing mostly at churches, universities and high schools. The ensemble first toured the U.S. East Coast in 2002 after performing in Russia, Finland and England. When they aren’t on tour, they sing at the monastery for pilgrims and tourists.

Valaam Monastery, founded by St. Serguis and St. Herman circa 900 A.D., is located on an island in Ladoga Lake north of St. Petersburg. St. Herman of Alaska, the first Orthodox saint of North America, was one of the many Russian saints who resided at Valaam.

Proceeds from the ensemble’s tour will be used for the restoration of the monastery. The concert was sponsored by the Russian Studies Program.