(Baonghean.vn) - On December 25th, aboard a Tu-154 aircraft departing from Sochi, members of the Alexandrov Ensemble were among 84 passengers, scheduled to travel to the Russian military base Hmeimim in Lakatia (Syria) to perform for Russian soldiers during Christmas and New Year. 64 outstanding artists tragically lost their lives in the Black Sea.
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| The Alexandrov Army Song and Dance Ensemble, whose full name is the Alexandrov Russian Army Academic Song and Dance Ensemble, was formerly the Red Army Choir. Founded on October 12, 1928, it is considered one of the five most famous folk song and dance ensembles in Russia. |
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| The ensemble is named after its founding director, composer, People's Artist Alexander Alexandrov, who composed the Russian national anthem. |
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| Their first performance on October 12, 1928, at the Red Army Central Theatre featured only 12 members. Beginning in 1979, this song and dance troupe received certification as a professional group, classified as "academic". |
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| During the Great Patriotic War, the Alexandrov Army Song and Dance Ensemble became a bastion of the struggle against Nazi occupation. The ensemble represented the army in over 1,500 performances. |
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| The Alexandrov Army Song and Dance Ensemble Choir is considered one of the best male choirs in the world. With a history spanning nearly 90 years, touring 70 countries and performing 7000 shows in the world's most prestigious concert halls, it has achieved success everywhere by bringing the sublime melodies and dances of Russian culture to the world. |
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| The troupe has performed in two special venues: at the Vatican in the presence of Pope John Paul II in 2004 and at NATO headquarters. The troupe has also been present at numerous hotspots around the planet. |
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| The artists of the troupe possess the harmony and purity of a successful choir, while also exhibiting a brightness and naturalness inherited from the tradition of folk music performance. |
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| The Alexandrov Army Song and Dance Ensemble received numerous prestigious awards throughout its service. In 1935, the ensemble received the Order of the Red Banner of Honor. In 1949, on the occasion of its 20th anniversary, the ensemble received the Order of the Red Banner for the second time, in addition to many other international awards. |
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| Among those killed was Lieutenant General Valeri Khalilov, the artistic director of the ensemble. The solo singer, People's Artist of Russia Vadim Anenhev, 57, was fortunate to survive because his wife had just given birth to a son, and he requested permission to stay home and did not board the plane to perform with his colleagues. Russia lost 64 outstanding artists, but the legend of the Alexandrov Army Song and Dance Ensemble will live on forever, remaining in the hearts of the Russian people. |
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(According to Ria Novosti)
