THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 24, 1995 TAG: 9503220130
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
The Russian State Chorus, an ensemble of 45 men and women, will perform March 30 at Willett Hall as part of the Portsmouth Community Concert series.
The 8 p.m. concert will close out the current season and will be offered as a bonus to new members who join the association before the concert.
The next season will open with a repertory program by the Richmond Ballet on Nov. 11. Other performances will include Brenda Boozer, mezzo soprano, Dec. 9; Vienna Choir Boys, Jan. 13, 1996; and the Xavier Cugat Orchestra, a 13-piece band with three dancers in a tribute to Carmen Miranda, April 8, 1996.
The Russian State Chorus was founded in 1936 as a vocal ensemble for a radio station. Although it has been under the direction of several noted Russian choral masters during its 60-year history, the group was directed from 1941 until 1980 by Prof. Alexander Sveshnikov. The current artistic director who will conduct the concert here is Yevgeny Tytianko.
The chorus' repertoire covers a range of styles and periods. It is best known for its interpretations of Russian classical music. Its history includes world premiere performances of Prokofiev's ``Alexander Nevsky,'' Schedrin's ``The Engraved Angel,'' Shostakovich's ``Ten Choral Poems,'' and Sviridov's ``Poem to Sergei Yesenin.''
The chorus has toured the world since the 1960s. The tour this spring marks the group's third visit to the United States.
During intermission and after the performance, Hope Mihalap will autograph her book, ``Where There's Hope There's Life and Laughter.''
Prior to the concert, memberships for next year's season will be on sale - $35 for adults, $17 for students and $75 for families. New members will be admitted free to the Russian State Chorus performance.
Single tickets are not available for this concert.
Memberships are available at Willett Hall. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by SUZANNE GRIMES
The Richmond Ballet will perform on Nov. 11 at Willett Hall.
by CNB