St. Petersburg Men's Ensemble returns to

Performing Arts Center

The St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble (Санкт-Петербургский мужской ансамбль) will return to The Center for the Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA) for the fourth year to present a free concert at Sage Granada Park United Methodist Church located at 1850 W. Hellman Ave in Alhambra, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010.

The St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble, which includes the talents of Kirill Sokolov, Evgeny Vishnevsky, Vadim Smantser, and Alexander Korbakov has been performing in churches throughout the United States since 2002. The men met during the late 90’s at the St. Petersburg Conservatory, where they were all studying choral conducting. Their concerts reflect their culture and heritage, with a balance of sacred songs, by Russian composers, and Russian folk songs.

Their travels to the U.S. this time also brings with them world renowned accordion player Alexander Korbakov, who will be performing as a soloist as well as with the ensemble on select pieces. While in the States, the Ensemble also enjoys visiting schools to do assemblies, not only to share their music but also to share with the children traditional Russian musical instruments.

The members of The St. Petersburg Russian Men’s Ensemble bring extensive training and experience to the presentation of Russian folk songs and sacred selections.  Members of the Ensemble have attended the Glinka Choir School and the St. Petersburg Conservatory. They have sung with many choirs and vocal groups including the State Academic Capella and the Choir of Smolny Cathedral.