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SLAVYANKA CHORUS WHY WE SING

Slavyanka Chorus
2025 concert season

November13, 14 and 15th Rachmaninov Vespers

Slavyanka Chorus has begun plans for performing the All-Night Vigil, Всенощное бдѣніе, Vsénoshchnoye bdéniye; Modern Russian: Всенощное бдение), an a cappella choral composition by Sergei Rachmaninoff. His Op. 37, premiered on 10/23 March 1915 in Moscow. Rachmaninoff composed the All-Night Vigil in less than two weeks in January and February 1915. The All-Night Vigil is perhaps notable as one of two liturgical settings (the other being the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom) by a composer who had stopped attending church services. As required by the Russian Orthodox Church, Rachmaninoff based ten of the fifteen sections on chant. However, the five original sections (numbers 1, 3, 6, 10, & 11) were so heavily influenced by chant that the composer called them "conscious counterfeits".

Rachmaninoff's work is a culmination of the preceding two decades of interest in Russian sacred music, as initiated by Tchaikovsky's setting of the all-night vigil. The similarities between the works, such as the extensive use of traditional chants, demonstrates the extent of Tchaikovsky's influence; however, Rachmaninoff's setting is much more complex in its use of harmony, textual variety and polyphony.

Thank you to all who joined the Slavyanka Chorus in celebrating 45 years of inspiring performances with our special anniversary concerts! We together experienced the rich and soulful choral traditions of Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, and beyond in a powerful program of music that honors the vibrant musical heritage of Slavic cultures.

Some responses from our guests:

"I was very moved by the concert…"

"It was a beautiful, joyous, life giving concert -- you made yourselves proud and rightfully should be!"

"I have been intending to write you after the wonderful 45th concert a week ago. The music and performance were so moving to me… Years of listening to that beautiful sound has penetrated my soul, and all the relationships with fellow travelers that came from the trip to Russia in 1986 makes it all the richer. All this is to say thank you, and that I am probably one of many who have felt moved…."

"Slavyanka sounded great. Wonderful new solo voices, and great contrasts between intensely soft and glorious. In the Volga piece at the end, the choir sounded like it had 80 voices! Wonderful concert. Happy 45th birthday, Slavyanka."

"The concert was astounding! I can’t get the sound out of my head – the songs keep replaying in my mind!"

"The concert was as good as I have ever heard the chorus…"

"I just want to say that you did a fantastic job last Friday! I don't think I have heard the chorus sound so good. The balance of voices, blending, dynamic range - it was just beautiful. My wife is not a big fan of Russian music but she thoroughly enjoyed it and committed to going to the next Slavyanka concert! She thought several of the songs were just wonderful and was impressed with all of the soloists. Well done."

Under the artistic direction of Irina Shachneva since 2012, Slavyanka Chorus has captivated audiences for decades with passionate and moving interpretations of music both secular and sacred. This milestone anniversary event will be an unforgettable evening of music that bridges cultures and connects hearts. Our program featured intricate harmonies, evocative melodies, and stirring rhythms that reflect the diverse cultural influences of Eastern Europe. Audiences were transported through time and tradition, experiencing both well-loved classics and lesser-known gems from Slavic musical history.

This concert series was more than just a performance — it was a heartfelt tribute to the power of music to unite people across borders and generations. Your attendance and continuing support of Slavyanka Chorus supports our mission of cultural exchange and understanding. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Slavyanka's music, this celebration was an opportunity to connect with the spirit and passion that have defined our choir since 1979. Let's continue to celebrate многая лета (mnogaya leta; many years) of musical excellence together! Stay tuned for news of our future concerts and possible tours in Eastern Europe and the United States.

Songs of the soul

Dear Slavyanka Singers,

A week has already fled by since we offered our Songs of the Soul concert. I have to admit, I left the concert, fell into bed, and threw myself into the next endeavor—but tonight I realize I don’t want to let another minute pass without telling you how it was to share this extraordinary program with you.

In all my years of singing, I’ve never encountered a repertoire quite like this: this rare blend of Russian folk melodies, pilgrimage songs, ancient chant, and the soul-deep music of village life.

Thank you to all of you that did the preparation—especially Irina for the hundreds of hours of research, curation, translation, production, and rehearsal. And week after week, Slavyanka showed up to absorb this unfamiliar music and transform it—through breath, body, voice, and spirit—into something living and known.

It is a rare gift to perform something new together. Hard, yes—and amazing. I found myself thinking today how this music resembles walking: that steady, humble trudge we all do, from birth to death, childhood to age, monastery to monastery, concert to concert.

I loved the character of the music—its earthiness, its sacredness—what I began to think of as holy walking songs. I was especially moved by the wonderful work of our younger singers, the brave stepping-up of adult members, the small ensemble moments, and the unforgettable voice of Juliana Svetlitchnaia.

And as always, I am grateful to sing under the masterful hands of Artistic Director, Irina Shachneya.

Bravi tutti! Let’s rest up, stay safe and healthy, and come together again next fall to do what we do best: bring something true, rare, and radiant into the world through choral music.

Lauren Carley