Culture
22:16, 06-Jan-2018
Alexandrov Ensemble makes first tour of China after rebuilding
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The Russian army's official dance and choir troupe, the Alexandrov Ensemble, rounded off five shows at the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing on Saturday.
The classic melodies, exotic dances, and refreshing instrumental music signify a rising from the ashes for the Alexandrov Ensemble.
It was the first time the ensemble performed in China since a fatal plane crash canceled its show last year.
The performances this time comprised 24 pieces of song and dance, including the Song of the Soviet Army and Moscow Nights.
The choir traditionally sings in the language of the country it visits. And this time was no exception, as it rendered the Chinese song "I am a soldier."
The Russian army's official dance and choir troupe, the Alexandrov Ensemble, performs on the stage. /CGTN Photo
The Russian army's official dance and choir troupe, the Alexandrov Ensemble, performs on the stage. /CGTN Photo
The ensemble took the Chinese audience on a musical journey to Russia, evoking many memories.
"The first time I saw the Alexandrov Ensemble perform was back in 1962. It has been half a century. Seeing it again, I think it's really impressive. Their baritones are world class," said a member of the audience.
"All the melodies, dances brought back the memories of the time when we were young. It touched my heart. Our generation, we have a kind of special love for our country," said another.
Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan was among the audience. She said Russia and China are friendly neighbors with profound cultural exchanges and the two nations' relationship will be strengthened and enhanced.
As Russia's largest dance and choir troupe, the Alexandrov Ensemble was founded in 1928. It has paid ten visits to China and won over a large number of Chinese after touring more than 20 cities in the country.
In December 2016, tragedy struck the ensemble when 64 members of the group were killed in a plane crash in the Black Sea.
Fans were shocked by the news, and they worried that the troupe's artistic performances would be lost forever.
However, the team was quickly rebuilt and chose China as the first stop of its 2018 international tour.
"We bring classic music and folk songs, many of which are favorites of the Chinese audience, like the song Katyusha. We've also prepared some Chinese songs for the audience here,” said Gennady Sachenyuk,chief conductor and artistic director of Alexandrov Ensemble.
“I have to mention that 2018 sees the 90th anniversary of our troupe's founding. We'll devote the whole year to celebrating the occasion, and we chose to start it here in Beijing."
Through a war and an air crash, the Alexandrov Ensemble has stood the test of time. It has demonstrated to the world its indestructible spirit and stands tall.