Moscow Sretensky Monastery Choir enthrals Katara audience

HE the Minister of Culture and Sports Salah bin Ghanem bin Nasser al-Ali attended a concert performed by the world-renowned Moscow Sretensky Monastery Choir at the Katara Opera House on Thursday as part of the ongoing celebrations for Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture. 

The event, also attended by Russian ambassador Nurmakhmad Kholov, as well as a number of officials and diplomats, was organised with the support of Rosneft Oil Company, the general partner of Qatar-Russia 2018 Year of Culture.
The ceremony’s opening speeches stressed the importance of cultural exchange between Qatar and Russia in promoting cultural ties between the two countries and people. The choir offered a special performance which captivated the audience. At the end of the concert, the minister and the Russian ambassador took to the stage to congratulate the choir.

The internationally acclaimed choir, founded in 1397, performed a medley of songs including Russian folk songs, ‘In The Forge and Steppe Around The Steppe’, and ancient chant, ‘Now The Powers Of Heaven’. The ensemble is performing in Doha for the first time, adding to their high-profile concerts around the world in locations ranging from the Carnegie Hall in New York to the National Theatre of Costa-Rica.
The Moscow Sretensky Monastery Choir is one of the most prominent church-singing ensembles of Russia. In the Soviet Union times, the monastery was closed and the choir was disbanded. The convent reopened in 1994. This is when a new group of choir singers was formed – the ones who still represent the Russian sacred and secular music worldwide today.
The event also presented a photo exhibition 'The Most Beautiful Country' brought to Qatar by Rosneft Oil company. The photo contest of The Russian Geographical Society is aimed at preserving wild nature of Russia and fostering respect for the environment. The annual competition has been held since 2015, and the photos on show were the winners from 12 categories.