Chamber Choir Lege Artis
The Lege Artis Chamber Choir, founded in 1987 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), USSR, by Boris Abalyan, is a distinguished choral ensemble known for its rich interpretations of both Russian and European choral music. Initially formed by young professional singers from the Saint Petersburg Conservatoire, the choir quickly gained prominence, with its first concert held on February 14, 1988, at the Alexander Pushkin Museum. Under Abalyan's direction, the choir has become a significant cultural institution, winning numerous international awards, including prizes in Belgium, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Spain between 1990 and 1997.
The choir's repertoire spans Russian liturgical and folk music, as well as European sacred and traditional compositions, with a particular focus on 20th-century works by composers such as Stravinsky, Debussy, Poulenc, Hindemith, and Penderecki. They also perform pieces by lesser-known Russian composers like Valeri Gavrilin, Sergei Slominski, Alexander Knaifel, and Dmitri V. Smirnov.
Lege Artis is celebrated for its a cappella performances and contributions to reviving forgotten vocal music in Russia. The ensemble frequently tours internationally and participates in prestigious festivals in St. Petersburg. Boris Abalyan, the founder and artistic director, is renowned for his dedication to choral music, contributing significantly to the choir's esteemed reputation.
