The State Moscow Chamber Choir
The State Moscow Chamber Choir, also known as the Moscow Chamber Choir, was founded in 1971 by Vladimir Minin, who was then leading the Gnessin Musical Pedagogical Institute. The choir was created with the intention of demonstrating that a choir is not merely a uniform group but a talented, singular organism capable of engaging audiences. The choir's first concert was held on April 23, 1972, at the House of Scientists, a date now celebrated as the choir's birthday. In 1974, the choir achieved professional status and released its first record, "Choral music of twelfth and twentieth centuries," through the "Melodya" record company.
Under Minin's leadership, the choir became known for its innovative repertoire, which included spiritual choral works by composers such as S. Rachmaninov, P. I. Tchaikovsky, and others, which were not typically performed in the Soviet Union at the time. The choir gained international acclaim, touring extensively across the globe, including in the USA, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, China, Japan, Singapore, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Italy, and France.
Throughout its history, the choir has collaborated with prominent artists and composers, receiving dedications from figures like G. Sviridov, R. Shchedrin, and V. Rubin. In 1982, the choir won first prize at the All-Russian review of professional academic choirs in Moscow, and Minin received the State Prize of the USSR. The choir also won the World Congress of choral music groups in Vienna in 1986. Vladimir Minin was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR in 1988.
The choir's success and influence are attributed to Minin's vision and dedication, which helped establish it as a leading ensemble in the world of choral music.
