Conductor of the ensemble of the Soviet army. Ensemble named after Alexandrov: facts from history
The Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble is a world-famous collective, for several generations of spectators all over the world have been listening to the performances of talented artists.
On December 25, a Tu-154 of the Russian Ministry of Defense crashed in the Black Sea. There were 93 people on board, among them 64 artists of the Alexandrov Ministry of Defense Song and Dance Ensemble, this is the main part of the team. Nobody managed to survive. The artists flew to the New Year's concert, which was to be held in Aleppo, Syria.
Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble - the history of the group
Twice Red Banner Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Alexandrov or Alexandrov Ensemble- the largest artistic group in Russia and earlier in the USSR. Abbreviations - KAPPSA, KAPPRA, KRAPP. Known overseas as:
- The Alexandrov Red Army Choir (Chorus);
- The Alexandrov Red Army Ensemble;
- Red Army Chorus;
- Alexandrovtsy
The main organizer and the first musical director of the ensemble was a professor at the Moscow Conservatory. P. I. Tchaikovsky, People's Artist of the USSR, composer, Major General Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov (1883-1946); he led the ensemble for 18 years. The first concert director (until his arrest in 1937) was Mikhail Borisovich Shulman (1908-1993).
On October 12, 1928, the first performance of the ensemble took place in the Central House of the Red Army, which is considered to be the birthday of the military creative team. In 1928, the ensemble consisted of 12 people - 8 singers, 2 dancers, an accordion player and a reader.
On December 1, 1928, the ensemble was enrolled in the staff of the Central House of Arts and was named the Red Army Song Ensemble of the Central House of the Red Army named after M.V. Frunze.
Since November 27, 1935 - the Red Banner Ensemble of the Red Army Song and Dance of the USSR. By December 1, 1935, the team grew to 135 people.
In 1937, the staff of the Ensemble was 274 people, and in 1948 - 313 people.
On June 26, 1941, at the Belorussky railway station, one of the groups of the Red Banner Red Army Song and Dance Ensemble of the USSR that had not yet left for the front performed the song “Holy War” for the first time.
Since February 7, 1949 - Twice Red Banner Order of the Red Star Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army named after A. V. Alexandrov.
On July 10, 1949, the Ensemble was named after its founder, A. V. Alexandrov.
In 1978, on the eve of its 50th anniversary, the Ensemble received the highest professional certification - the honorary title of "academic" (Twice Red Banner Order of the Red Star Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army named after A.V. Aleksandrov).
Since 1998 - Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Aleksandrov.
Since 2006 - Federal State Institution of Culture and Art "Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Aleksandrov" of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
Since 2011 - Federal Budgetary Institution of Culture and Art "Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Aleksandrov" of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
Since 2012 - Federal State Treasury Institution of Culture and Art "Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Aleksandrov" of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.
In accordance with the Decree of the Mayor of the City of Moscow dated September 24, 2012 No. 773-RM in front of the building of the Alexandrov Ensemble (Moscow, Zemledelchesky per., 20, building 1) April 13, 2013, on the day of the 130th anniversary of the composer's birth , Major General A. V. Alexandrov, a solemn ceremony was held to open the monument to A. V. Alexandrov (the author of the monument is sculptor A. M. Taratynov, architect M. V. Korsi).
Academic Song and Dance Ensemble named after A.V. Alexandrova
The ensemble's repertoire includes more than two thousand works. These are songs by Soviet/Russian authors, folk songs and dances, sacred music, classical works by Russian and foreign composers, masterpieces of world rock and pop music.
The ensemble and its artists have received many Soviet, Russian and international awards. Currently, the staff of the ensemble consists of 186 people. Unfortunately, the main part of the ensemble tragically died on 12/25/2016.
The leaders of the Alexandrov Ensemble for the entire time of its existence
The first head of the team, People's Artist of the USSR Alexander Alexandrov
1928-1946 Alexander Vasilyevich Alexandrov, People's Artist of the USSR, laureate of the State Prizes of the USSR, Doctor of Arts, professor at the Moscow Conservatory, major general.
1946-1987 Boris Alexandrovich Aleksandrov, People's Artist of the USSR, Hero of Socialist Labor, laureate of the Lenin and State Prizes of the USSR, major general.
1987-1992 Anatoly Vasilyevich Maltsev, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, head of the ensemble, professor, colonel.
1987-1993 Igor Germanovich Agafonnikov, artistic director and chief conductor, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, Colonel.
1993 - October 2002 Dmitry Vasilyevich Somov, head of the ensemble, Honored Worker of Culture of Russia, colonel.
1994-2003 Viktor Alekseevich Fedorov, artistic director and chief conductor, People's Artist of Russia.
2003-2008 Vyacheslav Alekseevich Korobko, artistic director and chief conductor, People's Artist of Russia, Honored Art Worker of the Russian Federation, Colonel.
October 2002 - May 2016 Leonid Ivanovich Malev, head (director) of the ensemble, Honored Worker of Culture of Russia, Honored Worker of Arts of Russia, Colonel.
August 2008 - November 2012 Igor Ivanovich Raevsky, artistic director, People's Artist of Russia, Honored Artist of Belarus, professor, laureate of the State Prize of Czechoslovakia.
November 2012 - May 2016 Gennady Ksenafontovich Sachenyuk, Acting Artistic Director, Artistic Director of the Ensemble, Honored Worker of Culture of Russia, Colonel.
May 2016 - December 2016 Valery Mikhailovich Khalilov, director and artistic director of the ensemble, People's Artist of Russia, Lieutenant General, Associate Professor.
Valery Khalilov - biography
Valery Khalilov was born into the family of a military conductor on January 30, 1952 in the city of Termez, the Uzbek SSR. At the age of four he began to compose music. From the age of 11 - a pupil of the military music school in Moscow. In 1970-1975 he studied at the military conducting faculty at the Moscow State Conservatory. P. I. Tchaikovsky (class of Professor G. P. Alyavdin).
The first place of service was the conductor of the orchestra of the Pushkin Higher School of Radio Electronics of the Air Defense of the country.
At the competition of military orchestras of the Leningrad Military District, the orchestra under the direction of Valery Khalilov takes first place (1980).
In 1981 he was transferred as a teacher to the military conducting faculty (Moscow). In 1984 he was transferred to the governing body of the military band service of the USSR Armed Forces.
From 2002 to 2016 - Head of the Military Band Service of the Russian Federation.
Since May 2015 Khalilov V.M. has been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Academy of Holiday Culture.
Since May 2016 - Director and Artistic Director of the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Alexandrova.
Valery Khalilov is the organizer of many festive theatrical events held in Moscow and not only, in which both military brass bands of Russia and groups from many countries of the world take part. Among these spectacular events, it should be noted the international military music festivals "Kremlin Zorya", "Spasskaya Tower".
Has toured with the leading orchestras of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation in Austria, Sweden, USA, Hungary, Germany, North Korea, Mongolia, Poland, Finland, France, Switzerland, Belgium.
Valery Khalilov - composer. He wrote works for a brass band: "Adagio", "Elegy", marches - "Cadet", "Youth", "Rynda", "Ulan", romances and songs.
Brother of Lieutenant-General V.M. Khalilov - Senior Lecturer of the Military Institute (Military Conductors) of the Military University, Honored Artist of Russia (1997), Colonel Khalilov Alexander Mikhailovich (author of the music for the famous song "We are leaving the East" VIA "Cascade" and for some time the head of this team), and his nephew is a graduate (2011) of the military institute (military conductors) of the Military University Khalilov Mikhail Aleksandrovich.
On December 25, 2016, a Tu-154 RA-85572 aircraft of the Ministry of Defense of Russia crashed on its way from Adler Airport to Syria. According to the Ministry of Defense, Valery Mikhailovich died in a plane crash
Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble - video
10 facts about the largest Russian artistic group - the Alexander Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army.
The Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army named after Alexander Alexandrov. 1978 Photo: TASS
1. The Alexandrov Ensemble is a military unit where professional musicians serve. Their schedule includes not only rehearsals - they take an oath, undergo drill training, and know how to handle weapons. Both conscripts and contract soldiers serve in the ensemble, there are also civilian artists.
2. The team was created in 1928 - then it was called the Red Army Song Ensemble of the Frunze Central House of the Red Army. Since that time, the Alexandrov Ensemble has raised the morale of the soldiers with its performances. So, during the years of the Great Patriotic War, the musicians gave more than 1,500 concerts. During the peaceful years, the ensemble performed in hot spots - in past years they were Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Transnistria, today - Syria.
Parade on Red Square in Moscow on November 7, 1941. Painting by Konstantin Yuon 1949
"Holy War" performed by the choir, orchestra and soloists of the Alexander Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army
3. The largest military artistic group in Russia began with 12 people: it included 8 singers, 2 dancers, an accordion player and a reader. Over time, a choir, orchestra and dance group formed. The ensemble is recognized as one of the best in the world - it combines the sound of the chapel with folk emotionality, in the orchestra folk instruments coexist with wind instruments.
Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army. 1978 Photo: TASS
4. The creator of one of the symbols of the Soviet army is Alexander Alexandrov. Professor of the Moscow Conservatory, People's Artist of the USSR, Major General, Doctor of Arts began his musical career as a chorister in the Kazan Cathedral, was a regent at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. One of the first marshals of the Soviet Union, Kliment Voroshilov, convinced Alexandrov to lead the army team.
5. For almost 90 years of the existence of the collective, a whole military-musical dynasty of the Alexandrovs has developed. Alexander Vasilyevich - the founder of the group, the author of music for the anthem of the Soviet Union and Russia, led the ensemble for 18 years. His son Boris was artistic director for 41 years. Two other sons - Alexander and Vladimir - conducted and led the orchestra.
6. Over the years of its existence, the Alexandrov Ensemble has given concerts: in the Canadian Parliament, in the Vatican in honor of the birthday of Pope John Paul II, at NATO Headquarters, and also recorded the British anthem, sang songs about friendship with Bush Sr. on the lawn near White House.
“The pianissimo and fortissimo of the choir, when Alexandrov directs it, is more fantastic and convincing than that of any choral specialist in the world. His crescendos and diminuendos are more subtle than those of other conductors I have heard since Toscanini."
Correspondent of The Gazette, Montreal
7. The ensemble has a tradition: at a concert in any corner of the world to sing in the language of the owners. In total, the Alexandrov Ensemble went on tour in more than 70 countries with a repertoire of two thousand songs. In 1937, the team was awarded the Grand Prix of the World Exhibition in Paris.
“Mr. Colonel Alexandrov! Despite the enormous burden you carry in Paris, you did not refuse to participate in the gala concert in favor of starving children, organized by UNESCO. The participation of the Soviet Army Choir contributed to the magnificent success of the concert, embellished it, gave it the necessary content and an international character.
From a thank you note from UNESCO
Opening of the festival of arts of the peoples of the USSR. 1970 Soloist - People's Artist of the USSR Yevgeny Belyaev. Photo: TASS
8. People's Artists of the USSR served in the Alexandrov Ensemble in different years: soloist of the Bolshoi Theater Arthur Eisen, the most famous performer of the song "Kalinka" Evgeny Belyaev, Alexei Sergeev, who performed "Holy War" in 1942 on the front lines. And dozens more names that adorned the posters of the country's leading theaters.
9. On tour in Paris in 1961, the already famous ensemble performed with the beginning 15-year-old singer Mireille Mathieu. Parisian newspapers then wrote that thanks to the choir of the Red Army, a new French star was born.
Oath of the partisans. Painting by Marat Samsonov. 1978
“Through valleys and hills...” performed by the choir, orchestra and soloists of the Alexander Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army.
10. One of the traditions of the Alexandrov Ensemble is to give New Year's concerts in remote garrisons of the country and hot spots. In each touring city, artists visit veterans and give small impromptu concerts right at home for those who cannot come to the concert. The musicians celebrated 2016 with the families of servicemen in Nalchik and Vladikavkaz. On December 25, 2016, during the crash of a Tu-154 plane, 68 musicians of the ensemble died, who were heading to Syria to perform in front of the Russian military with a New Year's program.
Twice Red Banner Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Aleksandrova is the largest military art group in Russia. October 12, 1928 is considered his birthday - the day when the first performance of the team of 12 people took place in the Central House of the Red Army (CDKA).
On December 1, 1928, the ensemble was enrolled in the staff of the CDKA and received the name "Ensemble of the Red Army Song of the CDKA named after M.V. Frunze."
In 1937, the team was withdrawn from the structure of the CDKA, and the number of the troupe increased to 274 people. By that time, the ensemble, which had been awarded the Honorary Revolutionary Red Banner with the Order of the Red Star on it two years earlier, gave many hundreds of concerts in the USSR, became a regular guest at state celebrations, and recorded dozens of records.
The team triumphantly performed in Czechoslovakia, Mongolia, Finland, Poland, and in 1945 gave a concert for members of the Big Three. Touring trips to the USA were planned twice. However, the first time they had to be canceled due to the outbreak of the World War, and the second time, after it ended, US President Harry Truman set the condition that Alexandrov's guardsmen performed in civilian clothes, which the ensemble's leadership did not agree to.
In the early days of the Great Patriotic War, the Red Banner Ensemble was divided into four groups to serve the units of the Red Army. Often the troupe toured in full force, and in total during the war the team gave about 1,500 concerts, continued to record records, and performed on the radio. In 1941-1945, the following songs appeared in the ensemble's repertoire: "The Holy War", "A Poem about Ukraine", "25 Years of the Red Army" ("Indestructible and Legendary") and many others.
In 1978, the ensemble received the highest professional certification - on its 50th anniversary, it became academic.
The organizer and the first musical director of the ensemble was a professor at the Moscow Conservatory. P.I. Tchaikovsky, People's Artist of the USSR, composer, Major General Alexander Alexandrov, who led the ensemble for 18 years.
From 1946 to 1987, the ensemble was led by his son - Hero of Socialist Labor, People's Artist of the USSR, laureate of the Lenin and State Prizes of the USSR, Major General Boris Alexandrov.
Currently, the Ensemble employs over 200 people, including 150 professional artists: soloists, a male choir, an orchestra and a mixed dance group.
The head of the ensemble is the artistic director of the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Alexandrova, People's Artist of the Russian Federation, Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov.
All members of the ensemble have a special musical and choreographic education.
Over the entire history of the team, more than 120 "Aleksandrovites" were awarded honorary creative titles. The choir is recognized as one of the best male choirs in the world. He combines the harmony and purity of the sound of an academic chapel with the bright emotionality and spontaneity inherent in folk performance, and demonstrates high vocal skills. The dance group of the ensemble with honor keeps the heights of choreographic art won by the Alexandrovites. The success of the work of the choir, soloists and dance group largely depends on the flexible and harmonious sounding of the orchestra, which is unique in its composition. It successfully combines Russian folk instruments - domras, balalaikas, button accordions with wood and brass wind instruments.
The activities of the ensemble laid the foundation for the creation and development of a new type of ensembles - song and dance ensembles. Many song and dance ensembles of military districts, fleets and groups of troops arose on his model, not only in Russia, but also abroad.
Currently, the group's repertoire includes more than two thousand works. These are folk songs and dances, soldier dances, songs of Russian authors, spiritual music, classical works by Russian and foreign composers, masterpieces of the world stage.
The ensemble gives concerts in military districts, units and divisions of the Russian Army.
Repeatedly, the team traveled with concerts to "hot" spots, areas of hostilities - Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Transnistria, Tajikistan, the Chechen Republic. Krasnoznamentsy traveled with concerts throughout Russia, toured more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and America, and everywhere their performances were a success.
The merits of the ensemble are marked by prestigious Soviet and Russian awards, as well as a diploma of the International Exhibition in Paris - "Grand Prix" (1937), awards for record circulation of records - "Golden Discs" of the French company "Chang Du Monde" (1964), the Dutch "N. O.S." (1974) and "Golden Discus Thrower" (1961), awarded by the French Recording Academy for the best record of the year.
On November 22, 2016, the musicians of the Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble, dedicating a concert to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Moscow.
The material was prepared on the basis of information from RIA Novosti
Viktor Eliseev is proud to be the first general in this position. However, most Russians remember him not for his professional achievements, but for his high-profile divorce from his ex-wife Irina and his marriage to a young singer.
Birth, family
Eliseev Viktor Petrovich is a native Muscovite. He was born in 1950. His Fedorovich participated in the Great Patriotic War. For military merit he was awarded four orders and many medals. Mom Serafima Evgrafovna worked as a chef. Thanks to her, Victor learned to cook deliciously from childhood. Eliseev's paternal grandfather was a military man, served as a centurion in Chapaev's detachment.
Education, military service
From school years, the future conductor was fond of music. After the eighth grade of secondary school, he went to study at the Musical and Pedagogical School named after the October Revolution (now - MGIM named after Schnittke). In 1969, he entered the department of choral conducting at the Musical and Pedagogical Institute. However, immediately after the start of his studies, he was drafted into the army, where he served as an ordinary soldier for two years. In 1971, Eliseev was appointed conductor of the amateur choir of the unit in which he served. After demobilization, he continued to study at Gnesinka. Viktor Petrovich received a diploma from the institute in 1976, already being well known in musical circles.
Joining the Ensemble
In 1973, Eliseev was invited to work as a choirmaster in the newly founded song and dance ensemble of the internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After 4 years, the young and talented conductor is promoted to the position of chief choirmaster. In 1985, Viktor Petrovich became the artistic director of the ensemble entrusted to him. For high merits in this position in 1988 he was awarded the title of People's Artist of the RSFSR. Since 1995, Eliseev, without leaving his leadership position, has headed the Cultural Center under the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation. Soon after that, he was invited to lecture at the Moscow Conservatory. P. Tchaikovsky.
Ensemble work
The Eliseev Ensemble has become the most famous army musical group not only in the Russian Federation, but also far beyond its borders. In Soviet times, together with his wards, Viktor Petrovich traveled all over the USSR, went on tour in Greece, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Korea, Oman and many other states. The team did not lose popularity even after the collapse of the Union. In the early 90s, residents of China, Israel, Spain, Turkey, etc. got acquainted with his work.
In addition to foreign trips, the ensemble continued to actively tour Russia. Wherever he appeared, his concerts were accompanied by a full house and thunderous applause. The popularity of the Eliseev team was so great that in 1988, during performances in Italy, he was awarded an audience with the Pope. major general of the internal service.
Eliseev Viktor gave concerts not only in a peaceful atmosphere. In 1995, the conductor brought the team entrusted to him to the territory of Chechnya three times in order to maintain the morale of Russian soldiers during hostilities. During this period, the artists of the ensemble gave 33 concerts in Grozny, Mozdok, Khankala and other cities of the republic. The major general organized performances not only on stage, but also in military hospitals, where the wounded soldiers of the Russian army were treated.
The illustrious ensemble of Viktor Eliseev is a permanent participant in all festive events held at the state level. The wards of the conductor performed on the main stage of the country in honor of the inauguration of Boris N. Yeltsin, during the celebration of the 850th anniversary of Moscow, at the consecration of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Every year the team takes part in Red Square and other equally important events. For active creative activity and contribution to the development of national culture in 1998, the ensemble under the leadership of Eliseev was awarded a personalized plate on the "Avenue of Stars" in Moscow.
First marriage
At work, Viktor Petrovich is a professional with a capital letter, completely devoted to the creative process. Tireless and purposeful, for more than 30 years he has been an indispensable leader and conductor of one of the country's most important ensembles. Unfortunately, the Major General shows loyalty and constancy only in relation to the service. In his personal life, not everything is as perfect as at work.
Eliseev married three times. For the first time, Viktor Petrovich married in early youth a woman named Marina, who was 5 years older than him. In 1972, his wife gave him a daughter, Julia. When the conductor's daughter grew up, she decided to follow in her father's footsteps and chose the profession of a choirmaster. The first wife of Viktor Eliseev witnessed his career take-off. During his life together with Marina, the young conductor came to work in the Song and Dance Ensemble, took over as its leader, and received the title of People's Artist. However, the higher Viktor Petrovich flew up the career ladder, the more he moved away from his wife. 24 years after the start of family life, the couple became strangers who, due to the impossibility of exchanging an apartment, were forced to live under the same roof.
Joint life with Irina
In the spring of 1993, being on the verge of a divorce, during the anniversary of the military unit, Eliseev met the director of the exhibition hall, Irina, and fell in love with her at first sight. Viktor Petrovich tried to court this beautiful fair-haired woman, but she was in no hurry to reciprocate. Divorced from her first husband a few years ago, she raised her son on her own and had no plans to remarry. In addition, Irina was embarrassed that Eliseev was legally married by the time they met. However, the man was so persistent in his courtship that Irina was forced to give in to him.
In 1994, shortly after his divorce from Marina, Eliseev married a second time. At first, the newlyweds lived in Irina's Moscow one-room apartment, where, in addition to them, her son and family and mother were also registered. After 2 years, the Eliseevs received a large apartment in the center of Moscow, and a few more years later they built a 4-story house in Peredelkino. Irina quit her job and devoted herself to her husband and household. She managed to establish good relations with her husband's daughter Yulia, and he, in turn, quickly found an approach to his wife's son and mother.
Divorce and division of property
The marriage of Victor and Irina seemed ideal to others: the spouses shone with happiness and appeared together at all events. The conductor still toured a lot. However, despite being busy, he always found time to pay attention to his wife. However, on the eve of 2010, Viktor Eliseev unexpectedly left Irina. The photo, taken 2 days before, did not portend trouble: on it, the choirmaster gently kissed his wife and looked quite satisfied with life.
Later it turned out that for several years Viktor Petrovich had an affair with a young soloist of his ensemble, Natalya Kurganskaya. The lovers met the New Year 2010 together in the Maldives, and after returning home, the chief conductor began divorce proceedings with the division of property. Viktor Eliseev did not skimp on lawyers. He turned his divorce from his wife in such a way that for the 17 years she lived with him in marriage, she got practically nothing. The abandoned wife, trying to achieve a fair division of property, raised a fuss in the media. However, her efforts were in vain.
Eliseev's life now
Having received freedom, Viktor Petrovich married Natalya Kurganskaya. In 2011, the 61-year-old conductor had a daughter, Varvara. Today he continues to lead the ensemble of internal troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, raises a little daughter and in his wife, who is 24 years younger than him. In his free time, Viktor Eliseev enjoys football, volleyball and boxing, cooks delicious delicacies and willingly tells reporters about his life.
