5 October at the Katara Cultural Village Amphitheater in Doha held a public concert of the Choir of the Moscow Sretensky monastery. The event was held in the framework of the Cross Year of culture of Russia and Qatar in 2018 with the support of the General partner of the Oil company “Rosneft”. A day earlier, on October 4, was organized a closed preview: at a concert at Katara Opera House was attended by state officials, and representatives of the business community of Doha. The honored guests were the Minister of culture and sports of Qatar, His Excellency Salah bin Ghanem al Ali, the Ambassador of Russia in Qatar, His Excellency nurmahmad of Hola, as well as Deputy Chairman of the Board, Vice-President for HR and social Affairs of PJSC “NC “Rosneft” Yury Ivanovich Kalinin.
This is the first tour of the Choir of the Sretensky monastery in Doha, allowing Qatar to become acquainted with the works of the Russian collective, whose repertoire includes secular works, folk songs, war ballads, pre-revolutionary songs, and even gospel. The choir, which appeared simultaneously with the Foundation of the Sretensky monastery in 1397, is among the most famous choral ensembles in Russia.
In addition, the event held a photo contest of the Russian geographical society “the Most beautiful country”, aimed at the preservation of Russian wildlife and the education of careful attitude to the environment. The annual competition is held in 2015, and the photos presented its results in 12 categories made by the authors on the territory of Russia.
The concert in Doha – not the first statement of the chorus in other countries: the ensemble’s concerts are held at iconic venues worldwide – from Carnegie Hall to the National theatre of Costa Rica. The international success of the Choir of the Moscow Sretensky monastery does not change its main task – participation in religious services, cultural initiatives and activities of the Russian Orthodox Church. So, the musicians participate in the annual Easter festival; from 2006 to 2012, the choir held Church services in the far East and Siberia, sung at the consecration of the Church of saints Constantine and Helen in Istanbul. In those same years, the choir gave a concert in the Vatican, held a world tour, dedicated to the unification of the Russian Orthodox Church, traveled the South American continent in the framework of the “Days of Russia in Latin America”, performed in Paris and in UNESCO, and participated in one of the most prestigious professional events, the Beijing music festival.
Cross Year of culture of Russia and Qatar in 2018, held public performances of the musical ensemble for the residents of Doha, will create an atmosphere of trust and understanding required for the exchange of cultural values, to strengthen economic, tourist and cultural cooperation between the two countries.