LYRA is a community of professional musicians. Most of the members are students or postgraduates of Saint-Petersburg Conservatoire, working in different choirs of Saint-Petersburg. Some are also soloists at musical theatres of our city. Though the members of their community represent different musical professions: choir conductors, opera singers, instrumentalists, music teachers – they are all united by love for choir and ensemble singing. The choir community “LYRA“ includes about 25 people. However, due to different difficulties connected with the arrangement of concerts for such a numerous group, they usually perform in small groups of soloists consisting of 5-6 people, trying to keep the harmony of choir sound.
In 2001 Lyra were awarded the Montreux (Switzerland) international choral festival diploma. In 2005 their group was also a winner of Coleraine International Choral Festival (Northern Ireland).
The main goal of Lyra’s activity is exploring and popularising Russian choir music. Through their performances, they want to introduce enormous musical heritage of the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as traditions of Russian folk music to all people who are interested in Russia, its history and culture.
The field of their creative interests is quite diverse. In a wide range of time they represent examples of Russian sacred music, starting from ancient songs of the Orthodox Church to works of little-known, but remarkable composers of the XVIII-XX centuries, as well as famous masters – D. Bortnjansky, P. Tchaikovsky, P. Tchesnokov, A. Gretchaninov, S. Rakhmaninov, I. Stravinsky and others. Lyra perform different folk songs of lyric, dancing and ritual nature in the arrangements of great choir music masters. They also make their own arrangements of folk songs. Secular songs of Russian classics, such as S. Taneev, P. Tchaikovsky, S Rakhmaninov and others represent another side of their creative activity. Their repertoire also includes programs consisting of songs, romances and arias from operas by Russian as well as foreign composers.
Lyra will be performing in the wonderful Preston Minster Church Street, Preston PR1 3BU.
Wednesday 27th May 7.30 pm
Will you go to listen to the Lyra Choir? Let us know in the comments below.