July 2006 Concert, Santa Rosa, CA

Being of Russian origin, I looked forward to hearing Slavyanka Mens' Russian Chorus sing Russian folk songs, as well as the sacred chants that are part of the Russian Orthodox liturgy. Slavyanka, founded in 1979, has performed successfully in many cities and towns in the United States. Mr. Gregory A. Smirnov, the choir's director and conductor, was a well-known choirmaster in the city of Pskov.

As the lights dimmed, the choir came marching down the aisle. They came in pairs, in a controlled rush, giving us a taste of the discipline that is required in their art. A soft wave of harmonious voices rose, carrying me back to my childhood.

In the first two songs, the ringing voices of the tenors, supported by the baritones told of the cheerful soldiers going off to war, while the deep basses rumbled the unspoken sadness of their heart. The farewell to their loved ones was full of that melancholy mood, typical of our folk songs.

Not all songs were sad, but most of them were nostalgic, expressed through the art of their soloists. The velvety bass of Jeff Jones touched the depth of my soul. It told of suffering, of pain, while the clear plaintive tenor of John Cotrufo wept alone. The background chorus altered between a soft murmur and a thunder of despair.

Even for those who do not understand the language, the music could not help touch that intimate region where no words are necessary. The emotion behind the songs of the soldiers going to war, songs of good-byes, separation from the loved ones and hopelessness in the face of destiny shines through.

I particularly enjoyed the song, The Green Oak, from the region of Kursk, which is where my family came from. This love song was artistically arranged by Mr. Smirnov, and included Tibetan bells performed by John Kuhlman and throat singing by Jeff Abbott and Andy Anderson.

The three Church chants, arranged by Gregory Smirnov, were masterfully performed, in the true tradition of Russian Orthodox Choirs. A particularly beautiful interpretation by Donna Stoering, a guest soloist, of “Let my prayer arise like incense”, touched the appreciative audience. Everybody’s favorite, The Evening Chimes, sang by the tenor, Alex Ravnik, was much applauded, with the chorus in the background, echoing evening bells.

I thoroughly enjoyed being completely immersed in traditional and the professional climate of a truly Russian chorus.