The message reads, in part:
“The choir was founded by outstanding Russian folklore researcher Mitrofan Pyatnitsky and brought together talented singers, musicians and dancers. The ensemble, rightfully named a folk choir, has performed on the world’s most prestigious stages and has contributed greatly to promoting Russia’s richest cultural heritage.
It is pleasing to see that you continue to constantly broaden your concert repertoire and perfect the mastery of your arts while your audiences are growing both in Russia and abroad.”
Mitrofan Pyatnitsky, a collector and performer of Russian folk songs, founded the ensemble which became Russia’s first professional folk choir in 1911. Initially, its performers were peasants from several Russian provinces. It has toured over 40 countries.