80th anniversary of the Russian Army Song and Dance Ensemble
Topic: Russian Army Ensemble
October 3, 2008 - Kremlin News
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev sent a greeting to the participants in the commemorative evening devoted to the 80th anniversary of the Russian Army Academic Song and Dance Ensemble.

The greeting reads, in part:
"Over the past decades your unique ensemble has rightfully won widespread fame and public acclaim. One of Russia’s first military musical ensembles, you performed concerts at the front during the Great Patriotic War, inspiring our soldiers and officers and bringing us victory over the enemy. The current generation of aleksandrovtsev honourably continues this tradition and their art supports the Russian troops in their difficult military endeavours.

Today you repeatedly conquer prestigious venues with your inimitable performing style, effervescent temperament and perfect technique. And of course your art unites all those who sincerely love Russia and its rich culture".

The A. V. Alexandrov Russian army twice red-bannered academic song and dance ensemble is the largest artistic military ensemble in Russia.

The ensemble has more than two thousand pieces in its repertoire. They include folk songs and dances, military dances, sacred music, classical works by Russian and foreign composers and the masterpieces of world pop music.

The ensemble is world-famous thanks to its excellent voices, optimistic style of execution and tours through more than 70 countries around the world.