Inverness Town House welcomes choral groups from Russia and America in the second half of July to tie in with the InvernessFest. Svetilen, a seven member male ensemble perform on 16 July followed on 26 July by the Oneida Chorale from Albany, New York State.

The ensemble of Soul Folk music Svetilen was formed in 1989 to celebrate the old Russian singing tradition, church and secular, both of which share the same sacred, cultural and musical background. They sing mostly a capella, but sometimes use ancient Russian instruments, each with its unique sound.

Svetilen aim to be true to the original choral arrangements, rhythmic patterns and harmonies. Their repertoire includes liturgical, folk and modern music, the most original item in the program being a set of spiritual chants, arranged by Dmitri Garkavi. He and his seven professional singers are united in their passion to restore and promote old Russian choral culture.

Svetilen have participated in many choral festivals in Russia and abroad and have won numerous prizes. They have performed in the top Russian venues, as well as in Hungary, Sweden, Germany, France, Austria, Czech Republic, USA, Costa Rica, Finland, Norway, Poland, Croatia, Serbia. The ensemble has released five CDs.

They produce “a unique and compelling sound that combines the energy and “soul” of traditional Russian folk music, with the refinement and craft of truly expert chamber singing.” Parker Jayne, Washington, D.C.

The concert starts at 8pm. Tickets are available from Inverness Town House, Inverness Service Point (cash desk) and on-line at www.thebooth.co.uk

The Oneida Area Civic Chorale, Albany was established in 1967 and offers area residents a broad scope of musical entertainment, including classical, sacred, pops, traditional and folk music. The Chorale has featured ensembles from the Syracuse Symphony, Syracuse University Orchestra, Utica Symphony and Onondaga Civic Orchestra as well as professional vocal soloists from throughout the Northeast. Recent major works have included Handel's Messiah, Rutter's Psalmfest, Orff's Carmina Burana, Faure's Requiem, Mozart's Coronation Mass, Brahms' Requiem and Vivaldi’s Magnificat.

The Chorale continually strives to encourage community involvement in the choral arts by sharing the joy of singing with audiences of all ages. In recent years the Chorale has included multi-generational programming, performing family concerts with guest folksingers, storytellers and composers.
The programme in Inverness Town House on 26 July will include Sacred, Folk and Spirituals, Jazz and Showtunes, Classic Pop. Entry is by donation to the Inverness Music Festival.


For further information please contact Adrian Clark, Arts Officer, Education, Culture & Sport, Town House, Inverness (Tel.01463.724261)

Contact for Svetilen:
Elene Antipova svetilen@tpi.ru