Imagine a place where voices blend in perfect harmony. This is the Victor Popov Academy of Choral Art. It began as the Moscow Choral School in 1944. Then in 1991 it became the Academy that stands before you now.
The Victor Popov Academy of Choral Art continues a vital mission. It preserves Russia’s rich singing traditions. These traditions started with the dawn of Russian Orthodox Christianity. Alexander Sveshnikov first sought to revive these traditions. He founded the Moscow Choral College in 1944. He found boys with good voices and musical ears. Today, the Academy bears Sveshnikov’s name with pride.
Professor Victor Popov established the Academy of Choral Art. It now offers complete education for choirboys. This includes primary and secondary school for 11 years. Higher education adds another five years. Girls also join the Academy for higher education.
The Academy stands a short walk from Rechnoy Vokzal metro station. It sits near Friendship Park. Inside, you’ll find lecture halls and practical classrooms. A concert hall seats 150 people. There is also a theater hall and two chamber halls for smaller performances. Students can stay active with a gym. They can also enjoy table tennis and football. A small outdoor area allows for open-air activities. The Victor Popov Academy of Choral Art also provides meals in its canteen. It can seat 80 people. Medical care and a library are also on site.
Choirs from the Victor Popov Academy of Choral Art perform worldwide. They have toured Europe, Asia, the USA, and Canada. Since 1995, these tours have become more frequent. The choirs have participated in many international music festivals. These include the Bregenzer Festspiele in Austria. They also performed at the Festival dе Colmar in France. Also the Rheingau Musikfest in Germany. Moscow festivals such as Moscow Autumn also feature the choir. The Victor Popov Academy of Choral Art choir took part in major cultural events. These include the world premiere of Edison Denisov’s “History of life and death of our Saviour Jesus Christ”. They also performed Penderecki’s “Lauds of St. Daniel, the Prince of Moscow”.
The Academy choirs have performed under famous conductors. These include Evgeny Svetlanov and Vladimir Spivakov. Also Gennady Rozhdestvensky and Dmitri Kitaenko. The choirs have prepared over 2,000 music compositions. They have recorded 40 CDs. Graduates now hold top positions in the music world.
The Academy of Choral Art team continues Victor Sergeevich Popov’s work. Alexey Petrov directs the grand student’s choir. He is a pupil of Popov. He won first prize at the First Moscow competition for choral conductors. The Victor Popov Academy of Choral Art is a place of dedication. It is a place of musical excellence. It is a treasure for Russia and the world.