This one is for anyone who loves big, traditional choral sound. One of Europe’s oldest and most celebrated boys’ choirs is coming to Shanghai, bringing a program of classical masterpieces, Russian choral works, and folk songs performed by more than 120 singers. They’re known internationally, have performed for major state ceremonies, and even sang at the Sochi Winter Olympics—so this is a rare chance to hear them live.

One of Europe’s oldest children’s choirs, the St. Petersburg Boys’ Choir—also known as the “Concert Hall Choir” or “St. Petersburg Men’s Choir”—has an international reputation, performing for the Russian president in Berlin, at Moscow All-Russia and Patriarchal Day celebrations, and the St. Petersburg Global Energy Prize ceremony.

Founded in 1972, the choir now includes over 120 singers known for their technical skill and musicality. They perform classical and contemporary works, giving more than 50 concerts annually across Europe, including Austria, the UK, Switzerland, and Germany during the Christmas season.

Founder and artistic director Vadim Putchkin, an Honored Cultural Worker of Russia, trained at the Glinka Choral School and St. Petersburg Conservatory. Under his leadership, the choir preserves the traditions of the St. Petersburg choral school and tours internationally while also offering masterclasses and educational programs.

The choir has appeared multiple times on Channel One Russia and contributed to the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics cultural program. Their repertoire includes major works such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Prokofiev’s In Defense of Peace, and Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances. In 2019, they became the first boys’ choir in St. Petersburg to perform Mozart’s Requiem with the St. Petersburg State Symphony Orchestra.

Selected Program Highlights (live program subject to change):

1. G. Christ – “Praise the Name of the Lord”
2. Dmitry Bortnyansky – “Where the Angels Rest”
3. Viktor Kalinnikov, lyrics by A. Pleshcheev – “The Gentle Stars Shine for Us”
4. Viktor Kalinnikov, lyrics by A. Pushkin – “Elegy”
5. Viktor Kalinnikov, lyrics by A. Pushkin – “Autumn”
6. Gioachino Rossini – “O Salutaris Hostia”
7. A. Scarlatti – “Joyful Deo”
8. Rosenfeld, Paoli – “Non Nobis Domine”
9. Carl Orff – “O Fortuna”
10. Franz Schubert – “Ave Maria”
11. Giuseppe Verdi – Chorus from “Nabucco”
12. Orlando di Lasso – “Echo”
13. Zdeněk Lukáš – “Totita Toten”
14. Ivan Erod – “Long Live Music”
15. Ernani Aguiar – “Psalm 150”
16. Andrew Lloyd Webber – “Pie Jesu”
17. Valery Gavrilin, lyrics by A. Shulgina – “Joke”
18. Valery Gavrilin, lyrics by A. Shulgina – “Do Not Fear the Road”
19. Vasily Solovyov-Sedoi, lyrics by Matusovsky – “Moscow Nights”
20. Matvey Blanter, lyrics by Isakovsky – “Katyusha”
21. Isaak Dunayevsky, lyrics by Lebedev-Kumach – “Merry Wind”
22. Russian Folk Song – “In the Dim Forest,” arranged by A.V. Sveshnikov
23. Russian Folk Song – “Ah, Winter, Winter,” arranged by Larinov
24. Russian Folk Song – “The Path,” arranged by A.V. Sveshnikov
25. Russian Folk Song – “About Fom and Yeryom”
26. Russian Folk Song – “Along Peter Street,” soloist: Mikhail Lesugov
27. Maxim Dunayevsky, lyrics by Olenyov – “Colorful Dream”
28. “Jasmine Flower”
29. “My Motherland and I”

(Performance will include selected works based on the final live program order.)