The Moscow State Academic Chamber Chorus was founded in 1972 by Vladimir Minin. The chorus has given concerts on every continent other than Australasia and the Antarctic. In Russia and on tours abroad the ensemble has appeared with the greatest orchestras of Russia and performed with such soloists as Irina Arkhipova, Elena Obraztsova, Maria Guleghina, Zurab Sotkilava, Mati Palm, Yevgeny Nesterenko, Alexander Vedernikov and Paata Burchuladze.
The chorus' discography features over forty recordings, including the album Russian Voices, produced together with Deutsche Grammophon. The Japanese TV corporation NHK produced a recording of the chorus performing Rachmaninoff's Liturgy and All-Night Vigil. Kultura TV has made two films about the chorus – Russian Sacred Places and Russian Orthodox Music. In 2016 on Russia's Channel 1 there came the premiere of the film Minin and Gaft, dedicated to the lives and art of two outstanding artists.
During the concert season the ensemble will perform premieres of rarely heard works. Recently the ensemble presented Orff's cantata Catulli Carmina, concert versions of the musicals Wonderful Town and West Side Story and Bernstein's opera Porgy and Bess. In April this year at the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall the ensemble featured in the world premiere of Yuri Sherling's oratorio Exodus Triada, commemmorating twenty-five years since the restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Israel.
In 2016, to mark one hundred and ten years since the birth of Shostakovich, the Moscow Chamber Chorus produced a recording of his Ten Poems on Texts by Revolutionary Poets from the 19th and 20th Centuries.
The Quattro Quarti saxophone quartet:
Eve Neumann was born in Keila (Estonia). In 2002 she graduated from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (class of Olavi Kasemaa). Attended master-classes conducted by Jørgen Peterson and Curtis Johnson, perfecting her technique at the Jean Sibelius Academy in Helsinki under Pekka Savijoki and at the Utrecht School of the Arts under Johan van der Linden. Has taken part in the festival Saxomania in Tallinn (1997) and the Con Brio competition and festival for young performers in Tallinn (2002).
In 2003 she was a prize-winner at the International Hillar Kareva Saxophone Competition in Tallinn (4th prize). Has collaborated with harpsichordist Ene Nael and the organists Pille Metsson and Tiia Tenno. Has appeared together with the Tallinn Saxophone Quartet. Is one of the founding members of the Quattro Quarti saxophone quartet. Curently works in the Estonian Defence Forces Orchestra.
Jandra Puusepp was born in Võru (Estonia). In 2005 she graduated with distinction from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (class of Virgo Veldi). From 2005–2006 she continued her studies at the Universität für Musik und Darstellende Kunst in Vienna under Oto Vrhovnik. In 2006 she appeared with the university's saxophone orchestra at the World Saxophone Congress in Ljubljana. Has collaborated with the Estonian Symphony Orchestra, the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra of the "Estonia" National Opera, the Symphony Orchestra of the 21st Century and the SaxEst, Nyyd and Bipolar ensembles. She has been the first performer of a series of new works by Estonian composers. Has appeared at the festivals Days of Estonian Music, Nyyd, Improvizz and the Autumn Festival of the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre. In 2008 she took part in concerts as part of the project Collaborating with Live-Electronics in Tallinn and Helsinki. From 2011–2013 she appeared with the European Ensemble of Saxophonists. Teaches at music schools in Rapla and Nõmme.
Liis Mäevälja graduated with distinction in 2010 from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre (class of Olavi Kasemaa). Furthered her studies at the Utrecht School of the Arts under Johan van der Linden. Has taken part in master-classes conducted by Johan van der Linden, Krister Johnson, Alfredo Santoloci, Marie-Bernadette Charrier and Alfonso Padilla Lopez. Teaches at music schools in Keila and Pärnu-Jaagupi.
Eha Themas graduated from the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre in 2004 (class of Olavi Kasemaa). Has taken part in master-classes conducted by Johan van der Linden. Appears together with various chamber ensembles. Since 2000 she has taught the saxophone at the music school in Saku.
