Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Mosfilm Film Concern – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 18, 2026
News editorial office
24
The legendary Mosfilm First Music Studio has begun recording Sergei Rachmaninoff's Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, performed by the A. V. Sveshnikov State Academic Russian Choir. The project is being commissioned by Melodiya, Russia's oldest recording company.
The choir's artistic director, Ekaterina Antonenko, explained that the extensive studio work is scheduled for four sessions. On the first day of recording, which took place at Mosfilm, the choir began working on twelve hymns, organized into a cycle based on thematic and dramatic contrasts.
The project involves approximately 50 choir members. The collaboration between the legendary ensemble, a major label, and the country's leading film studio will result in a digital edition of Rachmaninoff's famous work.
Ekaterina Antonenko noted that working within the walls of Mosfilm is distinguished by its exceptional comfort and technological advancement. According to her, the studio's acoustics, where soundtracks for hundreds of iconic films and symphonic programs have been recorded, don't create an excessive "beautiful haze," but instead provide a clear and pure sound image, which is critical for choral recordings.
Speaking about the specifics of the process, the choir's artistic director emphasized the fundamental difference between concert performance and studio work.
"A perfect recording, of course, requires several attempts," Ekaterina Antonenko shared with Mosfilm.ru. "Live, you only have one take, and that really energizes you, keeps you on your toes. But maintaining that kind of concentration for long is incredibly difficult, so recording gives you the opportunity to make several versions and choose the best. However, when the material is well-known, as in the case of Rachmaninoff, it's always tricky: every flaw becomes visible as if under a microscope."
Artistic director of the choir Ekaterina Antonenko
At the time of our conversation, the choir had completed the first two hours of their first shift. The Sveshnikov Choir still has three more studio days ahead to capture one of the most significant spiritual works of the 20th century for future generations of listeners.
REFERENCE INFORMATION:
The State Academic Russian Choir named after A.V. Sveshnikov is a world-renowned Russian ensemble, occupying a leading position in Russian and international choral performance.
The work of two masters of choral art – the first artistic directors of the State Choir, N.M. Danilin and A.V. Sveshnikov – played a crucial role in shaping the creative image of the group, founded in 1936.
Even during its formative years, the State Choir confidently established itself as the flagship of Russian choral performance. For many years, the choir served as a creative laboratory for new Soviet music. Under the direction of A.V. Sveshnikov, the choir premiered works by D.D. Shostakovich, G.V. Sviridov, V.Ya. Shebalin, Yu.A. Shaporin, R.K. Shchedrin, E.K. Golubev, A.Ya. Eshpai, and other composers.
Artistic director – Ekaterina Antonenko.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.