#Red Army Choir to appear at annual Belgian musical show

Among the acts taking part in the latest edition of Nuit des Choeurs, an annual musical show, are Le Meilleur Du Choeur de L’Armee Rouge, better known as the Red Army Choir. Its members were among those killed on a Russian plane that crashed in mysterious circumstances in December. Some 64 members of the Choir, including singers, dancers and musicians, were among the 92 people killed when the military plane crashed into the Black Sea. They were on their way to a Russian airbase in Syria for a New Year's Eve performance.

The ensemble was formed in 1928 as the official army choir of the Soviet Union's Red Army. In uniform, they perform Russian folk tunes, church hymns, operatic arias and even Western music.

They last appeared at Nuit des Choeurs in 2004 and, given the tragic events of last year, the organisers were keen to invite them to take part in this year’s concert on 25 and 26 August.

A show spokesman told EUReporter: “The crash was very tragic, resulting in the loss of so many very highly talented artists. It is a tribute to their tenacity that, despite the tragedy, the Choir is still performing and we consider it a great honour that they will be among the acts at this year’s Nuit des Choeurs.”

Other artists performing in the abbey ruins will be the choir of Dublin University, the Real Group from Sweden, Lais, from Belgium, Frenchman Vincent Niclo and his choir and the Premier Ensemble, from Spain.

The 800 year old abbey, set in the heart of Brabant Walloon and part of “Exceptional Heritage of Belgium”, includes several gardens and columns among which the Choirs and other artists will perform.

Nuit des Choeurs  has been running since 2000 and each year, the organisers try to increase the diversity and international flavour of the event.

The acts perform in the abbey grounds from 6.30pm to 11.30pm on both days and  at 11.45pm it rounds off with a fireworks spectacle/show.

Prices for the event range from €36 (if purchased between May and August) to €41 (if bought ten days before) and €46 (payable on the day). The price is €25pp for groups of at least 20 people and a “flex” ticket can also be bought providing you buy it in advance. This allows you to go on whichever day you wish.

Further details: www.nuitdeschoeurs.be

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