LYRA Returns to First United Methodist Church in Moorestown

First United Methodist Church in Moorestown welcomes back the phenomenal talent of Lyra, an a cappella group from St. Petersburg, Russia, on Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. Four professional vocalists from the acclaimed Russian ensemble will present a concert filled with different genres of Russian choral music as part of their current tour of the US east coast. The group will share sacred music of the Russian Orthodox church in the first segment of the concert, from ancient songs to works of famous masters and little-known but remarkable Russian composers of the 18th – 20th centuries. The singers don traditional cultural attire for the second part of the program as they perform Russian folk music, including comic, lyric, dancing, and love songs.

Russia has a rich history of secular and religious choral music, and Lyra offers an opportunity to hear it performed authentically as they sing in different US venues. Donna Banes, Music Co-Coordinator at First United Methodist Church, said the group was invited to perform here again after drawing an enthusiastic audience at their Moorestown debut last fall, and noted "Lyra brings a unique style of Russian music. I love the international connection that we have developed with Lyra and look forward to welcoming them back again this year!"

Lyra baritone and project development manager Sergey Tupitsyn explains their repertoire consists of more than one variation of Russian. “The church songs are in the Church-Slavonic language, which is an ancient language—a kind of old Russian; the folk songs are in Russian.” Throughout each concert the group tells the audience what they are performing so they can have a full understanding and appreciation for what they are hearing.

The full Lyra ensemble has 25 members and has achieved international fame. In 2001, Lyra was awarded the Montreux (Switzerland) International Choral Festival Diploma. In 2005, the group won the Coleraine International Choral Festival in Northern Ireland. A select, smaller group makes the US tour. In Moorestown, Tupitsyn will be joined by mezzo-soprano Tatsiana Melnikava, tenor Dennis Patsiuk, and bass Aleksandr Kudriashov.

The members of Lyra hope that U.S. audiences will appreciate not only the beauty of music but also the way that art can transcend language and sociopolitical barriers. “We truly believe music is the best ambassador of peace,” said Tupitsyn.

First United Methodist Church is located at 446 Camden Avenue in Moorestown. All are welcome to attend the concert which is free to the public; a good will offering will be collected. Light refreshments will be served after the performance and childcare is available. For more information, call the church office: 856-235-0450.