Karl Jenkins (1944-present) is a Welsh musician and one of the most performed living composers in the world. His most well-known pieces are Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary and The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace.

Jenkins dedicated his Requiem to the memory of his father. In the same year, the author personally conducted the premiere in Great Britain, and five years later the work was performed for the first time in Russia. Following Fauré and Durufle, Jenkins added Pie Jesu and In Paradisum to the traditional parts of the funeral mass, and added the liturgical Latin text with lyrical Japanese haiku (hokku) about life and death. The score for the Requiem was written for an unusual composition – four soloists (soprano, treble, Japanese shakuhachi flute and harp) and an orchestra, which includes darbuka, taiko and other exotic percussion.

The National Philharmonic Orchestra of Russia (NPR) was founded in January 2003 by the Ministry of Culture. The Orchestra united top orchestra musicians and gifted youth. During the 13 years of its activities, the NPR has succeeded in becoming one of the best symphonic orchestras of Russia and in gaining admiration from the audience and recognition from the professionals.

The Orchestra is headed by Maestro Vladimir Spivakov, a world-known violinist and conductor.

The Grand Choir “Masters of Choral Singing” was created in 1928, its founder and the first Artistic Director was a prominent master of choral arts Alexander Sveshnikov. In 2005 Prof. Lev Kontorovich was invited to take up the post of Artistic Director of the Grand Choir which got by the time its new name – “Masters of Choral Singing”. Under Prof. Kontorovich’s leadership, the renewed composition of the choir successfully keeps the traditions established by its predecessors. The Choir’s name “Masters of Choral Singing” determines the professionalism, high level of performance, exceptional efficiency and versatility of the team, where each artist can perform both as a member of the choir and as a soloist.