Russia’s A.V.Alexandrov Army Academic Song and Dance Ensemble gave a concert on Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square on 28 August.  A total of 132 performers from Russian army choir have specially come to  Mongolia as part of the celebration of the Khalkhin Gol Victory.

Following a deadly plane crash that killed its 64 members, the famous A.V.Alexandrov Ensemble choir has been re-formed. The ensemble included some 180 performers – their number has varied depending on the type of performance. On 25 December 2016, a total of 64 members of the ensemble were aboard a Russian Defence Ministry Tu-154 plane when it crashed on its way to the Khmeimim airbase near the western Syrian city of Latakia – sadly, all perished.

The accident nearly eliminated the iconic artistic outfit that had dubbed “Russia’s singing weapon” and which, in its early years counted Soviet dictator Josef Stalin as a fan. The ensemble toured the world for decades amazing audiences with an epic combination of song and dance. Apart from the all-male choir with dozens of singers, it also enlists dancers and musicians playing classical and Russian folk instruments such some of the world’s finest balalaika players.

The Alexandrov Ensemble choir has also made a great contribution in training the Mongolian Military Song and Dance Academic Ensemble, teaching their proud dance moves such as circling and hopping.

The Khalkhin Gol 80^th Victory Anniversary will continue over the next few days, culminating in a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin on 3 September, which has been declared a national holiday.