Alumni of the Yale Russian Chorus

The Yale Russian Chorus was founded in 1953 at the height of the Cold War by Denis Mickiewicz, a student at the Yale Music School, and George Litton, president of the Yale Russian Club. With its unique repertoire of religious and secular music from Russia and neighboring lands, the Chorus quickly established a prominent place in the pantheon of Yale singing groups. It thrives to this day, transcending dramatic changes in the political climate. Throughout its 60-year history, the Chorus has fostered international understanding. It pioneered the first person-to-person cultural exchanges, singing informal concerts on Moscow street corners in 1958. The Chorus has won prizes at international choral competitions, serenaded government leaders at international functions and recorded extensively. Through their own organization, the YRC Alumni Association, Chorus alumni present concerts throughout United States and in November 2013 they sang their 60th Anniversary concert at Yale’s Woolsey Hall.