Alexandrov Ensemble. Reference

Performance of the updated Song and Dance Ensemble named after. Alexandrova. Photo - Ilya Pitalev / RIA Novosti

The Alexandrov Ensemble: a restored symbol of the Russian army.

After the tragedy in the sky over Sochi, which claimed the lives of 92 people, including 64 artists and employees of the Alexandrov Ensemble, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense declared that the group would live on and continue to be a symbol of the army and our country.

In less than two months, the seemingly impossible was done: the academic ensemble replenished its creative potential.

The dead were replaced by replenishment - the best artists from all over Russia. Not all of them have been appointed to positions yet, but, in fact, the staffing of the team - 285 people - has been restored.

Already on February 16, 2017, the Alexandrov Ensemble presented its program to the audience and is currently rehearsing a concert in the Kremlin in honor of Defender of the Fatherland Day. Then the military artists will perform in Sochi, Moscow, then - in the Czech Republic, Slovakia.

Further, the “Aleksandrovtsy” are ordered to live and serve - to develop the creative traditions laid down on October 12, 1928 at the first concert of twelve artists of the Red Army under the guidance of the future author of the music for the song “Holy War” and the National Anthem of the USSR and Russia.

twelve plus

The countdown of the creative and service life of the ensemble has been going on since October 12, 1928, when the first performance of the ensemble consisting of 12 people took place in Moscow - eight singers, two dancers, an accordion player and a reader.

On December 1 of the same year, the ensemble was enrolled in the staff of the Central House of the Red Army named after M. V. Frunze with the name “Ensemble of the Red Army Song of the Central House of Arts”. In 1935, it became the Red Banner Red Army Song and Dance Ensemble of the USSR with a staff of 135 people (in 1948 - 313 people); in 1949 - Twice Red Banner Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army named after A.V. Aleksandrov.

On the day of Alexandrov's 130th birthday, April 13, 2013, a monument to the composer was unveiled in front of the building of the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army in Moscow's Zemledelchesky Lane.

Professor of the Moscow State P. I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory, People's Artist of the USSR, Major General Alexander Vasilievich Alexandrov (1883-1946) led the team from the moment of its creation for 18 years.

In 1937, the ensemble won the Grand Prix of the World Exhibition in Paris and received international recognition.

On June 26, 1941, at the Belorussky railway station in Moscow, the artists of the ensemble for the first time performed for the Red Army soldiers going to the front a song based on the verses of Lebedev-Kumach “Holy War”, the music for which was written by Alexandrov.

During the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, the full team and its front-line brigades gave more than 1.5 thousand concerts in the army.

In 1978, the Alexandrov Ensemble became an academic one. His repertoire includes more than two thousand works. These are songs of domestic composers, folk songs and dances, soldier dances, spiritual music, classical works by Russian and foreign composers, the best examples of world contemporary music.

The Alexandrov Ensemble is considered the largest Russian military art group. His choir is recognized as one of the best in the world.

At the age of seventy-ninth

In the 79th year of his life, the Academic twice Red Banner Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A. V. Aleksandrov suffered the heaviest losses. Among the 64 who died in the Tu-154 crash near Sochi were the artistic director of the group, People's Artist of Russia, Lieutenant General, deputy head of the ensemble Andrei Sonnikov, chief choirmaster Konstantin Mayorov, soloists Evgeny Bulochnikov, Vladislav Golikov, Viktor Sanin ... Of the eight soloists, five died.

In total, the ensemble has lost almost half of the creative staff.

The plane was flying from the Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow to Syria. "Aleksandrovtsy" were supposed to perform there in front of Russian soldiers and officers. On the way to the Syrian Khmeimim airfield, it was planned to refuel the Tu-154 in Mozdok.

However, due to bad weather, the plane was sent to Sochi. At 5.40 Moscow time, he took off from the Adler airfield and after 70 seconds fell into the sea. All on board were killed.

The State Commission has not yet named the causes of the crash, the Investigative Committee of Russia continues to investigate the criminal case.

By the way, the artists of the ensemble still performed in Syria at the end of December 2016. About three dozen "Aleksandrovites" under the leadership of the then deputy head of the ensemble, Colonel Gennady Sachenyuk, arrived there on the other side on the eve of the tragedy. They gave a concert at one of the Russian facilities. What is called, the memory of the fallen - in the name of the living.

The ensemble is ordered to live

After the tragedy, the military conductor, Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation, who has been serving in the team in various positions for 16 years, was appointed acting artistic director of the Alexandrov Ensemble and, in fact, the responsible executor of the tasks set by the leadership of the Ministry of Defense.

At the end of December 2016, Defense Minister General of the Army Sergei Shoigu announced that the Russian military department would take care of the families of the dead and that the competition for “replenishment” in the ensemble would begin after the New Year. State Secretary - Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Nikolai Pankov then said:

“In total, the ensemble team includes 285 people. And, of course, the losses are very large. We will work very seriously to make up for these losses. The ensemble will live on… The ensemble will continue to be a symbol of the army and our country.”

Of the material, in particular, 70 apartments were promised.

In the ensemble under the leadership of Sachenyuk, they immediately set about solving the state task of reviving the academic creative team in the main areas: organizing funerals; auditions and screenings of candidates for “Aleksandrovtsy”. This work was carried out almost around the clock and simultaneously on all points of high orders.

Choristers and soloists: selection, as in special forces

On the official website of the Alexandrov Ensemble, the Regulations on the competition for filling vacant positions of soloists, choir and ballet artists were posted, which states that interviews and auditions of candidates will be held daily from January 16 to 25, and persons from 18 to 45 years old are allowed to participate in the competition with academic vocal (choreographic) education and professional experience.

Figuratively speaking, many good artists from different regions of Russia volunteered to replace the dead. So, in the choir of the ensemble it was required to recruit 36 ​​vocalists. Applications were sent by about 2 thousand singers. Preliminarily, the commission "live" selected 140 people working in leading roles in Russian professional theaters, concert organizations and other institutions of culture and art.

For example, in the party of baritones it was necessary to take six. The commission, which included the leaders of the country's leading choirs (Yurlova Chapel, Sveshnikov Choir, Pyatnitsky Choir, "Masters of Choral Singing"), listened to about 360 applicants. As a result, the competition amounted to. The competition for basses was somewhat less - 13 people were selected. The remaining 17 people are tenors.

According to the members of the commission, the selection was like a part of a special purpose - the best voices of Russia were taken into the choir. Each of them can go on stage as a soloist. Although, it is worth noting that in the traditions of the ensemble - to educate soloists-vocalists from the artists of their choir.

Today, three old soloists work in the Alexandrov Ensemble: People's Artists of Russia Valery Gava and Vadim Ananyev; Boris Dyakov - they were in Moscow on the day of the tragedy.

Sacheniuk was the chairman of the choral and ballet commissions.

In ballet by growth and purpose

Men were the first to be selected for the ballet of the ensemble - 10 people. Then - six girls. It remains to recruit four girls into the choreographic group - the competition continues.

As experts explain, the Alexandrov Ensemble is selected for the ballet based on height and “dance functionality”. For example, the role of an artist with a height of 165 centimeters differs from the choreographic duties of her colleague in the ensemble, who is one centimeter taller. And each must flawlessly play their part in the ideal overall picture of the dance.

The guys also have their own height features - individual tricks.

By the way, intensive rehearsals have given, in particular, dancing fruits - the “Cossack Cavalry Dance” has already been restored in the ensemble's repertoire.

In general, the speed of restoration of the creative potential of the team can be judged by the following fact: on February 2, the first replenishment artists were selected - on February 16, they participated in the presentation of the concert program to the leadership of the Russian defense department, members of the public and the media on the stage of the capital's Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army ( TSATRA).

On stage CATRA

“Today, this stage will host the first performance of the renewed composition of the twice Red Banner Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after Alexander Alexandrov.

On December 25, a tragedy claimed the lives of our friends. We remember and love them. They will forever remain the heart of the team. But life goes on. Our duty to them is to preserve the unique ensemble”,

He said that the restoration of the legendary team in the shortest possible time has become the most important task for the Russian Ministry of Defense.

“Colossal work has been done in a short time, the result of which you will see today. "Aleksandrovtsy" inspired people in the most critical situations. They were applauded by residents of more than 70 countries of the world. I hope today they will prove that the ensemble has retained its unique sound and powerful energy”,

Pankov noted. According to him, the best of the best became the new artists of the ensemble.

“The main selection criterion was not only excellent vocal abilities, but also a selfless desire to serve one's country. I am sure that the new voices will give a powerful impetus to the development of the ensemble and at the same time will multiply the glorious traditions of the main creative team of the Russian army”,

Pankov concluded.

The concert program included the traditional works of the ensemble: "Kalinka", "Alexandrov's Song", "Enchanted Distance", "Along the Piterskaya", "It's Time to Go, the Road", "Smuglyanka", "Cranes", "Indestructible and Legendary" and potpourri on the theme of army songs.

According to the Russian military department, the performance at TsATRA opens up a busy concert schedule for the artists. Already on February 23, they will perform at a concert dedicated to the celebration of Defender of the Fatherland Day in the State Kremlin Palace, and on February 24 - at the opening ceremony of the III Winter World Military Games in Sochi.

The performance of the ensemble was highly appreciated by those present in the hall and backstage. This, of course, testifies to the high professionalism of those people who, as they say, led and directed, working directly with creative personnel.

On Poklonnaya Hill

On the Day of the Military Band Service of Russia, February 19, the soloists of the Alexandrov Ensemble performed in the Hall of Glory of the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 as part of the festival of children's brass bands. Together with young performers from more than 20 children's brass bands, they paid tribute to the memory of the musicians of the USSR State Brass Band, who went into the militia and died 75 years ago in the Battle of Moscow, and the victims of the Tu-154 crash near Sochi on December 25, 2016.

In memory of the head of the military orchestra service of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, chief military conductor, president of the Spiritual Society of Russia, Lieutenant General Valery Khalilov, who died in a plane crash, several works written by him were performed.

“State exam in the Kremlin” and beyond

During the rehearsals, vocalists were immediately “looked out” who could work as soloists with a particular song in the Kremlin.

Five new soloists will perform at the State Kremlin Palace on February 23, 2017 - Maxim Maklakov with the song “Polite People”; Mikhail Novikov and Nikolai Ignatiev with "Alexander's Song"; Stepan Eguraev and Kuzma Rybalkin with the final composition of the performance "Army of Russia" (together with Boris Dyakov).

“Kalinka”, “Smuglyanka”, a potpourri on the theme of army songs and “Cossack Cavalry Dance” will also be performed.

After the “state exam in the Kremlin” and a performance in Sochi, the ensemble will give a concert on March 12 at the Moscow International House of Music. Moreover, in the first part, Alexandrov's classics will be performed, which have not been heard for about a quarter of a century. That is, military musicians will raise layers of music that has not been performed for a long time, which, apparently, is a step towards improving the sound of the ensemble and developing the traditions of the founders of the group. The second part is the traditional modern repertoire of the “Aleksandrovtsy”.

On May 6, the ensemble is awaiting the academic work of the entire team - in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory.

Impresario from Israel, China and Turkey are showing interest regarding the promising tours of the Alexandrov Ensemble.

It is hardly worth expecting global innovations in the repertoire of the academic ensemble. Abroad, as well as in Russia, the “Alexandrovites” will sing “Holy War”, “Victory Day”, “Do Russians Want Wars?”, “Soldier's Song” (“Soldiers, On the Road”).

With regard to the latter, there is a question - will the abbreviated couplet be performed quite a long time ago with the words: “Let the enemies remember this: We do not threaten, but we speak. We have traveled half the world with you. If necessary, we will repeat”? It would be a relevant reminder.

Should be sewn

For the upcoming concerts, the new artists were selected military uniforms from the available props. However, by the Victory Day on May 9, new parade uniforms will be individually sewn for all members of the creative team.

In this unique ensemble, everyone needs an individual approach, because everyone is a creative person who requires care and attention, help in arranging life. Both young and experienced artists.

By the way, people from 18 to 60 years old and older serve in the ensemble. Eighteen-year-olds are, as a rule, soldiers who are in the choir, ballet and orchestra for military service on conscription.

And all of them are a symbol, the face of the Russian army. As long as Russia has an invincible army, there will be a beautiful face - the best military academic ensemble in the world.

The death of people in a disaster is always a tragedy, but what happened today is perceived with particular pain. Almost all of the passengers who were on board the crashed plane were people they knew well. They were in sight: talented, bright. Most of the dead are members of the choir of the world-famous Alexandrov Ensemble. A unique military musical group with almost a century of history. Artists today are remembered with tears not only in our country.

Flowers, tears and more and more silence... Sorrowful carnations and roses are brought today to the building where the Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army is located. Most of those who were on board the crashed Tu-154 were his artists.

They flew to Syria to congratulate the pilots and technicians of the air group of the Russian Aerospace Forces, which is located at the Khmeimim base, on the New Year.

The host, soloist of the ensemble Vadim Ananiev, did not fly to Syria on this business trip due to the birth of his third child.

On board was the head of the Alexandrov Ensemble, General Valery Khalilov, a well-known composer and conductor.

They, of course, artists, but the military. And the orchestra is like a front. And every performance is like a fight.

Valery Khalilov conducted the combined orchestras of the Ministry of Defense many times during the Victory Day parades on Red Square. He was also the artistic director of the Spasskaya Tower festival of military bands, which became one of the hallmarks of not only Moscow, but the whole of Russia.

The Alexandrov Ensemble is the largest military art group in Russia. He is well known not only in his homeland, but throughout the world. The first performance took place in 1928. This is a male choir, soloists, an orchestra and a dance group. Life - exactly according to the precepts of the maestro from the legendary in “Only old men go to battle”: “Who said that there is no place for a song in war?” They have repeatedly traveled with concerts to the hot spots of the planet: Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, and recently - to Syria.

“This is a war, and we don’t know if we will survive,” Elizabeth Glinka said these words on December 8. Then Vladimir Putin presented her with the State Prize for outstanding achievements in the field of charitable and human rights activities.

Letters, phone calls. Daily. Hourly. And so for almost 20 years. Elizabeth Glinka. For those who turned to her not with a request, sometimes with a cry for help, she was just Dr. Lisa. She always said: “We help those who simply cannot be helped.”

“There was room in her heart for anyone who needed help. She fed the homeless, with whom no one wants to deal, because they are dirty, sick, because they smell bad. She saved children in the places where they are fighting - in the Donbass, Syria,” says the chairman of the Moscow Helsinki Group, a member of the Council under the President of the Russian Federation for the development of civil society and human rights, Lyudmila Alekseeva.

She herself went to the place where they shoot and explode mines, she personally accompanied the children. And no matter how hard it was, I tried to support with a kind word, a smile.

In 2015, Elizaveta Glinka was in Syria for the first time on humanitarian missions. And these flights became regular: she was engaged in the delivery and distribution of medicines, the provision of medical assistance to the civilian population of the Arab Republic. Today, people bring flowers to the building where the Elizabeth Glinka Foundation "Fair Help" is located.

Looking silently into these eyes for a long time, they say: Dr. Lisa helped everyone, because with her work and her whole life she seemed to repeat and inspire again and again: the main thing is to overcome indifference.

10 facts about the largest Russian artistic group - the Alexander Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army.

The Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army named after Alexander Alexandrov. 1978 Photo: TASS

1. The Alexandrov Ensemble is a military unit where professional musicians serve. Their schedule includes not only rehearsals - they take an oath, undergo drill training, and know how to handle weapons. Both conscripts and contract soldiers serve in the ensemble, there are also civilian artists.

2. The team was created in 1928 - then it was called the Red Army Song Ensemble of the Frunze Central House of the Red Army. Since that time, the Alexandrov Ensemble has raised the morale of the soldiers with its performances. So, during the years of the Great Patriotic War, the musicians gave more than 1,500 concerts. During the peaceful years, the ensemble performed in hot spots - in past years they were Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Transnistria, today - Syria.

Parade on Red Square in Moscow on November 7, 1941. Painting by Konstantin Yuon 1949
"Holy War" performed by the choir, orchestra and soloists of the Alexander Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army

3. The largest military artistic group in Russia began with 12 people: it included 8 singers, 2 dancers, an accordion player and a reader. Over time, a choir, orchestra and dance group formed. The ensemble is recognized as one of the best in the world - it combines the sound of the chapel with folk emotionality, in the orchestra folk instruments coexist with wind instruments.

Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army. 1978 Photo: TASS

4. The creator of one of the symbols of the Soviet army is Alexander Alexandrov. Professor of the Moscow Conservatory, People's Artist of the USSR, Major General, Doctor of Arts began his musical career as a chorister in the Kazan Cathedral, was a regent at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. One of the first marshals of the Soviet Union, Kliment Voroshilov, convinced Alexandrov to lead the army team.

5. For almost 90 years of the existence of the collective, a whole military-musical dynasty of the Alexandrovs has developed. Alexander Vasilyevich - the founder of the group, the author of music for the anthem of the Soviet Union and Russia, led the ensemble for 18 years. His son Boris was artistic director for 41 years. Two other sons - Alexander and Vladimir - conducted and led the orchestra.

6. Over the years of its existence, the Alexandrov Ensemble has given concerts: in the Canadian Parliament, in the Vatican in honor of the birthday of Pope John Paul II, at NATO Headquarters, and also recorded the British anthem, sang songs about friendship with Bush Sr. on the lawn near White House.

“The pianissimo and fortissimo of the choir, when Alexandrov directs it, is more fantastic and convincing than that of any choral specialist in the world. His crescendos and diminuendos are more subtle than those of other conductors I have heard since Toscanini."

Correspondent of The Gazette, Montreal

7. The ensemble has a tradition: at a concert in any corner of the world to sing in the language of the owners. In total, the Alexandrov Ensemble went on tour in more than 70 countries with a repertoire of two thousand songs. In 1937, the team was awarded the Grand Prix of the World Exhibition in Paris.

“Mr. Colonel Alexandrov! Despite the enormous burden you carry in Paris, you did not refuse to participate in the gala concert in favor of starving children, organized by UNESCO. The participation of the Soviet Army Choir contributed to the magnificent success of the concert, embellished it, gave it the necessary content and an international character.

From a thank you note from UNESCO

Opening of the festival of arts of the peoples of the USSR. 1970 Soloist - People's Artist of the USSR Yevgeny Belyaev. Photo: TASS

8. People's Artists of the USSR served in the Alexandrov Ensemble in different years: soloist of the Bolshoi Theater Arthur Eisen, the most famous performer of the song "Kalinka" Evgeny Belyaev, Alexei Sergeev, who performed "Holy War" in 1942 on the front lines. And dozens more names that adorned the posters of the country's leading theaters.

9. On tour in Paris in 1961, the already famous ensemble performed with the beginning 15-year-old singer Mireille Mathieu. Parisian newspapers then wrote that thanks to the choir of the Red Army, a new French star was born.

Oath of the partisans. Painting by Marat Samsonov. 1978
“Through valleys and hills...” performed by the choir, orchestra and soloists of the Alexander Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army.

10. One of the traditions of the Alexandrov Ensemble is to give New Year's concerts in remote garrisons of the country and hot spots. In each touring city, artists visit veterans and give small impromptu concerts right at home for those who cannot come to the concert. The musicians celebrated 2016 with the families of servicemen in Nalchik and Vladikavkaz. On December 25, 2016, during the crash of a Tu-154 plane, 68 musicians of the ensemble died, who were heading to Syria to perform in front of the Russian military with a New Year's program.

Academic Song and Dance Ensemble named after A.V. Alexandrova Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org / Mil.ru

On the morning of December 25, a Tu-154 plane crashed near Sochi, carrying 68 artists of the Alexandrov Ensemble flying to congratulate the Russian Aerospace Forces air group at the Khmeimim air base (Syria) on New Year's Eve. The plane took off from the Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow. In Sochi, the plane sat down to refuel, but soon after takeoff the plane disappeared from the radar.

In total, the Alexandrov Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army consists of 186 artists: a male choir, an orchestra and a dance group. This is the largest military art group in Russia. The ensemble was created by professor of the Moscow Conservatory, People's Artist of the USSR, composer Alexander Alexandrov.

Reference

The ensemble was created on October 12, 1928 - on this day, the first performance of a team of 12 people took place in the Central House of the Red Army (CDKA).

On December 1, 1928, the ensemble was enrolled in the staff of the Central House of Arts and was named the Red Army Song Ensemble of the Central House of Arts named after M.V. Frunze.

On November 27, 1935, the ensemble became known as the Red Banner Ensemble of the Red Army Song and Dance of the USSR.

From February 7, 1949 - Twice Red Banner Order of the Red Star Song and Dance Ensemble of the Soviet Army named after A. V. Alexandrov.

In 1978, the ensemble received the highest professional certification - on its 50th anniversary, it became academic.

All members of the ensemble have a special musical and choreographic education. The choir is recognized as one of the best male choirs in the world. The activities of the ensemble laid the foundation for the creation and development of a new type of ensembles - song and dance ensembles. Many song and dance ensembles of military districts, fleets and groups of troops arose on his model, not only in Russia, but also abroad.

The group's repertoire includes more than two thousand works. These are folk songs and dances, soldier dances, songs of Russian authors, spiritual music, classical works by Russian and foreign composers, masterpieces of the world stage.

The ensemble gives concerts in military districts, units and divisions of the Russian Army. Repeatedly the team traveled with concerts to "hot" spots, areas of hostilities - Afghanistan, Yugoslavia, Transnistria, Tajikistan, the Chechen Republic. The ensemble has toured more than 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and America.

On November 22, 2016, the musicians of the Alexandrov Academic Song and Dance Ensemble performed for the first time on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, dedicating a concert to the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Moscow.

Merits and awards of the ensemble

Diploma of the International Exhibition in Paris - "Grand Prix" (1937);
Awards for record circulation of records - "Golden Discs" of the French company "Chang Du Monde" (1964), the Dutch "N.O.S." (1974) and "Golden Discus Thrower" (1961), awarded by the French Recording Academy for the best record of the year.
Order of the Red Banner - for exceptional merits in cultural activities (November 26, 1935);
Order of the Red Banner;
Order "For Military Merit" of the MPR (1964);
Order of the "Red Star" Czechoslovakia (1965).
Honorary title "Academic" (1979).
Laureate of the Peoples' Friendship Award "White Cranes of Russia" with the award of the order of the same name, 2016.

Song and Dance Ensemble named after A. V. Alexandrov- the legend of Russia, the Russian army, Russian culture, which cannot be imagined without this team. Times and epochs change, but the Alexandrov Ensemble remains a symbol of the Red, Soviet and Russian armies.

In 2018, the Ensemble turned 90 years old. This illustrious team is the flesh and blood of the Russian choir school, its great traditions: from the Moscow Synodal School to the famous choir school under the direction of A.V. Sveshnikov.

The founder and first leader of the Ensemble was Alexander Vasilyevich Aleksandrov (1883–1946) - an outstanding choirmaster, professor at the Moscow Conservatory, in 1918–1922. the last regent of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Alexandrov is the author of two main songs of our country: "Holy War" and the Anthem of the USSR and modern Russia. Major General, People's Artist of the USSR A. V. Alexandrov led the Ensemble for 18 years, until his sudden death in Berlin in 1946. In 1949 the Ensemble was named after him. From 1946 to 1987, his son, Major General, People's Artist of the USSR Boris Alexandrov, a composer and conductor, author of the well-known operetta "Wedding in Malinovka", was at the head of the group.

In the last 30 years, the ensemble has been led by well-known, reputable musicians.

Heads (directors) of the Ensemble:
1987–1992 - People's Artist of Russia, Colonel Anatoly Maltsev;
1993 - October 2002 - Colonel Dmitry Somov;
October 2002 - May 2016 - Colonel Leonid Malev.

Artistic Directors and Principal Conductors:
1987–1993 - People's Artist of the RSFSR, Colonel Igor Agafonnikov;
1994–2003 - People's Artist of Russia Viktor Fedorov;
2003–2008 - People's Artist of Russia, Colonel Vyacheslav Korobko;
August 2008 - November 2012 - People's Artist of Russia, Colonel Igor Raevsky;
November 2012 - April 2016 - Honored Worker of Culture of the Russian Federation, Colonel Gennady Sachenyuk.

In April 2016, People's Artist of Russia, Lieutenant General, Head of the Military Band Service of the Russian Federation - Chief Military Conductor Valery Khalilov was appointed director and artistic director of the Ensemble.

The ensemble has always been famous for its soloists. The names of outstanding performers are inscribed in the history of the collective, among them People's Artists of the USSR Evgeny Belyaev and Alexei Sergeev, People's Artist of the RSFSR Ivan Bukreev, Honored Artists of the RSFSR Vadim Ruslanov, Eduard Labkovsky. Over the years, the soloists of the Ensemble were famous opera, chamber, pop singers Arthur Eisen, Konstantin Lisovsky, Leonid Kharitonov, Georgy Abramov, Georgy Vinogradov, Alexander Sibirtsev and many others.

During the Great Patriotic War, the Ensemble wrote the most heroic pages in its history. The song "Holy War" performed by the Ensemble raised the "huge country" to the "mortal battle". For 1418 days of the Great Patriotic War, the Ensemble gave more than 1500 concerts in the army. Sang in Berlin on Victory Day.

And today the ensemble is always close to those who fulfill their military duty.

For many decades, the military-patriotic orientation of creative activity has been preserved. Performing traditions and repertoire, style and aesthetics inherent in the ensemble are passed down from generation to generation. “Roads”, “Nightingales”, “On a sunny meadow”, “Treasured stone”, “Katyusha”, “Polyushko-field”, “Smuglyanka”, “Kalinka” - these and many other songs were performed thousands of times by the ensemble, becoming bright symbols of his work.

In the Soviet years, not a single festive concert could do without the participation of Alexandrovites. The ensemble is one of the groups called "calling cards" of Russian culture abroad, along with the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, the State Orchestra of Russia named after E.F. Svetlanov and the Pyatnitsky Choir, the Igor Moiseev Ensemble and the Beryozka Ensemble.

The ensemble performed in the Parliament of Canada, in the Vatican on the occasion of the anniversary of the accession to the throne of Pope John Paul II, in Washington in front of the White House, at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

The repertoire of the Alexandrovites is constantly enriched - the ensemble now performs classical and sacred music. And his virtuoso skill is still beyond doubt and comparison.

In a plane crash over the Black Sea on December 25, 2016, the director - artistic director of the ensemble Valery Khalilov, 29 choir artists, 21 ballet dancers, soloists, choirmasters, choreographers, accompanists, orchestra artists, costume designers - a total of 64 people died.

In January 2017, a competition was held in the Ensemble. About 2,000 singers and dancers from all over Russia took part in it. The first concert of the revived group took place on February 23, the Defender of the Fatherland Day, at the State Kremlin Palace. In April, the Ensemble performed in Turkey, and from May 11 to June 3 gave 25 concerts in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

By order of the Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu, the head of the Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of the Russian Army named after A.V. Aleksandrov, Colonel Gennady Sachenyuk was appointed, who led the team in 2012-2016.