All-Night Vigil. Chants of the Monastery of Kyiv-Pecherskaya Lavra.

The CD you are holding is the first part of the Sound Anthology of Divine Service Singing of Kyiv-Pecherskaya Holy Virgin Dormition Lavra. Works are performed by Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary Choir, conducted by Dmitry Bolharsky.

A good many of "ear-witnesses" would readily acknowledge that the Lavra's Chant is remarkable for its solemn harmony, its ability to touch the very intimate person's spiritual self, for its prayerful mood, and its unmatched for composition. This singing's true beauty, is inherent and emanating vigour, majesty, and force made both Orthodox Christians and foreigners fully enjoy this ancient Chant. Kyiv Lavra Chant has gained its momentum under the influence of South-Slavonic folk tunes turning into one of the prominent gems of Ancient Rus'.

The information is from the booklet to a compact disc.

We have heard much of sacred Ukrainian music, which comes from different parts of our country, as well as from different corners of Kiev. Today we can hear the voice of the oldest and the most respective centre of divine service not only in Ukraine - you know, Kievo-Pecherska Lavra is famous far beyond the boundaries of our state. This voice and this singing … may be, practically every Kiever knows a lot of people who come to Kiev only to hear the choirs of Lavra and to feel this light and powerful flow coming from earthly to heavenly. It took practically one thousand years to harden its power and beauty. This river has imbibed a lot of streams that’s why I have no desire to strew leaves upon its water. Let the river talk to you by itself. It has a lot of voices, quite enough for everybody – you should only listen. It is also worth while remembering to lend an ear to your inner world, since if you do have nothing in yourself, then you will hear nothing in this music.