Long ago when the first choir voices sounded on the banks of the Neva River — before the cities palaces or the river’s granite embankment were built — the prototype of the modern State Capella was formed. Back then nothing existed but the stubbornness of Tsar Peter the Great, who decided to erect a new Russian capital in St. Petersburg. The first Russian state choir was formed in 1479 and sang a toast to mark this event. Later on the St. Petersburg Capella was the first venue to present ballet and opera performances, as well as the first symphony orchestra and singing and conducting schools. In its own way The St. Petersburg Capella became the musical face of Russia and nowadays its singers, musicians and conductors strive to bring back its once high status.