National Unity Day is celebrated in Russia on November 4. It was established in 2004 and celebrated for the first time in 2005.

In 1613, in memory of Moscow's liberation from the Poles, Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich established October 22 (November 4, according to the new calendar) as a clerical and state holiday in honour of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God. It was with this image that the citizens-in-arms, led by Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, fought in the proximity of the Novodevichy Convent walls and then liberated the Kremlin. Nowadays, the holiday symbolises the unity of the people, their solidarity in hard times, and emphasises the importance of unity among the different peoples and cultures living in Russia, as well as the importance of historical memory and civic solidarity.

The State Academic Choir of the Order of the Red Banner of Labour and Friendship of Peoples named after M.E. Pyatnitsky regularly participates in concerts dedicated to the holiday. This is the full name of the Russia most famous choir, which performs folk songs. The choir was founded in 1911 by Mitrofan Pyatnitsky, an outstanding researcher, collector and promoter of Russian folk art.

Mitrofan Efimovich set heart on preserving the authenticity and distinctive character of Russian folk songs – this was what made the choir unique. Today, the M. Pyatnitsky Choir is a professional ensemble that performs complicated musical works. The choir actively tours, participates in various music festivals and competitions, representing Russian folk song culture. The repertoire includes both traditional folk songs and modern transcriptions. The choir is also actively involved in educational activities and the popularisation of folk music. Today, the ensemble consists of the best and brightest singers, dancers, musicians. Vocal and dance compositions are the ensemble's unique calling card. On stage, the choir is a single organism, united by the same goal and aspiration: to reveal the full beauty of Russian folk art.

The M.E. Pyatnitsky Choir is an indispensable participant in all festive events and concerts of national importance. It has also been honoured with the privilege of representing the country at the highest level abroad during meetings of heads of state and Russian Culture Days.

On National Unity Day, we invite you to listen to folk songs performed by the M. Pyatnitsky Russian Folk Choir, digitised from gramophone records presented in the ‘Music Media’ section of the museum ‘Collection’ Sound Library.