A few words about Credo

Founded just four years ago, Credo Quartet was formed desire to sing choral music of many countries, musical styles and traditions. This esteemed vocal ensemble produces fresh interpretations of many well-known choral works that are customarily sung by larger choirs. Though the group is very young, each of its members has great working experiences in leading choirs of Saint-Petersburg.

The ensemble’s name “Credo” is of Latin origin and means “I believe”. All members perform for Orthodox churches during the many beautiful liturgies of the Eastern tradition. Each of the singers professes a deep belief in the ministry of their musical works and they demonstrate a great understanding of the substance of the Divine Liturgies. Indeed, they are believers in the grace, beauty and divine nature of the gift of singing.

The Russian Orthodox musical heritage comprises the heart of Credo’s repertoire. However, the quartet also engages the listener with an array of Russian folk songs, western classical music styles, contemporary works by Russian and international composers. To paraphrase the great Richard Wagner, the ensemble believes that the human voice is the oldest and finest one of musical instruments, and the obligation to use it for singing is of the highest importance in one's life.

The vocal ensemble “Credo” has proved it to numerous audiences in concerts.

Participants

Irina Grinberg

Irina Grinberg — soprano, director

Born in Nizhniy Novgorod. Musical training at the Nizhniy Novgorod Musical College. Later she studied choral conducting under professor D. N. Ardentov at the Academy of Arts in Saint-Petersburg. While a student in the Academy, Irina started performing choral works with the Saint-Petersburg Chamber chorus under N. N. Kornev’s management. In 2000 she organized the vocal ensemble “Credo” which she directs to this day.

Alexander Topuria — tenor

Born in Saint-Petersburg. He graguated from Saint-Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov’s Conservatory with major in coral conducting. He began serious vocal training and concert activity in 1997. To date Alexander has worked with many choral groups of Saint-Petersburg. He has been in the ensemble since 2005.

 Alexander Topuria
Marina Chihacheva

Marina Chihacheva — mezzo-soprano

Born in Saint-Petersburg. Marina finished college at the Saint-Petersburg Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. She started her concert career as a soloist with one of city ensembles. Marina first encountered the art of choral singing in chamber chorus “Rossika”. At the present time she sings in the chorus of the Fiodorovskiy Cathedral in Tsarskoe Selo. Since the organization of “Credo” she has been the unchanging mezzo-soprano of the ensemble.

Mikhail Trifonov — baritone

Born in Saint-Petersburg. He is a graduate of the Glinka Choral Academy and Saint-Petersburg Cultural University as choir conductor. He has sung in numerous chamber choirs, including the Saint-Petersburg Chamber Choir and has performed with well-known directors internationally. He is the most recent member of the Quartet having joined this year.

 Mikhail Trifonov