The Choir and Symphony Orchestra of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of the USSR is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences for over a century. Founded in 1776, the Bolshoi Theatre is one of the oldest and most prestigious theatres in Russia, and its choir and orchestra have played a significant role in its success. The ensemble's founding can be traced back to the early 19th century when the Bolshoi Theatre began to establish its own orchestra and choir. The first conductor of the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra was Italian composer and conductor Giovanni Paisiello, who held the position from 1816 to 1817. Over the years, the ensemble has been led by many distinguished conductors, including Vasily Safonov, Alexander Melik-Pashayev, and Yuri Simonov. The choir and orchestra have been an integral part of the Bolshoi Theatre's productions, performing in operas, ballets, and concerts. The ensemble has also toured extensively, performing in countries such as the United States, Japan, and Germany. One of the highlights of the ensemble's history was its performance of Sergei Prokofiev's opera "War and Peace" in 1959. The production was a massive undertaking, involving over 1,000 performers, including the choir and orchestra. The performance was a huge success, and it cemented the ensemble's reputation as one of the world's finest classical music ensembles. Another notable performance by the ensemble was its 1987 production of Modest Mussorgsky's opera "Boris Godunov." The production was directed by Yuri Lyubimov and featured the renowned bass singer Evgeny Nesterenko in the title role. The performance was widely praised for its innovative staging and powerful musical performances. Over the years, the choir and orchestra have received numerous awards and accolades for their performances. In 1971, the ensemble was awarded the Lenin Prize, one of the highest honors in the Soviet Union, for their performance of Dmitry Shostakovich's opera "Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk." The ensemble has also been awarded the State Prize of the Russian Federation and the Order of Lenin. The choir and orchestra have undergone many changes over the years, but they continue to be an important part of the Bolshoi Theatre's productions. Today, the ensemble is led by conductor Tugan Sokhiev, who has been praised for his dynamic and expressive performances. In conclusion, the Choir and Symphony Orchestra of the State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of the USSR is a world-class classical music ensemble with a rich history and a reputation for excellence. From its early days as a small orchestra and choir to its current status as one of the world's finest ensembles, the Bolshoi Theatre's choir and orchestra have played a significant role in the theatre's success. With its talented musicians and dedicated leadership, the ensemble is sure to continue to captivate audiences for many years to come.

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