The male vocal ensemble “KOVCHEG” (The Ark) was formed by graduates of the Glinka Gorky State Conservatory (Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia) in 1991. The city of Uglich, in the Yaroslavl region, became the young group’s home base.

The ensemble KOVCHEG became an essential component of the tourism program at the Uglich History and Art Museum. In order to attract the attention of tourists and to enhance sight-seeing tours to the Spaso–Preobrazhenskiy (Transfiguration) Cathedral, the young musicians provided the harmonious Russian church music which resonated under the Cathedral’s arches, thereby providing am appropriately spiritual atmosphere.

Professionalism and superior musical execution promoted increased interest in the group by the citizens of Uglich as well as by Russian and foreign tourists. Over the years, KOVCHEG became an integral part of Uglich’s cultural life and its calling card. The musicians take part in city events, give benefit concerts, perform in Russia and abroad. The ensemble has performed in Idstejn, Germany as well as in other cities of Germany, in France and Italy.