One of the most famous choirs in St Petersburg, the Smolny Cathedral Chamber Choir was established in 1991. Since the founding among its leaders were Stanislav Legkov, Andrey Petrenko and Eduard Krotman. In 2004 the Honored Artist of Russia Vladimir Begletsov became its chief conductor and art director. The young age of Maestro, the excellent education he received (a graduate of piano, choral conducting and conducting departments of the St Petersburg Conservatory), his experience of working with the State Academic Cappella of St Petersburg, and his teaching for many years at the Glinka Choir School, all of these contributed to the Choir’s success.