Krinichka Children’s Choir will present a concert Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Xavier College Church.

A donation of $5 is requested at the door, with all proceeds benefiting the victims of Chernobyl. The concert will include sacred, classical and folk music.

The Russian division of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages along with the Student Event office are sponsoring the concert.

The children’s choir comes from Minsk, Belorussia, and consists of about 30 singers from 12 to 20 years of age. The choir is recognized for its hearty manner of performance that embraces many musical styles and languages. The program includes Belorussian folk songs accompanied by native musical instruments.

Krinichka is touring the United States to raise funds to aid people in the areas affected by the Chernobyl nuclear explosion.

Due to their help, about 10 train carriages full of humanitarian aid have been delivered to benefit those in need. Krinichka performs annually for disabled children and orphans in Musik.

The choir previously toured the United States in 1990 and 1997. Under the direction of Natalia Sukhanova, Krinichka performs regularly in the Belorussia regions. The choir has also toured throughout Europe including England, France, Poland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Italy. While touring Italy, the choir performed at a Vatican for Pope Paul II. During the Holy Week of Easter, this year, they will perform once again at the Vatican.

The concert “can be a good Valentine treat to yourself and your best friend–excellent music in beautiful environment for a noble cause,” said Yelena Belyaeva-Standen, professor in the department of classical and modern languages. “The Pope likes them. So will you.”

For more information contact Belyaeva-Standen at 977-3674 or Ruth Cochran at 977-7303.