The ensemble of Soul Folk music "Svetilen" was formed in 1989 to take care of the old Russian tradition in singing. This tradition is reflected in two types of singing: church singing and secular singing. Both are marked by the meaning of the sacred word. This testifies to their common "starting point" and the same cultural and musical background. Musical compositions are usually performed a-capella, but sometimes ancient Russian instruments (gusli, koliosnaya lira, dudk and hatamba) are used giving a peculiar sound.

"Svetilen" tries to evaluate this legacy from the view points of modern people and to bring new conceptions to old Russian choral culture. The search for original choral arrangements, rhythmic patterns and harmonies, reflecting the character and forms of sacred and folk music is the main guideline for "Svetilen", aimed at the final objective of adopting stylistic validity.

The specific profile of the ensemble is based upon two characteristic features. First, the sound quality has a distinctive open ethnographical manner, used to perform sacred music. The leader of the ensemble D.Garkavi makes this strategy quite relevant, following the results of musicological researches. He considers this style dominating in old Russia, when neither monks nor congregation had any notion of western academic choral traditions. Secondly, the repertoire of the group is quite interesting and includes liturgical, folk and modern music. The most original item in the program of the ensemble is a set of spiritual chants, arranged by D.Garkavi.

"Svetilen" doesn't only bring old Russian music to contemporary audiences. It is concerned about the genetic memory and the idea of national identity. D.Garkavi and his six professional partners are united in their care about restoration and promotion of ancient Russian choral culture.

Discography:

1. The CD "From Christmas Till Easter", 1997, (under patronage of Nikita Mikhalkov and "TRITE" studio).
2. The CD "Popular and Traditional songs", 1998, Russia" issued in cooperation with the French firm "Russian seasons".
3. The CD "From East to West", 2000.
4. The CD “The Soul Calls Out”, 2003.
5. The CD “My Soul, Rise up!”, 2005 (with one of the most famous Russian producer Igor Matvienko, www.orthodoxmusic.ru ).
6. The CD “Time of Joy has come”, 2008.

International Choir Competitions:

1. 1997, March, Hungary, Budapest - 1st Prize and Special Prize of Jury.
2. 1997, June, Sweden, Oskarhamn - Prize-winner and Prize of Audience.
3. 1998, June, Germany, Pohlheim - Gold Prize and Special Prize of Jury.
4. 1999, March, Hungary, Budapest - Bartok radio festival.
5. 1999, July, Germany, Wernigerode - Gold Prize.
6. 2000, July, Austria, the First World Choir Olimpiada - silver prize.

International concerts and tours:

• 2000, May – Poland.
• 2001, September – France.
• 2002, April – France.
• 2003, September – Czech.
• 2003, September – Austria.
• 2003, October, November – USA.
• 2004, January – Serbia and Montenegro.
• 2004, August – Costa Rica.
• 2004, October – France.
• 2005, March – Sweden.
• 2005, May – Finland.
• 2005, June – Norway.
• 2005, August – Hungary.
• 2006, January – Serbia and Montenegro.
• 2006, January – Croatia.
• 2006, May – Estonia.
• 2006, July – Germany.
• 2006, August – Austria.
• 2006, August – Poland.
• 2006, November – Italy.
• 2007, May – Poland.
• 2007, June – Belgium.
• 2007, August – Hungary.
• 2007, December – Italy.
• 2007, December – Luxembourg.
• 2008, May – Estonia.
• 2008, May – Poland.
• 2008, May – Germany.
• 2008, May – Belgium.
• 2008, July – Lithuania.
• 2008, July – Austria.
• 2008, October – Netherlands.
• 2008, October – Hungary.
• 2008, November – Romania.

Most Impotent Russian Festivals:

1. 1997, Moscow – 1X International Festival of Orthodox Music.
2. 1998, Moscow – X International Festival of Orthodox Music.
3. 1998, Jaroslavl – International Festival of Choir and Bells Music.
4. 1999, Moscow – X1 International Festival of Orthodox Music.
5. 1999, St. Petersburg – "Nevskie Choirs Assamlies".
6. 2000, Moscow - X11 International Festival of Orthodox Music.
7. 2000, Moscow – Easter Kremlin Festival.
8. 2000, Moscow – "Singing Russia".
9. 2001, Moscow - X111 International Festival of Orthodox Music.
10. 2001, Moscow – Christmas Kremlin Festival.
11. 2002, Rostov – "Living Ancient".
12. 2006, Moscow – concert in the International Moscow Music House.
13. 2007, Moscow – concert in Moscow Conservatory.
14. 2008, Moscow – International Music Festival "Summer in Kuzminki".