The Music of War

The Ensemble of the Central Military District is one of 13 song-and-dance groups under the Russian Ministry of Defense. Many were formed during World War II, initially performing at the front to boost soldiers' morale. Since then, the ensembles have performed at patriotic events in Russia and alongside Russian forces abroad, including in Afghanistan, Syria, and, most recently, Ukraine.

Since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Central Military District ensemble has staged over 600 performances in the “special military operation zone.” According to Ensemble Head Lt. Col. Anton Sholokhov, song and dance ensemble members perform at the front line daily.

The ensemble aims to attract a younger audience by sharing festival stages with popular Russian  bands like IOWA, using LED screens, and recording performances with drones. The group’s repertoire includes songs that mock the Ukrainian military and celebrate Russian soldiers' actions in Ukraine.

The ensemble collaborates with other pro-Russian musicians, including Yulia Chicherina, who is sanctioned by all EU countries. Chicherina and the ensemble previously performed for Russian forces in Syria, staging a joint concert in 2016 at the Khmeimim airbase, which has been under Russian control since 2015. Now, Chicherina continues to perform alongside the ensemble for Russian soldiers. Lt. Col. Sholokhov calls her a “combat girlfriend” and “the creative banner” of the ensemble.

Rock musician Vadim Samoilov, a former member of the popular Russian group Agata Kristi, is also a frequent collaborator. Samoilov, who calls himself a “fan of the army,” has committed to a long-term partnership with the Central Military District ensemble.

Another regular partner is Akim Apachev, a former pro-Russian war correspondent from Mariupol, who now performs propagandistic "Z-music" and filmed a video at a destroyed Ukrainian site at the Azovstal plant.

According to a former employee of the Central Military District ensemble, performers believe they bring “light and kindness,” despite promoting militarism. They receive the same salary as other Russian soldiers in Ukraine, around R210,000 a month (just over $2,000). “With a regular military contract, there’s a risk you’ll be sent to the front lines and might not live to see your second paycheck. In the ensemble, the pay is the same, but you don’t have to kill anyone. You dance, sing, and get feedback from the audience,” the former employee said.

Ensemble members also profit from military-themed performances outside the war zone. According to the independent news outlet DOXA, violinist Anna Pasta of the ensemble offers “thematic corporate party” performances featuring military songs. Her five-song set costs R30,000 ($300), while soloists from the ensemble charge R25,000 ($250) per performance.