Founded in 1957, the MBC is one of the most prestigious all-male choirs, directed by Leonid Baklushin. Members are selected for the touring company from over 400 students, the group has earned an reputation on tours of Russia, Europe, Canada and South Korea. The Choir's distinctly Russian sound blends soaring soprano voices with rich bass and baritone. "Crescendo!" has 13 varied tunes, combining Christmas songs ("All the Angels in the Sky Rejoiceth," "O! Holy Night," Handel's immortal "Hallelujah Chorus" and "Twelve Days of Christmas" with Russian folk songs "The Mountains," "Dushechka," "Calm Down Wild Winds," "Evening Bells," "Ochi Tchiornye" and "Kalinka." The group adds "America the Beautiful," and the pop tune "Swing"-a varied, incongruous repertoire, but it all works-great stuff!