The Iron Curtain had descended and the Cold War chill was cast upon U.S. — Soviet relations, but a group of singers strove to spread warmth, and make music, not war.

The Yale Russian Chorus was formed in 1953 as an extension of Yale University’s Russian language club, and has continued, through bad times and good, to preserve the strong tradition of Russian choral music.

The tenor-bass a cappella ensemble of Yale students is now recognized as one of the world’s most important performance ensembles of Slavic music.

If a Russian choral group brings to mind the mournful dirge popularly known as “Volga Boatmen,” don’t miss this opportunity to expand your vocal music vocabulary.

The Yale Russian Chorus will perform March 18 at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church on Bainbridge Island under the direction of Mark Bailey.

The group’s repertoire spans from the 12th century to the 21st, and includes sacred and secular music, including ancient chants, cultural songs and major choral works by Russian composers such as Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakoff and Rachmaninoff.

In between classes at the Ivy League school, the ensemble performs in concerts across the country and abroad. Highlights include two performances at Carnegie Hall, a White House performance for Pres. Clinton and a tour of the Ukraine. The stop on Bainbridge is part of the group’s spring break tour of the Pacific Northwest.

The Yale Russian Chorus performs 7:30 p.m. March 18, Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1187 Wyatt Way NW, Bainbridge Island. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and students. Space is limited and advance tickets are encouraged. Tickets may be purchased at the church office.