The choir of the Valaam Monastery was founded on August 19, 2005, on Valaam Island during the long-awaited consecration of the upper church of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral after 50 years of desolation and 15 years of restoration work. The festive Divine Liturgy was led by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia. Professional musicians from St. Petersburg were invited by the blessing of Bishop Pankraty of the Valaam Monastery to form the core of the choir. This day is considered the founding date of the ensemble.