Listening to Con Anima can definitely be spiritual. But the Russian vocal group offers an experience that is as much cultural as it is religious.

The ensemble's members have roots in the Russian Orthodox church, and they are known for singing of sacred and religious music all over the world.

But a Con Anima performance will also feature some of Russia's greatest composers, like Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninov, and even music from the country's folk tradition.

That diverse repertoire is one of the reasons Jill Fandrich wanted the group to stop at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn during its tour of the East Coast.

“We're excited, but not only because their music is so wonderful,” said Fandrich a church elder who is helping to organize the event. “This is a nice opportunity for the people who come to have a cross-cultural experience as well.”

Con Anima is based in St. Petersburg, and each of its members (the number of which alternates between five and six) is a graduate of the city's famous Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. Their pieces are usually performed a capella, or with piano or chamber accompaniment.

But small numbers do not mean small music. The ensemble often sings arias and other pieces from 19th and 20th century Russian operas which are known as some of the highest-soaring of their kind.

While Auburn is known as a sports town, Fandrich said, there is a rich enough cultural base here that should make Con Anima fit right in.

“People should expect a phenomenal vocal concert and a quality musical experience,” Fandrich said.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.

If you go

What: Con Anima

When: 7 p.m. Monday

Where: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St., Auburn

Cost: Suggested $10 donation

For details: Visit www.con-anima.spb.ru