Ensemble XXI, founded in 1989, became the first permanent East-West orchestra in Russia. It was founded by Irish Conductor, Lygia O’Riordan and Finnish Violinist, Pia Siirala after completing their studies at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory with Professors Gennady Rozhdestvensky and Zorya Shikhmurzayeva respectively.

Ensemble XXI in its foundation, membership and activity is living proof of the capacity of music to bring together people of diverse backgrounds and origins on a plane of understanding which recognises no borders.

Since 2022 Ensemble XXI has continued its activities in Kosovo.