More than 4,000 Russian singers have performed outdoors in St. Petersburg with the aim of setting a world record for the largest choir.

The 4,335 singers of all ages and from nearly all of the city's professional and amateur choirs sang from the steps of St. Isaac's Cathedral before thousands of spectators under an intermittent rain.

The spectators, who closed their umbrellas with the start of Sunday's performance, sang along during the one-hour concert.

The 14 songs performed included some of the most popular and patriotic songs of Russia and the Soviet Union, including a hymn celebrating the country's victory in World War II.

Yulia Alshenina, whose daughter sang in the choir, said the concert was so moving she could not hold back her tears.