Дискотека на корабле в Манхэттене в воскресенье, 22 июня

Sunday, June 22, 2008, from 5 to 9pm, New York City
Russian American Dance Party "Diskoteka" on the boat

Sunday, June 22, 2008 from 5 to 9pm. DJ BARNAUL will host a Russian American Dance Party Diskoteka aboard party boat MARCO POLO "LUCILE". Address: New York Skyports East 23rd Street & FDR Drive New York, NY 10010. To get more information or buy tickets visit www.RussianDJ.mobi

PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!

ПРИГЛАШАЕМ ВАС ПРОВЕСТИ ВЕЧЕР

НА КОРАБЛЕ

MARCO POLO “LUCILE”

JUNE 22, 2008 s 5pm - 9pm

Весь вечер с вами DJ Барнаул с танцевальной

развлекательной программой

Цена билета: $ 50

Traditional Russian costumes for children and adults for sale

Traditional Russian costumes (used) for children and adults are available for sale. These costumes were used once by Vadim Kolpakov's Tsygansky (Russian Gypsy Roma) ensemble Via Romen for performance. Six costumes are available.
http://www.russian365.com/costumes/for_sale.htm

Barynya at the Russian Nobility Ball 2008 New York City Friday May 9th

70th ANNIVERSARY of the Russian Nobility Association in America
http://www.russiannobility.org
Friday, May 9th, 2008. Pierre Hotel, New York
61st street and 5th Avenue
For reservations call (845) 356-0296

Cocktails 7:30 PM, Dinner 8:30 PM, Dancing 9 PM

Ensemble Barynya will provide music for cocktails and performance of our eight dancers during dinner (around 9:30-9:45pm). Barynya will start the program with "Danila Cooper" ("Danilo Kupor", "Daniel Cooper", ru: "Данила Купер") dance.



About "Daniel Cooper dance" from "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy:

"Look at Papa!" shouted Natasha to the whole company, and quite forgetting that she was dancing with a grown-up partner she bent her curly head to her knees and made the whole room ring with her laughter.

And indeed everybody in the room looked with a smile of pleasure at the jovial old gentleman, who standing beside his tall and stout partner, Marya Dmitrievna, curved his arms, beat time, straightened his shoulders, turned out his toes, tapped gently with his foot, and, by a smile that broadened his round face more and more, prepared the onlookers for what was to follow. As soon as the provocatively gay strains of Daniel Cooper (somewhat resembling those of a merry peasant dance) began to sound, all the doorways of the ballroom were suddenly filled by the domestic serfs- the men on one side and the women on the other- who with beaming faces had come to see their master making merry.

"Just look at the master! A regular eagle he is!" loudly remarked the nurse, as she stood in one of the doorways.

The count danced well and knew it. But his partner could not and did not want to dance well. Her enormous figure stood erect, her powerful arms hanging down (she had handed her reticule to the countess), and only her stern but handsome face really joined in the dance. What was expressed by the whole of the count's plump figure, in Marya Dmitrievna found expression only in her more and more beaming face and quivering nose. But if the count, getting more and more into the swing of it, charmed the spectators by the unexpectedness of his adroit maneuvers and the agility with which he capered about on his light feet, Marya Dmitrievna produced no less impression by slight exertions- the least effort to move her shoulders or bend her arms when turning, or stamp her foot- which everyone appreciated in view of her size and habitual severity.

The dance grew livelier and livelier. The other couples could not attract a moment's attention to their own evolutions and did not even try to do so. All were watching the count and Marya Dmitrievna. Natasha kept pulling everyone by sleeve or dress, urging them to "look at Papa!" though as it was they never took their eyes off the couple. In the intervals of the dance the count, breathing deeply, waved and shouted to the musicians to play faster. Faster, faster, and faster; lightly, more lightly, and yet more lightly whirled the count, flying round Marya Dmitrievna, now on his toes, now on his heels; until, turning his partner round to her seat, he executed the final pas, raising his soft foot backwards, bowing his perspiring head, smiling and making a wide sweep with his arm, amid a thunder of applause and laughter led by Natasha. Both partners stood still, breathing heavily and wiping their faces with their cambric handkerchiefs.

"That's how we used to dance in our time, ma chere," said the count.

"That was a Daniel Cooper!" exclaimed Marya Dmitrievna, tucking up her sleeves and puffing heavily.

read more at WAR AND PEACE by Leo Tolstoy, Book One, CHAPTER XX
http://www.friends-partners.org/oldfriends/literature/war_and_peace/war-peace_b01c20.html

Ensemble Barynya website:
http://www.barynya.com

Thank you!
Mikhail Smirnov
http://www.smirnov.org

Russian international singles party New York City May 18, 2008 6-10pm

Russian international singles party New York City May 18, 2008 6-10pm

Dancing under the stars aboard The Marco Polo Boat "Jewel" on Sunday, May 18, 2008 from 6pm to 10pm.

Address: Manhattan 23 Str & FDR drive. $50.00 admission includes snacks & salad bar. Limited number of tickets.

Lots of dancing with Russian DJ BARNAUL
http://www.russiandj.mobi/barnaul.htm

For more information call Janna 1-(862)-668-8824
or visit http://www.russiandj.mobi

Chicago Cossacks new photo and video added

"Chicago Cossacks" is a Russian music and song ensemble from Illinois. They perform Russian, Ukrainian, Cossack, Russian Roma (Gypsy) music and songs on traditional Russian musical instruments such as domra, balalaika and bayan.

Musical director - Russian and Ukrainian domra and balalaika player, songwriter/performer of Russian Chanson Gennady Sergienko. Singer and guitar player Marina Kalinina. Bayan (Russian button accordion) virtuoso - Arkady Pevchin.

http://www.barynya.com/mp3/sergienko/cc.stm

Russian Dance and Music ensemble Barynya upcoming public concert

Hello,

This is Mikhail Smirnov, director of ensemble Barynya. I wanted to update you on our upcoming public performances:

Friday, May 9, 2008. The Russian Nobility Ball at the Grand Ball Room of "The Pierre Hotel", Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, New York City, New York

Monday, May 12th, 2008 at 6:30 PM. Windsor Terrace Public Library. 160 East 5th Street (at Ft. Hamilton Pkwy) Brooklyn, NY 11218

Monday, June 9, 2008 starting around 6PM. Russian Folk Tales and Fairy Tales program in English. Ephrata Public Library. 550 South Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522

Saturday, June 21 starting approximately at 2PM. Russian dance and music program. Ephrata Public Library. 550 South Reading Road, Ephrata, PA 17522

Saturday, June 21 starting approximately at 6PM. Erie Zoo 423 West 38th St. Erie, PA 16508

Saturday, June 28, 2008, 7:30-9PM. Burlington County Amphitheatre, West Hampton, Burlington, NJ 08016

Sunday, June 29, 2008, 2PM. The Long Island Museum of American Art, History and Carriages. 1200 Route 25A Stony Brook, NY 11790

Saturday, July 19th, 2008. Russian balalaika duo. International Summer Music Series. Liberty Village Premium Outlets. One Church Street, Flemington, NJ 08822

Sunday, July 27th 2008. Great Neck Park District. 65 Arrandale Avenue, Great Neck, New York 11024

Monday, August 4th, 2008, 1:30pm-2:30pm. Musikfest 2008, Bethlehem, PA, Volksplatz stage

Friday, August 8th, 2008, 1:30pm-3:00pm. Musikfest 2008, Bethlehem, PA, Volksplatz stage

MIDWEST TOUR 2008

Thursday, September 25 - Roseau, MN
Friday, September 26 - International Falls, MN
Saturday, September 27 - Ely, MN
Sunday, September 28 - Park Falls, WI
Monday, September 29 - Medford, WI
Tuesday, September 30 - Sturgeon Bay, WI
Wednesday, October 01 - Beaver Dam, WI
Thursday, October 02 - Albert Lea, MN
Friday, October 03 - Clear Lake, IA
Saturday, October 04 - Denison, IA
Sunday, October 05, 3pm - Indianola, IA
Monday, October 06 - Newton, IA
Tuesday, October 07 - Fairfield, IA
Thursday, October 09 - Worthington, MN
Friday, October 10 - Fairbury, NE
Sunday, October 12, 2:30pm - Cozad, NE
Monday, October 13 - North Platte, NE
Tuesday, October 14 - Huron, SD
Thursday, October 16 - Hastings, MN
Friday, October 17 - Marshall, MN
Saturday, October 18 - Sauk Centre, MN
Sunday, October 19 - Wadena, MN
Monday, October 20 - Wahpeton, ND
Tuesday, October 21 - Lisbon, ND
Friday, October 24 - Mobridge, SD
Sunday, October 26 - Dillon, MT
Tuesday, October 28 - Glenwood Springs, CO
Thursday, October 30 - Delta, CO
Saturday, November 01 - Tucumcari, NM
Sunday, November 02 - La Junta, CO
Monday, November 03 - Concordia, KS
Thursday, November 06 - Perryville, MO
Saturday, November 08 - La Porte, IN
Monday, November 10 - Hannibal, MO

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY TOUR 2008

Tuesday, November 11, 2008. 8pm. Hazleton, PA
Wednesday, November 12, 2008. 3pm. Lehman, PA
Wednesday, November 12, 2008. 8pm. Schuykill, PA
Thursday, November 13, 2008. 3pm. Dunmore, PA
Thursday, November 13, 2008. 8pm. DuBois, PA


Wednesday, November 19th, 2008. Miami Dade College, Kendall Campus. 11011 SW 104 ST Miami, FL 33176-3393

February 5-9, 2009. Concert with Arizona Balalaika Orchestra in Tuscon, Arizona

Thank you
Mikhail Smirnov

Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya
New York
http://www.barynya.com

добавил новую страничку Russian American Wedding Entertainment

список популярных в нью-йорке артистов для свадеб и вечеринок:
http://www.5grand.us/party_entertainment

Russian Gypsy music dance concert NYC January 2008

Не пропустите концерты Жени Шевченко в сопровождении ансамбля Барыня в Нью-Йорк Сити в январе 2008 года alt="The Kaye Playhouse Gypsy singer Zhenya and ensemble Barynya, January 25, 26, 2008 Hunter College New York City" height="161" width="783" border="1"> Barynya and and legendary Gypsy singer Zhenya Shevchenko The Kaye Playhouse, 68th St. bet. Park & Lex. Aves. 212-772-4448 Friday, January 25 at 7:30 PM and Saturday, January 26 at 3:00 PM

Slavic Festival in Eugene, Oregon January 2008

Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya (artistic director Mikhail Smirnov) will be performing at the Slavic Festival in Eugene, Oregon from January 17 to January 20, 2008.

Schedule:

January 16, 2008. Barynya arrives to Eugene, Oregon.
January 17, 2008. Musical Play "Joyless Princess" Agate Hall 7:00pm
January 18, 2008. "Staf filled Russian Nights" Hult Center for the Performing Arts Eugene, OR 6pm
January 19, 2008. Slavic Festival 2008 Regional Sport Center (9am-12pm)
January 20, 2008. Slavic Festival 2008 Regional Sport Center (9am-8pm)
January 21, 2008. Barynya departs to New York

List of performers:

Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocal), singer Alexander Menshikov, violin virtuoso Sergey Ryabtsev,  Alex Siniavski (balalaika, Gypsy guitar),  Leonid Bruk  (balalaika-contrabass), dancers: Olga Chpitalnaia , Valentina Kvasova, Ganna Makarova, Mikhail Nesterenko, Andrij Cybyk, Stefan Kuziw 


more information, full size photos

           MORE PUBLIC CONCERTS OF ENSEMBLE BARYNYA

Legendary Gypsy singer Zhenya Shevchenko  and Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya. The Kaye playhouse, Hunter College, New York City.
Friday, January 25, 2008 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 3:00 PM
http://www.barynya.com/ad/jan2008.htm

 

Thank you!

Mikhail Smirnov
Ensemble Barynya

американская русская свадьба - balalaika scam

В середине июля 2007 года я получил электронное письмо от Джефа Хилтона (JEFF HILTON), организатора свадеб из штата Теннессии. Клиенты этого господина собирались пожениться в Мариетте (штат Джорджия) в воскресенье, 14 октября 2007 года. Жених и невеста желали порадовать своих гостей русскими танцами, песнями и игрой на балалайках. По словам мистера Хилтона, кто-то из знакомых порекомендовал ему наш ансамбль Бырыня как самую лучшую группу в Америке в этом жанре. Я подумал про себя, что этим знакомым нужно почаще бывать на свежем воздухе, но предложению порадовался.

Меня условно смутило, что устроитель свадеб писал слово “я” с маленькой буквы ("i"), а в конце письма не было у него длинной подписи с указанием вебсайта, телефона, факса, электронного ящика, чем всегда заканчиваются электронные послания людей такой профессии.

В субботу, 13 октября нас пригласила ассоциация любителей балалайки из Атланты (The Atlanta Balalaika Society) в качестве гостей принять участие в их большом концерте. 14 октября мы могли бы по пути остановиться на пару часов в Мариетте, там поиграть на коктейле с нашими музыкантами, Лешей Синявским и Лёней Бруком, потом сделать небольшое шоу с танцорами во время свадебного банкета, перекусить, и с песнями да плясками ехать обратно в Нью-Йорк. Всё как будто складывалось очень удачно.

Мы довольно часто выступаем на свадьбах, где жених или невеста имеют русские корни. На таких мероприятиях все гости обычно говорят по-английски, а балалайка контрабас вызывает у публики живейший интерес. Многие трогают инструмент за гриф и струны, а певец Саша Меньшиков при этом объясняет на своём безупречном английском, что только самые обеспеченные балалаечники могут себе позволить приобрести подобную вещицу.

В середине сентября я напомнил мистеру Хилтону про первоначальный взнос (deposit). Мы обычно берем 20 процентов от суммы вперед. Вскоре пришел ответ Джефа, что жених должен был срочно выехать за границу и заплатит мне всю сумму наличными незадолго до свадьбы. Я не стал спорить. Все артисты ансамбля Барыня очень любят наличные, поэтому-то они и перебрались в Америку..

читать дальше
http://garmoshka.livejournal.com/35815.html

yana brink, tatiana gorbachevskaya and eddy azzolino

Very talented couture Yana Brink invites you to the evening where Art meets fashion and photography. Yana Brink created for the program of the New York based ensemble Barynya ( http://www.barynya.com ) unique costumes for the dance of Russian Nobility called the "Daniel Cooper". Leo Tolstoy mentioned that dance in his book "WAR AND PEACE" (read more in the end of the post).

An evening of art and design featuring painting of Tatiana Gorbachevskaya ( http://www.tanya-art.net ),
one-of-a-kind garments by couture Yana Brink ( http://www.yanabrink.com ), and photography by Eddy Azzolino.

November 10th 6pm to 11pm
242 Tenth St, office 106, Jersey City
(the entrance is on Jersey Avenue, One minute from Holland Tunnel)

Yana Brink Couture
http://www.yanabrink.com

Yana Brink creates one-of-a-kind garments. She describes herself as an artist, whose medium is fabric. Why as an artist, not a fashion designer? Because all the garments she creates herself, using elaborate classic French dressmaking technique that had existed for centuries until the modern fashion industry developed simplified shortcuts. The technique features yards and yards of bastings, hand sewing and hours of pressing. Similar to paintings, each her garment represents a finished idea.

Yana derives her inspiration from different styles ranging from Art Deco to Goth Punk. Her philosophy is to create not just a pretty look but a character and a mood. She likes to create a garment which instantly tells a story about the personality who is wearing it before any words are spoken. No garment is ever duplicated, and the clothes are made to last.

Yana Brink received a master’s degree in applied mathematics in Russia. In addition to her technical degree she has always been interested in fashion. Having been sewing since early childhood, at the age of nineteen she started to take orders from private clients, designing and sewing one-of-a-kind garments while pursuing her full time studies at the university. Later she took private couture sewing classes and fashion design courses. Yana also has had a solo exhibition of her oil paintings in Russia.

Artist Tanya Gorbachevskaya
http://www.tanya-art.net

Tanya Gorbachevskaya was born in 1971 in the city of Priozersk
in Kazakhstan. From there, she moved first to Novosibirsk in Russia,
then to Kiev in Ukraine, and finally to Gomel in Belarus. In 1991,
she entered Gomel College at the Belarus Academy of Arts,
where she studied painting and fine arts. After completing her degree
with honors, she taught art history in the Gomel Irina Gymnasia.
Starting in 1997, Tatsiana worked as a color designer, managing wallpaper
design at the Gomel Wallpaper Enterprise. From 1997-2003,
she studied the History of World and National Culture at
The Belarus State University of Culture, defending her diploma
"European fashion of the 20th century" with honors. Since the
summer of 2003, she has been living and working in Kearny, New Jersey.



"Look at Papa!" shouted Natasha to the whole company, and quite forgetting that she was dancing with a grown-up partner she bent her curly head to her knees and made the whole room ring with her laughter.

And indeed everybody in the room looked with a smile of pleasure at the jovial old gentleman, who standing beside his tall and stout partner, Marya Dmitrievna, curved his arms, beat time, straightened his shoulders, turned out his toes, tapped gently with his foot, and, by a smile that broadened his round face more and more, prepared the onlookers for what was to follow. As soon as the provocatively gay strains of Daniel Cooper (somewhat resembling those of a merry peasant dance) began to sound, all the doorways of the ballroom were suddenly filled by the domestic serfs- the men on one side and the women on the other- who with beaming faces had come to see their master making merry.

"Just look at the master! A regular eagle he is!" loudly remarked the nurse, as she stood in one of the doorways.

The count danced well and knew it. But his partner could not and did not want to dance well. Her enormous figure stood erect, her powerful arms hanging down (she had handed her reticule to the countess), and only her stern but handsome face really joined in the dance. What was expressed by the whole of the count's plump figure, in Marya Dmitrievna found expression only in her more and more beaming face and quivering nose. But if the count, getting more and more into the swing of it, charmed the spectators by the unexpectedness of his adroit maneuvers and the agility with which he capered about on his light feet, Marya Dmitrievna produced no less impression by slight exertions- the least effort to move her shoulders or bend her arms when turning, or stamp her foot- which everyone appreciated in view of her size and habitual severity.

The dance grew livelier and livelier. The other couples could not attract a moment's attention to their own evolutions and did not even try to do so. All were watching the count and Marya Dmitrievna. Natasha kept pulling everyone by sleeve or dress, urging them to "look at Papa!" though as it was they never took their eyes off the couple. In the intervals of the dance the count, breathing deeply, waved and shouted to the musicians to play faster. Faster, faster, and faster; lightly, more lightly, and yet more lightly whirled the count, flying round Marya Dmitrievna, now on his toes, now on his heels; until, turning his partner round to her seat, he executed the final pas, raising his soft foot backwards, bowing his perspiring head, smiling and making a wide sweep with his arm, amid a thunder of applause and laughter led by Natasha. Both partners stood still, breathing heavily and wiping their faces with their cambric handkerchiefs.

"That's how we used to dance in our time, ma chere," said the count.

"That was a Daniel Cooper!" exclaimed Marya Dmitrievna, tucking up her sleeves and puffing heavily.

from "WAR AND PEACE" by Leo Tolstoy
posted by Mikhail Smirnov
5GRAND.US - Russian wedding band and dancers
http://www.5grand.us

Atlanta Balalaika Orchestra and ensemble Barynya concert October 13, 2007

A program of traditional Russian and Eastern European music by the ATLANTA BALALAIKA SOCIETY Balalaika Orchestra, featuring Ukrainian-born bayan (button accordion) soloist Alla Mulvehill from Alabama, and ensemble Barynya.

Saturday, October 13, 7:30 PM
Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell, GA 30075 phone: 404-325-2449
http://www.atlantabalalaika.com
$20

directions to Roswell Cultural Arts Center
http://www.roswellgov.com/index.php?p=385

Gypsy dance photo:

http://www.atlantabalalaika.com/images/Barynya-GypsyDance.jpg

Singer Sasha Menshikov photo with Barynya:

http://www.atlantabalalaika.com/images/SashaMenshikov.jpg

Ensemble Barynya performers:

Singer Sasha Menshikov
http://www.barynya.com/menshikov.htm

Mikhail Smirnov - garmoshka, guitar, vocals (artistic director,
founder)
http://www.barynya.com/misha.htm

Alex Siniavski - balalaika, Gypsy guitar (musical director)
http://www.barynya.com/alex.htm

dancer and choreographer Andrij Cybyk
http://www.barynya.com/barynya/cybyk.stm

dancer Natalia Ejova
http://www.barynya.com/barynya/ejova.htm


Other upcoming public performances of ensemble Barynya:
http://www.barynya.com/gigs.htm

October 16th, 2007, Tuesday. 9am and 10am. Plaza Elementary School
(gym). 501 Seaman Ave. North Baldwin, NY 11510. Dancers: Natalia Ejova
and Andrij Cybyk, Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals,
balalaika)

October 21, 2007. Westlake Clam & Chowder House. 382 West Lake Drive,
Montauk, NY 11954 Balalaika Duo.

November 3, Saturday, 2007. Cornwall Public Library. 60 miles north of
New York City, in the Hudson Valley. Pending

November 17th, 2007. Saturday. California Institute of Technology.
1200 East California Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91125. Full company

January 12-13, 2008. Eugene, Oregon. Slavic Festival.
full company

February 8, 2008, Friday. Petroushka Ball - fundraiser for the Russian
Children's Welfare Society. New York City. Barynya New York balalaika
orchestra. Pending.

February 12, 2008, 7pm. Naperville 95th Street Public Library. 3015
Cedar Glade Drive, Naperville, IL 60564. Trio

February 15, 2008, 9am. Elmwood Elementary School. 2319 N. 76th
Avenue; Elmwood Park, IL 60707. Trio

February 15, 2008, 5pm. John Mills School. 2824 N. 76th Avenue;
Elmwood Park, IL 60707. Trio.

Feb 28, 2008, thursday, Colorado college. 2 dancers, A.Siniavski,
M.Smirnov. pending.

March 29, 2008, Saturday, 10pm. Bat Mitzvah Party in Princess Chateau,
111 Route 46 West, Lodi, NJ 07644. Vitaly Verterich and Bottle dancers
USA. Private Party. Contract is pending.

June 28, 2008, Saturday. Barynya musicians and dancers (full company)
at Burlington County of New Jersey event. More info will be added when
available.

March 15 - April 7, 2009. Midwest spring tour. Pending

Gypsy Balalaikas go Hollywood Oct 6, 2007 in Reno, Nevada

Gypsy Balalaikas go Hollywood Oct 6, 2007 in Reno, Nevada
Nightingale Hall at the University of Reno, Nevada 7 p.m., Saturday,
October 6th, 2007


The Sierra Nevada Balalaika Orchestra
http://www.sierrabalalaika.org
will perform with:
International favorites, "GYPSY BOYS" - Misha Smirnov and Sasha
Menshikov from ensemble "Barynya" of New York:
http://www.barynya.com


Other guest musicians include:


Ari Nicolini - percussion,
Dan Nicolini - prima balalaika,
Peggy Propper - prima domra,
Bob Propper - bass domra,
Nina Tritenichenko - bayan:
http://www.barynya.com/ukrainian/nina.htm
Zhenya Tritenichenko - guitar, flute & percussion,
Kathleen Schwartzman - prima domra,
Judy Sherman and the Big Rock Balalaikas


Come listen to a lively medley of Gypsy music and, Hollywood show
tunes with a Russian flair.


- - - Guaranteed to be entertaining. - - -


more info at
http://www.sierrabalalaika.org/shows.html

Balalaika Russe album "Heart on the Snow" free mp3 download

free MP3 download of Balalaika music album "Heart On The Snow" by famous band "The Balalaika Russe" is available now from ensemble Barynya website
http://www.barynya.com/mp3/balalaika_russe.htm

The Balalaika Russe - Cabaret Balalaika Group

Since its inception in the early 1970's, the BALALAIKA RUSSE was the finest ensemble of its kind in the USA. This colorful sextet has performed from Washington to Maine and Europe, at such venues as society balls and affairs, at local church halls, outdoor concerts and festivals, weddings, club dates, and on the concert stage.

BILL MELICK (prima balalaika)
GARY NOVA (voice and guitar)
ALEXANDER ALEXANDROVICH (prima domra)
JUDY SHERMAN (alto balalaika)
ALAN ZEMEL (bass domra)
STEVE WOLOWNIK (bass balalaika)

The Balalaika Russe was the preferred band of the Russian nobility emigre society, performing at such functions as the Petrouchka Ball, the Nobility Ball, the Theological Ball, and at the Tolstoy Society.

AVAILABLE TRACKS:
01. Burn, Burn, Gypsy Love
02. The Beauty of Russia
03. My Dear Gypsies
04. My Dear Wore a Panama Hat
05. What's Grief to Me?
06. Ukrainian Folk Songs
07. Heart on the Snow
08. Candy and Cakes
09. Steve Got Drunk
10. The Ural Rowan Tree
11. "Springtime" Polka
12. The Cherry Tree
13. BallRoom Folk dance "Lezginka"
14. I Want to Love
15. Moscow Nights
16. The Embroidered Cloth
17. Sweetheart
18. Snowfall
19. The Peddler's Pack
20. Russian Tango Medley
21. Why Fall in Love?
22. "Caress" Waltz
23. Soldiers' Songs

Tracks from this recording are available to download for free for all members of a Russian dance, music and song ensemble BARYNYA group on Yahoo:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/barynya/

Mikhail Smirnov
Ensemble Barynya (New York)
http://www.barynya.com

Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya Ohio Tour 2007

Ensemble "Barynya" performed from July 17 to July 28, 2007 in Lakeside, Warren, Marietta, Jackson and Grandview Heights, Ohio. All performances were free and open to the public.

ENSEMBLE "BARYNYA" SUMMER 2007 OHIO TOUR PHOTOS
http://groups.google.com/group/Russian-folk-dance/web/03

Brooklyn Gypsy Cossacks rehearsal

Brooklyn Gypsy Cossacks or Ensemble BARYNYA rehearsal article written by Mikhail Smirnov for The Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) Newsletter

Brooklyn Gypsy Cossacks or Ensemble BARYNYA rehearsal

We decided to start the rehearsal around 6 pm in order to finish it by 8pm.
Singer Sasha Menshikov and I arrived around 6:15pm and we were the first ones there. There was a small delicatessen near the studio in Red Hook (part of Brooklyn). Sasha had an idea to buy some drinks, just in case. For some reason the store did not carry any Russian vodka and we bought some chips, nuts and Russian beer with meteorological name “BALTICA-3”.

On the way out we bumped into the dancer Mikhail Nesterenko and famous Leonid Bruk with his enormous contrabass balalaika by his side. As always, two of them were having a professional conversation about how to treat a common “Russian flu”. I overheard very familiar to every balalaika-player terms as “Alka-Seltzer” and “Rassol” (pickle water).


Ukrainian dancer Andrij Cybyk is known for always being on time. He showed up just 10 more minutes later. Everybody lighted up their cigarettes. We were waiting for the girl-dancers and violin-player.

I started to worry; when girls and violin-player are late together it could take quite a while (just like a notorious story that happened during a Slavic festival in Oregon last year).


While waiting for the girls, the conversation was mainly about them. However, just 15 minutes later, Olga, Ganna, and Viktoria brought a lot of “semi-fresh” rumors about the Russian community in Brooklyn. Surprisingly enough, the story that recently happened in the restaurant “CHINARA” was still quite popular.

From the roof of the studio there was a great view on the Lower Manhattan. Once again, everybody lighted up their cigarettes. Leonid Bruk offered to shoot our new video right there on the roof using his video camera that he has just obtained from local street gypsies.

Sasha Menshikov jokingly admited that he does not have the proper underwear for this video. Leonid reassured him however that sophisticated video-editing programs that are temporary in his possession may allow him to cover up all the bad moments, and everything else could be fixed with expensive special effects.

Sasha started to undress slowly while singing his favorite song “VODKA GLASSES” but at this moment choreographer and dancer Vitaliy Verterich showed up, cursing about New York Marathon and traffic.

For some time the conversation was about the upcoming Russian Nobility Ball and the Russian Nobility in general…

To avoid the conflict of versions during the show, at first no changes were made in “KAZACHOK” (Cossack dance) and “TSYGANSKY” (Gypsy dance). This would have been a right way to go but during the rehearsal new versions of the dances appeared to look better than the old ones.

Hospitable Ilja, the owner of the studio and a huge fan of our dancer Valentina Kvasova, offered the vine and other traditional Russian beverages. Sasha loved it, his voice started to sound clearer almost immediately; choreography finally began to look like a professional show.

Dancers lighted up their cigarettes again. Somebody threw my jacked out of the window. Violin player S. went to get it and came back two hours later claiming that he got lost. We went through the whole program once again without him.

Cossack singer Victoria Pichurova left with the dancers at eight o’clock sharp.

As soon as they left, balalaika player Alex Siniavski arrived with his Gypsy guitar. He briefly talked to the owner of the studio Ilia and Valentina the dancer, then, he talked a little more with the contrabass-balalaika guru Leonid Bruk, after that he headed back home. About 15 minutes later me and Menshikov decided to go back home to our Brighton Beach.

Long after that the neighbors of the studio-owner were still talking about the day when Russians were rehearsing next door. But to tell you the truth, there is not much to talk about…

Pictures from ensemble Barynya performance at the Russian Nobility Ball 2007
http://groups.google.com/group/rmda/web/02

Mikhail Smirnov, Artistic Director/Founder
Ensemble Barynya from New York
www.barynya.com

2007 ensemble Barynya upcoming performances

Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 10pm. Misha Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar), Lev Zabeginsky (balalaika) and Ruslan Khain on contrabass at The Russian Children's Welfare Society post-concert reception for soprano Anna Netrebko and baritone
Dmitri Hvorostovsky at the Carnegie Hall in New York City... more info

June 3-5, 2007. Casa Serena Hotel, Oxnard, CA. June 4th 9:10AM. Ensemble Barynya Russian dance and music showcase in Ojai, California. Dancers: A.Cybyk, N.Ejova, Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, balalaika, vocals)

Saturday, June 9th, 2007. Russian Balalaika Duo Alex Siniavski and Mikhail Smirnov 1 hour performance at the Annual International Day. Pearl S. Buck International. 520 Dublin Rd, Perkasie PA 18944

Tuesday, June 12, 2007, 8:30PM. Barynya dancers with klezmer show Bottle Dancers USA at the Jewish International Connection gala event "Passport to the World". Prince George Ballroom. 15 East 27th Street (between Fifth and Madison Avenues), New York City, New York

Saturday, June 23, 2007. 11:30PM Bottle Dancers at private party (Wedding).
Water's Edge. 44th Drive - East River, Long Island, NY 11101. Phone: (718) 482-0033

Sunday, June 24, 2007. Bottle Dancers at the private party in Brooklyn, New York. Pending

Sunday, July 3, 2007. Vassar in Poughkeepsie, New York

Sunday, July 3, 2007. Chicago, Illinois. 2 dancers, 3 musicians. Pending

July 6th, 2007 1:45PM. Barynya Russian Dance Camp. 2 dancers, one musicians. 91 S Orange Ave at Newark Academy. Livingstone, NJ

Monday, July 9th, 2007 at Bryn Mawr, Bryn Mawr, PA

Wednesday, July 11th - Sunday, July 15th, 2007. Singer Alexander Menshikov and Mikhail Smirnov (Russian garmoshka) at The Balalaika and Domra Association of America 29th Annual Convention. Luther College, Decorah, Iowa

Sunday, July 15th, 2007. One hour free public concert of Barynya Russian Band at the street fest in New Jersey. Pending

Ensemble "Barynya" is touring state of OHIO. July 16-July 30, 2007. Full company. More details will be posted soon.

Tusday, July 31, 2007. Princeton University, Princeton, NJ

Friday, August 3rd, 2007. Vineland, NJ. Full company. Pending

Monday, August 6th, 2007 1:30PM-3pm. Russian Balalaika Duo Alex Siniavski and Mikhail Smirnov at the Musikfest. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Tuesday, August 7th, 2007. 3pm-4:30pm. Russian Balalaika Duo Alex Siniavski and Mikhail Smirnov at the Musikfest. Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Saturday August 11, 2007 from 1pm to 4pm. Russian Balalaika Duo Alex Siniavski and Mikhail Smirnov. International Summer Music Series for Liberty Village Premium Outlets. One Church Street, Flemington, New Jersey 08822

August 11th-August 20th, 2007. Russian garmoshka player and singer Mikhail Smirnov at the Slavic Festival in Canada, Quebeck

Saturday, September 1st 2007. Milford, PA

Friday, September 7, 2007. showcasing at the Midwest Arts Conference. Columbus, OH

Sunday, September 9th, 2007. Russian Mosaic Festival. Penns Landing, Philadelphia, PA. One hour music program, brake, two hours full lenght concert. Full company. 6 dancers, 3 musicians and singer. Pending

Thursday, September 27, 2007. Showcasing at the Performing Arts Exchange, Louisville, KY

Thursday, September 28, 2007. Showcasing at the Performing Arts Exchange, Louisville, KY

Friday, October 12, 2007. Rehearsal with The Atlanta Balalaika Society. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest Street, Roswell, GA 30075

Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forest Street, Roswell, Georgia 30075. M.Smirnov (garmoshka, balalaika, vocals), A.Siniavski (balalaika, Gypsy guitar), dancers: V.Kvasova, A.Cybyk

Barynya full company tour in Mexico. Pending

Thursday, November 1th, 2007. San Diego, CA. Two musicians, two dancers. Pending

Thursday, November 8th, 2007. Nampa, ID. Full company. Pending

November 17th, 2007. California Institute of Technology. 1200 East California Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91125. Full company. Pending

January 12-13, 2008. Eugene, Oregon.
Slavic Festival

January 23-26th, 2008. IPAY Showcase in Tampa Bay, Florida

Russian dance, food, music May 26 2007 Ostin, TX 7pm

For Immediate ReleaseMarch 15, 2007Russian Speakers SocietyContact Luda Voskov512-442-4016 lvoskov@austin.rr.com

The Master Music Concert. We are proud to announce the Russian Spring Fest concert.
The concert “Russian Spring Fest”, presented by Russian Speakers Society, will be held on May 26, 2007 7:00 PM at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover Ave., Austin, Texas The concert will feature three outstanding Russian groups, Kalinka, Flying Balalaika Brothers, and Russian Folk Dance Ensemble – “Uzori”. A sumptuous array of Russian cuisine will be provided by Sasha’s Gourmet Russian Market and Cafй.

Admission for this concert/reception is $25. Ticket information: 512-459-1449 The concert will appeal to lovers of all styles of music and is for all ages. The artists are the best interpreters of that kind of music. The concert is supported with funding from the Cultural Contracts Division of the City of Austin, Texas Commission on the Art and The Non Profit Center. The group, Kalinka, features two Russian virtuoso musicians, Sergey Vashchenko, on balalaika, and Vladimir Kaliazine, on bayan. The European award-winning and 2004 Grammy Award Contenders have been performing together for almost twenty years throughout Europe and the United States. They have played with symphonies, chamber groups, and as soloists, interpreting both traditional Russian folk music and popular classical music. Among other awards, Mr. Vashchenko won first place in the 1980 Ukrainian Russian Folk Instrumental Competition, and Mr. Kaliazine was concertmaster for the Folk Dance Ensemble of Siberia. Before moving to the Texas , duo was awarded numerous prizes in Germany , France , and Spain.

The Flying Balalaika Brothers, a local Austin band, have been together for almost two years and feature Zhenya Kolykhanov, Sergey Vashchenko, and Aleksander Kuznetzov. Their music has been labeled Russian folk meets American bluegrass. They have performed for schools and local festivals including the Kerrville Folk Festival and the Pecan Street Festival. Formally of the Red Elvises, Zhenya’s music has been featured in numerous Hollywood Movies and television series, and with his other group ZeeGrass performs in clubs throughout the United States and Europe . He is the groups’ composer and lead singer. His talent as a composer and improviser is combined with Mr. Vashchenko’s extensive skills as a folk musician, conductor, and arranger. Aleksander Kusznetzov, a rising star in the world of music, will amaze you with his talents on double-bass. Together, their music will make you want to get out of your seats and dance!

The name “Uzori”, chosen by the ensemble’s Artistic Director, Yelena Kochourova, from St. Petersburg, is taken from a Russian word meaning “intricate decorations’, such as those found on traditional folk costumes. The ensemble captures both the grace and fire of Russian dance. Uzori is the first Russian dance ensemble to be formed in Houston and present dances of Russia , Ukraine , and Eastern Europe . The company maintains an active schedule of public and private performances, which include the “Russian Day” celebration at NASA and the preview reception for the exhibit “Kremlin Gold” at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
For more information, please contact Mr. Vashchenko at 512-420-0574 or Balalaika@sbcglobal.net

posted by Mikhail Smirnov
http://www.smirnov.org

Russian Nobility Ball 2007 Ensemble Barynya photos

http://google.com/group/rmda/web/02

репетиция ансамбля Барыня

... начать решили в шесть вечера, чтобы в восемь уже разъехаться по домам...

Мы с Меньшиковым приехали в 6:15 и оказались первыми. Рядом со студией в бруклинском Ред Хуке был маленький деликатессен. Сашка предложил на всякий случай взять что-то попить. Русской водки в магазинчике не было, пришлось ограничиться фисташками и пивом с метеорологическим названием "БАЛТИКА-3".

На выходе столкнулись с танцовщиком М.Нестеренко и басистом Леонидом Б. Они как всегда вели профессиональный разговор о том, как правильно лечиться от "русского недомогания". В их беседе слышались знакомые каждому балалаечнику термины "рассол" и "алкаселтцер".

Минут через десять появился и А.Ц., который как известно никогда никуда не опаздывает. Все закурили. Ждали девочек и скрипача, но их всё не было. Я было начал беспокоиться: когда девочки опаздывают вместе со скрипачем, это может быть надолго (известный случай в Орегоне).

Пока не было девушек, разговор в основном шел именно о них, но уже через полчаса Оля, Ганна и Вичка привезли ворох несвежих бруклинских сплетен. Оказывается, история случившаяся в ресторане "Чинара" до сих пор была в моде.
Решили медленно подыматься.

С крыши студии нижний Манхеттен был как на ладони. По этому случаю многие снова закурили. Брук предложил снять прямо на крыше новый клип "ансамбля" Барыня на свою свеже-купленную у цыган видео-камеру. Певец Меньшиков пожаловался, что не готов к съёмкам, так одел не то бельё. Лёня успокоил его, что на видео-editing программах, временно находящихся в его распоряжении, можно многое приукрасить, а остальное замазать дорогими спецэффектами. Напевая "СТАКАНЬЧИКИ ГРАНЁНЫЕ", Саша начал раздеваться, но тут, проклиная нью-йоркский марафон, пришел хореограф Виталий Вертерич...

Недолго, но уважительно поговорили о предстоящем русском дворянском бале и самих дворянах.


В "Казачке" сначала решили ничего не менять, чтобы не запутаться. Время показало, что это было бы верным ходом, но на репетиции новые варианты цыганского и казачьго танцев выглядели убедительнее старых.

Хозяин студии и поклонник Валентины Квасовой предложил вина и другие традиционные русские напитки. Голоса сразу зазвучали ярче, а хореография обрела долгожданную концертную форму. Кто-то выбросил из окна мою куртку. Все закурили.

Прошли всю программу ещё один раз. Ровно в восемь певица Вичка с танцорами уехала, а вместо них приехал из Филадельфии балалаечник Алеша Синявский со своей цыганской гитарой . Он немного пошептался с Бруком, с Меньшиковым, с хозяином, с Валицей, со скрипачом, и был таков.

Через минут 15 поехали к себе на Брайтон и мы с Меньшиковым.

А соседи хозяина студии ещё несколько лет потом вспоминали, как у них в доме репетировали "русские", хотя, сказать по правде, вспоминать-то особо было нечего...

Mikhail Smirnov, Founder/Artistic Director
New York based ensemble "Barynya"
Russian, Gypsy, Cossack, Klezmer and Ukrainian music and dance
web: http://www.barynya.com
********************
It's Barynya Time!

Russian Nobility Ball May 11th, 2007 New York City

Russian Nobility Ball May 11th, 2007 New York City

Friday, May 11th. 2007. Annual Easter Russian Nobility Ball at the Grand Ball Room of "The Pierre Hotel"

Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, New York City, New York.

The cocktail hour starts at 7:30pm. Barynya musicians and Sergey Riabtsev (violin)

Ensemble Barynya program will start around 9:45pm.

We will perform Cossack song and dance (band, singers and dancers)
Russian Gypsy traditional songs "Dark Eyes" and "Three Lanes"
(Pichurova, Menshikov and band)
Russian Gypsy dance and song "Two Guitars" (band and dancers)Gypsy
Violin Extravaganza (Sergey Riabtsev and band)
balalaika solo (Alex Siniavski)

Barynya performers:Musicians: Sergei Riabtsev (violin), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar,vocals), Alex Siniavski (Gypsy guitar, balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Singers: Viktoria Pichurova and Alexander Menshikov, Dancers: Vitaly Verterich, Misha Nesterenko, Andrij Cybyk, Ganna Makarova, Olga Chpitalnaia, Valentina Kvasova

Ensemble Barynya singers, musicians and dancers

Barynya's director and founder, MIKHAIL SMIRNOV "Misha", recieved his Master's degree in folk chorus conducting from the Moscow State Academy of Culture and Arts. As a child, Mikhail was a member of the famous "Moscow Boys Chorus" - one of the most prestigious all-male choirs in Russia. Before coming to the United States in 1991, Mikhail was a choirmaster in a several Russian folk groups, soloist with the Moscow State Center for Russian Song, "Russkaya Pesnya", under the direction of Nadezhda Babkina. While studying in Moscow, Mikhail followed his passion for Russian folk song by traveling to many different regions of Russia such as Tver, Smolensk, Belgorod, and Don River to collect Russian folklore at its sourse. Songs, melodies, lyrics, and tunes change from village to village, even those as close as a couple of miles apart. In these folklore expeditions, he recorded over 100 hours of Russian folk music. Mikhail has incorporated much of this original material into his ensemble's repertoire. In addition to being a trained singer, Misha is adept on a variety of Russian folk instruments including balalaika, guitar, zhaleika, kugikly, balalaika-contrabass, svirel, and gusli. However, his favorite instrument remains the garmoshka, the small button accordion used in Russian folk music.

The group's musical director, Alex Siniavski "Alyosha", is an acclaimed balalaika and Gypsy guitar virtuoso. Alex graduated with honors from the Leningrad State Musical Conservatory. Prior to his arrival in the United States in 1992, he was a soloist with the Andreev State Symphonic Balalaika Ensemble, one of the most prestigious musical groups in the former USSR. Alyosha has toured throughtout the United States, the former Soviet Unioun, Europe and America, appeared on the television and radio in Russia, America and Africa. A respected teacher as well as a performer, Alex Siniavski has produced the first balalaika instructional course on DVD.

Acclaimed New York based contrabass balalaika player, Leonid Bruk was born in Leningrad, Russia. He graduated from music school as a bass guitarist and performed with many different groups. When he arrived in the United States in 1989 he became deeply attracted to the bass balalaika and balalaika contrabass. In 2000, he founded his own Russian folk music trio, "The Brooklyn Balalaikas", and has played with various folk groups including "Russian Carnaval" and "Barynya" and soon became known for his expertise in Russian traditional music.

Alexander Menshikov "Sasha" is considered to be one of the best performers in Russian Gypsy style in New York. He is a professional singer with many years of experience. Alexander is a native of the small town Bugulma, now Republic of Tatarstan. He studied singing in The Gnesin Academy of Russian Music in Moscow, Russia. In 1990 he performed in the Russian television show "Step to Parnas," which is similar to "American Idol" in the United States. Before he immigrated to the United States in 1992, Sasha was a rising star in Russia. His 1991 album released by Gala Records in Moscow ("My Dear Russia") is still widely available in record stores throughout Russia. The website www.Esenin.ru (dedicated to famous Russian poet Sergey Esenin) selected Sasha as the best singer of Esenin's lyrics. Alexander Petrovich Menshikov performed with ensemble Barynya for the first time in 1996.

Choreographer and dancer VITALY VERTERICH was born in 1967 in Sevastopol, Ukraine. He graduated from the Kiev Ballet School in 1986 and from Moscow Academy of Art in 1992. After performing as Principal Dancer with the National Folk Dance Company “Beriozka” for four years, he joined Russian Chamber Ballet Theatre “Moskva,” where he danced solo roles in both classical and contemporary ballets. At the same time, Mr. Verterich was often invited to perform as guest artist with the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kirov Ballet, and other Russian and international companies. In 1998, Mr. Verterich was offered the position of Principal Dancer with the Moscow Folk Ballet in the world’s hottest show that year - “Riverdance the Show” - created by Michael Flatley. After two years of intense touring in Europe, Australia, Canada, and America, the show took over the Gershwin Theatre on Broadway. It was renamed “Riverdance on Broadway” and Mr. Verterich accepted the position of Principal Dancer. Mr. Verterich is currently works with the New Jersey Ballet and is a resident faculty member at Valentina Kozlova’s Dance Conservatory of New York. Vitaly has joined ensemble Barynya in 2003.

Dance Captain Valentina Kvasova "Valeetsa" was born in Russia, in the city of Rostov-na-Donu, Cossack' s Capital of Russia, on August 25, 1976. After finishing of the formal education in Voronezh Choreographic School in 1994 she has been invited to The Don Cossacks State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble as the actress of ballet. Valentina Kvasova equally manages roles of lyrical, playful or comic characters. The dynamical, bright, sociable, talented person, Valentina is having recognition among professionals. Valeetsa has joined Russian folk dance and music ensemble Barynya in 2004 as a dancer and singer. In 2005 she has become a dance captain and choreographed a few dance numbers.

Russian folk dancer Olga Chpitalnaia from Brooklyn, New York has made the United States her home in 1992. She performed with Ukrainian Dance State Ensemble “Slavutich” and the “Russian song and dance ensemble of the Black Sea Navy Sailors”. Olga Chpitalnaia has joined ensemble Barynya in 2003.

Born in Odessa, Ukraine Ganna Makarova began her dance training at the world-renowned Moiseyev Dance Studio. After completing her training at the Moscow Academy of Performing Arts, she performed with a top Moscow theatre company and starred in several major motion pictures. In 1992, Ganna came to America and succeeded in graduating Magna Cum Laude from Long Island University. In 2001, she realized her dream of performing with Riverdance on Broadway. Ganna also toured with the Riverdance national tour and was a company member for five years with All Nations Dance Company. Ganna Makarova performed with ensemble Barynya for the first time in 1993.

Ukrainian folk dancer and choreographer ANDRIJ CYBYK is the only American born member of "Barynya". Of Ukrainian heritage, he began his training in the Cleveland area studying Ukrainian and Character dance with David Wozniak and Markian Komichak in the ensemble Kashtan and Ballet at the University of Akron Conservatory of Dance. When he was a teen, Mr. Wozniak took Andrij to his first Dance Camp with Roma Pryma Bohachevsky. Two years later, he began attending her Dance Workshop at Verkhovyna, a training ground for the best Ukrainian Character dancers in North America and was invited to perform with Syzokryli, New York based Ukrainian dance ensemble. Andrij attended Duquesne University and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in Psychology and Philosophy. While at Duquesne, he broadened his dance training and experience by performing over 360 shows with the Duquesne University Tamburitzans. In the Tamburitzans, he had the opportunity to study with some of the world’s greatest masters of Eastern European Folk dance including Vasillii Mountian, Dimiter Manov, Zelco Jergan, Elaina Lindtnerova-Kraslakova, Zoltan Zurawski and Dragan Kovacevic. After graduating the ensemble and spending yet another of many summers dancing for and assisting Roma Pryma Bohachevsky, Andrij went to Ukraine and attended the Virsky School of Academic Ukrainian Folk Dance in Kyiv, Ukraine. He graduated with the title Artist of Ballet and returned to the United States. He now lives in New York City and pursues dancing full time. He has been featured as a guest artist and principal dancer for the following dance companies: Anglo-American Ballet Company, Brighton Ballet Theater, Connecticut Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, Shore Ballet Company, Michael Mao Dance, Nai Ni Chen Dance Company, and the ALLNATIONS Dance Company. He has also been a guest artist at numerous schools and for several occasions, including the Times Square Millennium Celebration.

Russian folk dancer Mikhail Nesterenko specializes in character dance as well as ballet. He has graduated from Voronezh Dance Academy in Russia and has worked for various dance companies in Russia including Rhythm Planet under direction of Boris Sankin (former first cast of famous Moyeseev Russian Folk Ensemble). Mikhail’s inborn talent was recognized very early and he was a winner of numerous junior dance competitions. In 1995 Mikhail Nesterenko toured all over Europe with the Dance group MVO, and in 1996 he joined renown Bim-Bom Dance Group and Lovushkin Circus and Folk Dance Company. Between 1997 and 1999 Mr. Nesterenko performed with Lovushkin Group at Cypress Gardens, Florida. Mikhail also performed Russian Trepak in the Nutcracker with the well-known Florida Dance Theater and featured as a principal dancer of the Niel Goldberg’s Cirgue at the Acuff Theater, Nashville, TN. In 2000 Mikhail Nesterenko was invited to perform with the United Art Corporation in New York as a soloist of Pototsky Dance Group, one of the first and most recognized Russian folk shows in the East Coast. Mikhail’s acrobatic skills and knowledge of Russian folklore enjoyed outstanding reviews. Mikhail started to perform with New York based Russian folk dance and music ensemble Barynya in 2004.

Barynya's vocal soloist VICTORIA PICHUROVA was born in Rostov on the Don. She is a former soloist with the Don Cossack State Ensemble and is one of the finest performers of traditional Cossack songs. Equally at home with Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, and Gypsy folk songs, Victoria Pichurova's repertoire includes wide range of different genres: historical, lyrical, wedding ceremony, the Russian epics called bylina, romances, dance-songs, and chastushki. Many songs in her repertoire are 200 and 300 years old. Victoria performed with "Barynya" for the first time in 2005.

z

Женя Шевченко легендарная исполнительница цыганских романсов

Фильм о Жене Шевченко "Zhenya! The Singing Legend" ("Женя! Поющая легенда") содержит интервью 2006 года в квартире певицы, интервью 2006 года в центральном парке в Манхеттене, а также видео с двух выступлений Жени Шевченко с нью-йоркским ансамблем Барыня (директор и основатель Михаил Смирнов).

Женя Шевченко благодарит всех, кто принимал участие в записи и создании этого проекта:

Музыканты: Лев Забежинский (балалайка), Шломо Лейдерман (фортепьяно), Геннадий Гуткин (баян), Алексей Синявский (балалайка, гитара), Михаил Смирнов (гармошка, гитара), Леонид Брук (балалайка контрабас), Сергей Рябцев (скрипка), Валерий Жмуд (скрипка), Руслан Хаин (контрабас); певцы: Сергей Побединский, Александр Меньшиков, Василий Янкович; танцоры ансамбля Барыня: Валентина Квасова, Ольга Шпитальная, Ганна Макарова, Виталий Вертерич, Михаил Нестеренко, Андрий Цыбик, Илья Панкратов, Наталья Ежова; камера: Александр Фейгин, костюмы: Светлана Гаврилова

Особая благодарность Алексею Синявскому ("As-Is Recording and Video Studios") и Михаилу Смирнову, продюссеру, основателю и руководителю ансамбля Барыня

order:
http://www.barynya.com/mp3/zhenia.htm

Daniel Cooper dance from "War and Peace" by Tolstoy

Somebody just sent me this question, if a dance that appears early in
the novel and movie "War and Peace" by Tolstoy is real, and if so,
what are its origins?

The dance is called the "Daniel Cooper". It certainly does not sound
Russian. Do you know anything about this, or do you have suggestions
about who could have information about this?

Thank you

Mikhail Smirnov
Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya
http://www.barynya.com

It was a dangerous time for music in 1948 when Shostakovich was
completing his First Violin Concerto-during Stalin's regime, a month
after the notorious Zhdanov Decrees had censured the composer for
"bourgeois, formalist deviations." When he and other composers were
summoned before Zhdanov 's conference, his works were deemed to appeal
to "foreign bandits and imperialists." Still, it would be seven years
before the dedicatee, David Oistrakh, courageously premiered the
Violin Concerto. Two months later, he joined the New York Philharmonic
for its U.S. premiere. From ominous Nocturne to spectacular Burlesque,
it has become not only a virtuoso vehicle for the soloist but a
masterpiece for all time. Lisa Batiashvili, violinist, born in
Tbilisi , Georgia , will perform this demanding piece.


Join host Peter Schickele in an entertaining and insightful commentary
and musical examples to help you enjoy Shostakovich's "First Violin
Concerto" even more. A complete performance by the New York
Philharmonic follows.
Sakari Oramo, Conductor
Lisa Batiashvili, violinist
Peter Schickele, host


Shostakovich's "First Violin Concerto", Wednesday, April 11th at
6:45pm At Avery Fisher Hall
Tickets $24-$60
For information or tickets, visit
http://www.nyphil.org/insidethemusic3
or call 212-875-5656


Mikhail Smirnov
Ensemble Barynya
http://www.barynya.com