Saturday, May 26, 2007, 7 PM, at First Unitarian Universalist Church (4700 Grover Avenue, Austin TX 78756)
The concert “Russian Spring Fest”, presented by Russian Speakers Society, will be held on May 26, at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover Ave., 7:00 PM. The concert will feature three outstanding Russian groups, Kalinka, Flying Balalaika Brothers, and Russian Folk Dance Ensemble – “Uzori”. An array of Russian cuisine will be provided by Sasha’s Gourmet Russian Market and Cafe.
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
Advance Tickets at Sasha`s Gourmet Russian Market and Cafe, 7817 Rockwood Ln.,Tel: 512-459-1449.
