Album Notes

Since the formation of the Washington Balalaika Society in 1988, a six-member subset of the popular WBS orchestra has performed as a Russian folk ensembles at venues throughout the Washington, DC area. The roster of ensemble members has evolved over time to the present sextet, which has been together since 2003.
Svetlana Nikonova, prima domra and artistic director, Vladimir Zakharevich, bayan and Andrei Saveliev, prima balalaika, met in the 1990s in St. Petersburg, Russia while pursuing their musical studies at the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory. Evgenia (Zhenya) Tochenaya, tenor domra, is from Kiev, Ukraine and emigrated to the U.S. in 1993. All of these talented artists now perform with the Washington Balalaika Society -- Svetlana as conductor, Zhenya as concertmistress and Andrei and Vladimir as featured soloists. Frances Fite, alto balalaika, and Maxwell McCullough, contrabass balalaika, are two of the founders of the WBS and have been with the ensemble since its inception.
This CD was produced with gratitude for the shared fellowship of many years with a group of extraordinary musicians who have also been extraordinary friends. It's a carefully selected program of music, both folk and light classics, which our audiences have embraced over the years -- and which showcases both the individual and collective talents of the members. We hope you enjoy listening.