THE Sydney Balalaika Orchestra will once again crowd onto the Putty Hall stage this month to perform in front of adoring fans.
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Local resident Martha Babineau, playing the domra, is one of 25 members of the orchestra, who’ll provide the entertainment on Saturday, March 21.
The Sydney Balalaika Orchestra, with its authentic folk instruments and traditional Russian costumes, takes audiences on an unforgettable journey to the heart and soul of Russia.
Musical director Victor Serghie’s and cimbalom player Lucy Voronov’s arrangements of classic Russian folk songs and orchestral pieces are simply breathtaking in their beauty, power and expression.
Inspired by Serghie’s free and easy banter, which builds a bridge of friendship between the performers and the audience, the 20-plus orchestra and singers are an eclectic mixture of many cultures (Armenian, Australian, Belorussian, Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, Irish, Russian, Scottish, Serbian and Ukrainian).
They are united by their passion for the true Russian folk music – several soloists are acknowledged virtuosos on their instruments.
Along with regular performances in and around Sydney, the orchestra has performed in association with Musica Viva, at many major folk music festivals, tours interstate and has performed by invitation in China last year as well as in Russia on three occasions.
The Sydney Balalaika Orchestra released its first CD, Old Linden Tree, which was an outstanding success.
This led to a contract with ABC Radio to release the CD under ABC Classics label.
Their second offering, Mail Troika, was released in 2004 followed by Dawn of Russia in June 2007, Rassipuha in May 2010 and Russian Tapestries in 2014.
Mark the date, March 21, into your social calendar.
Putty Hall will open its doors from 6pm, with a dinner – beef stroganoff, vegetable ratatouille, rice and bread roll – at 6.30pm.
The concert begins at 7.30 and is scheduled to finish at 8.45pm.
Costs: dinner, concert, tea, coffee, Poppa or soft drink - $35 adults, $15 children under-16 and $90 family (two adults, two children under-16); or concert, tea, coffee, Poppa or soft drink - $25 adults, $10 children under-16 and $60 family $60.
Seats will be allocated in order of bookings. Phone Kathy McKenzie on 6579 7047 as there are limited tickets at door.
