Balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. She is the daughter of the 2003 Pushkin Prize-winning author L'ev Fyodorovich Karokhin and Galina Savich. Lina (Elina L'vovna) began her formal training at the Mussorgsky Music College of St. Petersburg and continued her training at N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, earning a degree as an Orchestra Soloist. She continued her training at the Conservatory, which included a brief residency in Germany. After, she returned to her native St. Petersburg and completed her education, earning a Doctor of Musical Art degree in the Balalaika. Following her graduation, she began working as a musician, both as a teacher and as a performer, teaching balalaika. In 1994 Elina was one of the winners of international competition "Kubok Severa" of folk musicians in Cherepovets, Russia. In 1996 she won the First Place of Troyanovsky's Competition of musicians performing on traditional instruments in St. Petersburg (Russia). Elina was invited as a special guest for the Gloden Ring of Russia 1993 Balalaika and Domra Association of America convention. She shared the stage with Alexander Tsygankov, Valeriy Zazhigin and Mikhail Sheikhman for the concerts at the "Rossia" Concert Hall in Moscow (Московский концертный зал "Россия") and at the Saint Petersburg's State Capella (Государственная академическая капелла). Elina Karokhina (Russian: Элина Львовна Карохина) served in the Russian Army in the Military Ensemble in the Northwest Order of Red Stars. As a balalaika soloist Elina has toured all over the world. When she moved to the United States in 2009 she founded and performed with Boston Russian Music Duo. Currently she is a musicial director and soloist with the biggest professional Russian music, song and dance ensemble Barynya based in New York, USA. She performs solo, with the NY Balalaika Duo, Brooklyn Balalaikas Trio, Barynya Balalaika Orchestra, NYC Klezmer Band, wedding band 5grand, and some other groups and ensembles. In January 2015 Elina Karokhina was selected to perform the balalaika part with Mariinsky Theatre directed by famous Russian conductor Valery Gergiev in Rodion Shchedrin's opera "The Enchanted Wanderer" at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. In May 2016 she was hired to play six concerts at the Carnegie Hall in New York City as a part of "THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE" international event. In September 2016 he appeared at the Carnegie Hall again as a part of Moscow Gypsy Army representing rich musical culture of Eastern Europian Roma people. In January 2017 Elina was hired to play Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh" Suite at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. with the National Symphony Orchestra. All four performances were under direction of world-famous conductor Sir Mark Elder. In July 2018 Elina was selected to perform as a Honored Guest Artist during Balalaika and Domra Association of America 40th Jubilee Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In October 2019 Elina Karokhina with other members of Barynya ensemble performed several shows during Emirates-Russian Week at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Elina Karokhina is one of the most notable graduates of the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory
Elina Karokhina is listed between George Balanchine and Sergei Diaghilev on the list of the top most notable graduates of the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
With Anthony Thistlethwaite (formerly of “The Waterboys") -
“All The Way” and “Welcome to the White Nights” on the album “Crawfish and Caviar”, recorded 10/95 (Demon Records) in St Petersburg Russia with special guest Mick Taylor, formerly of the Rolling Stones.
Barynya - Elina Karokhina & Barynya. Balalaika music album, 2010
Izba Trio- self-titled CD, 2007
Russian Army Order of the Northwest Red Stars- “Songs of Russian Heroic Fame”
Kupola Folk Ensemble- self-titled CD
State Russian Concert Orchestra of St. Petersburg- self-titled CD, 2003
Nadir Mamedoff - “My Russia”, toured/recorded CD as a member of his backing musical trio “Troika”.
Three performances with the National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center, Washington D.C.
Three concerts with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington D.C. Exact address of Kennedy Center: 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C. 20566. Elina played the balalaika part in Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh" under direction of world-famous conductor Sir Mark Elder.
Carnegie Hall in New York City
Balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina performed six concerts at the Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 23rd, 24th, and 27th, 2016 as a soloist of "The Orchestra Rocks" production. Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute brought together thousands of New York City students and teachers for annual "Link Up" concerts, featuring the Orchestra of St. Luke's, choir and three opera singers.
Concert with Mariinsky Theatre at BAM in Brooklyn, New York
On January 14, 2015 ensemble Barynya's musical director and balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina performed Rodion Shchedrin's opera "The Enchanted Wanderer" at the BAM - Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York - with Mariinsky Theatre from St. Petersburg, Russia. Musical direction of the opera "The Enchanted Wanderer" was done by famous Russian conductor Valery Gergiev who led the Mariinsky Opera in that performance of Rodion Shchedrin’s rarely staged musical treasure, based on the story by Nikolai Leskov.
On January 14, 2015 Elina Karokhina was selected to performed balalaika part with Mariinsky Theatre from St. Petersburg, Russia in Rodion Shchedrin's opera "The Enchanted Wanderer" at the BAM - Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Some photos and video from Shchedrin’s rarely staged musical treasure, based on the story by Nikolai Leskov are available on Barynya website
video
Performance with the Washington Balalaika Orchestra
In the end of November 2021 Elina was invited as a soloist and balalaika prima of the Washington Balalaika Orchestra for two performances in Virginia and Maryland. The WBS (Washington Balalaika Orchestra) is a community-based orchestra of more than fifty musicians with a mixture of amateur and professional training. Conductor Svetlana Nikonova.
Saturday, October 20th, 2018, 7:30 pm. Balalaika Trio with Atlanta Balalaika Orchestra led by David Cooper in concert titled "An Evening of Music and Song From Slavic Lands" at the Avondale First Baptist Church, 27 Covington Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002. "Vinyat Menya V Narodye" (Винят меня в народе) - arrangement Alexander Shalov.
Emirates-Russian Week, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Musicians of Barynya ensemble provided several thirty minute performances during Emirates-Russian Week at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Billions, the Showtime series at restaurant Tatiana on Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York
Musicians of ensemble Barynya - balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, contrabass balalaika player Leonid Bruk, and guitar player Alex Efeemenko at the filming of the scene of Billions (ep. 309, 310), the Showtime series at the Russian restaurant Tatiana on Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York on Monday, February 5th 2018. In that episode John Malkovich was playing a role of a murderous Russian oil oligarch named Grigor Andalov. The musicians of Barynya ensemble played a role of Russian musicians.
click images above to see more photos
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
On Saturday, July 16th, 2022 musicians and dancers of ensemble Barynya - Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Alisa Egorova, Valentina Kvasova, Alexandr Rudoy - performed 30 minutes show for adoptees ages 8-21, and their families during Russian Adoption Reunion 2022 event that took place at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, 5875 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ONTARIO L2G 3K7, Canada. There were adoptees from Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan and China. Totasl guests count: 250. The program included "Korobushka", "Kalinka", "Valenkee" ("Woolen Boots"), "Mardzhandzha", "Hopak", "Dark Eyes", "The Moon Is Shining Brightly" and "Bottle Dance" based on the "Fiddler On The Roof".
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov performed a program of Russian and Russian-Gypsy traditional music during Svet Ministries Event at the Koinonia Christian Fellowship in Bloomingdale, Canada on Saturday, October 26, 2019 . Performance took place at the Koinonia Christian Fellowship, 850 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0, Canada.
On Monday, December 18th, 2017 Balalaika Trio and folk dancers of Barynya ensemble performed during corporate event in Lithuania. It was high-class New Year's celebration produced by professional team of top people in the industry.
"From Russians With Love", Concert with Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Gaillard Center, Charleston, South Carolina
On Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 Elina Karokhina, and Mikhail Smirnov performed joined concert titled "FROM RUSSIANS WITH LOVE" with Charleston Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Yuriy Bekker. Program of performance: Dmitri Shostakovich Festive Overture, Op. 96, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky “ Polonaise ” from Eugene Onegin, Sergei Rachmaninoff's Vocalise, Modest Mussorgsky, (arr. Nikolai Rimsky - Korsakov) Night on Bald Mountain, Stravinsky's Firebird Infernal Dance Berceuse Finale, Aram Khachaturian's “Sabre Dance“ from Gayane, Nikolai Rimsky - Korsakov “Flight of the Bumble Bee” from Tale of Tsar Saltan, Russian Folk Song "Oche Chiornie" (Dark Eyes), arr. Carmen Dragon, Lionel Bart, arr. John Bachalis “ From Russia With Love “ from James Bond: From Russia With Love, Maurice Jarre, arr. Bill Holcombe “Laura’s Theme” from Dr. Zhivago, Russian Folk Song "Kalinka", Russian Folk Song "Kamarinskaiya", Russian Folk Song "Valenki", Russian Folk Song "Korobushka", Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky “Finale” from Symphony No . 4 in F minor, Op. 36. All instrumental numbers were performed by Elina and MIkhail on guitar, and the traditional Russian instruments balalaika and garmoshka. After the performance conductor Yuriy Bekker, tenor Edward Brennan, Mikhail and Elina stepped into the lobby of the beautuful Charleston Gaillard Center to sign concert posters and take photos with people who attended the performance. Exact address of the venue: 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Recording of ensemble Barynya promo-video. Kings Bay YM-YWHA, Brooklyn, New York
On Friday, September 11th, 2020 dancers, singers and musicians of Barynya, Russian dance, song and music ensemble had a rehersal and session of video recording at the Kings Bay YM-YWHA - a Jewish community center and proud partner of UJA-Federation of New York - located at 3495 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11229. Cast of Barynya on that day included Simona Zhukovsky (dancer), Valentina Kvasova (dancer, vocals), Olga Chpitalnaia (dancer), Olga Yeliseyeva (dancer), Alexander Rudoy (dancer), Vladimir Nikitin (dancer), Konstantin Tulinov (dancer), Danila Sherstobitov (dancer), Leonid Bruk (contrabass-balalaika),
Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), and singer Irina Zagornova. Company recorded one song performed by Irina Zagornova and several dance routines: "Barynya", "Kalinka", Cossack dance, Moldavian dance, "Metelitsa", Tatar dance, Gypsy dance and Jewish Bottle dance.
Russian Nobility Ball 2023, The Pierre A Taj Hotel, New York City
On Friday, May 5, 2023 90th Annual Russian Nobility Ball took place at The Pierre A Taj Hotel in New York City. Musicians played during cocktail hour, dancers opened the Ball with a Waltz from Sleeping Beauty. The dinner show included Kolomeyka, Mexican, Tatar, American, Gypsy, Flamenko, Hopak, Chardash (instrumental), and Kalinka.
Barynya live at the Anyway Cafe and Bar, Brooklyn, New York
Musicians of ensemble Barynya were playing in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 from 9pm to midnight. Performance took place in colorful Sheepshead Bay neighborhood of Southern Brooklyn at the Anyway Cafe and Bar, 1602 Gravesend Neck Road, Brooklyn, New York 11229. Musicians Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, vocals, garmoshka) and Elina Karokhina (domra, mandolin, balalaika, back vocals) performed world music, classical, contemporary, etc.
Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov at the Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, 05-06-2023, Saturday, May 6th, 2023
В субботу, 6-ого мая 2023-его года для жителей города и туристов в колоритном бруклинском районе Шипсхед-Бей (южный Бруклин) в исполнении виртуозных музыкантов ансамбля "Барыня" - Элина Карохина (балалайка, домра, мандолина), Михаил Смирнов (гитара, гармошка, вокал) - звучала живая музыка.
Live Music Balalaika Band - Wedding Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve - in Scottsville, Virginia - October 8, 2022
DJ Alisa, bilingual MC-Tamada Mikhail and eight piece live music band provided music and entertainment for mixed Russian-Jewish-American wedding reception in Scottsville, Virginia on Saturday, October 8th, 2022. For their venue newlyweds selected Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve, 5600 Moonlight Dr, Scottsville, VA 24590.
Первый публичный концерт ансамбля "Барыня" после начала эпидемии КОВИД-19 состоялся в субботу, 22-ого августа 2020 года в Антермаер парке города Янкерс (штат Нью-Йорк). Untermyer Park and Gardens (остатки поместья Сэмюэля Дж. Унтермайера "Грейстон") - исторический городской общественный парк площадью 43 акра, расположенный в Йонкерсе, штат Нью-Йорк, в округе Вестчестер, к северу от Манхаттена. На концерте было примерно пятьдесят человек зрителей (строго по пригласительным билетам). Вся публика была в масках. Люди сидели друг от друга на расстоянии в шесть футов (примерно два метра). Прямая трансляция выступления шла для остальных подписчиков этой концертной серии через Фейсбук и YouTube. Басист ансамбля Леонид Брук (Leonid Bruk) записал видео выступления. Благодаря ему концерт можно посмотреть полностью от начала до конца.
Saturday, August 22nd, 2020, Untermyer Park and Gardens, Yonkers, New York, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Elena Notkina, Natasha Stolichnaya, Frida Anuarbek, Maryia Zhukovich, Vladimir Nikitin, Elina Karokhina, Konstantin Tulinov, Katsiaryna Mileuskaya, Valentina Kvasova, Veronika Hunko
01-21-2020. Fayetteville Technical Community College, Fayetteville, North Carolina
On Tuesday, January 21st, 2020, two dancers and two musicians of Russian dance, song and music ensemble Barynya proided dance and music workshop with questions and answers from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, and formal performance from 12:00PM to 1PM at the Cumberland Hall Auditorium on Fayetteville campus Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303. Students learn facts about Russia, and asked questions about Russian Culture and e njoy traditional Russian folk dances, music, and songs performed on garmoshka, and balalaika. Cast of performers: Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Alisa Egorova, Sergey Tsyganok.
01-17-2020. Tatiana Ball 2020, Crystal Party Center, Parma, Ohio
Friday, January 17th, 2020. Barynya Balalaika Trio {Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov} performed waltzes, tangos, Russian and Gypsy traditional and popular music and songs during Russian Tatiana Ball 2020 in Ohio. Exact address of the venue: Crystal Party Center Wedding Hall & Catering, 5745 Chevrolet Blvd, Parma, OH 44130.
Saturday, June 5th, 2021. Gypsy Night at the Anyway Cafe in New York City
Russian Gypsy singer Natasha Stolichnaya and NYC Gypsy Band performed for 3 hours at the Anyway Cafe in New York City on Saturday, June 5th, 2021 (8 to 11pm). Cast of performers: Natasha Stolichnaya, Frida Anuarbek (keyboard, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika virtuoso), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, vocals, garmoshka). Repertoire: Russian Gypsy songs and music, popular Russian songs, classical music, international hit songs.
On Saturday, March 27th, 2021 from 8 to 11pm Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals) and Elina Karokhina (balalaika virtuoso) played Russian, Gypsy, classical and contemporary music at the Anyway CafeBrooklyn Exact address of the venue: Anyway Cafe 1602 Gravesend Neck Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11229.
12-01-2020. Virtual performance for Musical Bridges Around the World "Facebook Live for Giving Tuesday" event in San Antonio, Texas
On Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 Elina Karokhina (balalaika) and Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) provided brief virtual performance for Musical Bridges Around the World Facebook Live for Giving Tuesday! Mission to support and bring multicultural performing and visual arts in San Antonio, Texas and beyond. Musicians performed two Russian winter songs and answered a few questions.
10-19-2019. 6th Annual Slavic Heritage Festival, Harford County, Maryland
On Saturday, October 19th, 2019. Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Alisa Egorova, Konstantin Tulinov, Arsentiy Oskin provided several performances during Sixth Annual Slavic Heritage Festival that was held on the grounds of St. Mary's Assumption Eastern Rite Church, 2807 Mountain Road, Joppa, Maryland 21085.
10-02-2019. Kid's Birthday Party in Downtown New York City
On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019, from 7 to 8pm members of New York Russian Balalaika Trio Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), and and folk singer Irina Zagornova performed during kid's party in downtown Manhattan. The program of performance included Russian dance workshop, interactive games, Russian music and songs.
08-31-2019. Faith Food and Fellowship Festival, East Meadow, New York
On Saturday, August 31st, 2019 Balalaika Trio and folk dancer Alisa performed during Faith Food and Fellowship Festival-2019 at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Ave East Meadow, NY.
08-16-2019. Upper West Side Manhattan. Private party.
On Friday, August 16th, 2019 balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, folk singer Irina Zagornova, garmoshka player Mikhail Smirnov and contrabass balalalaika player Leonid Bruk performed mix of Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, and Gypsy songs during private party in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Exact address: 310 West 72nd Street, apt 2c, New York City, NY.
05-03-2019. Russian restaurant Gambrinus, Brooklyn, New York
Musicians of the Barynya Balalaika Trio led by Elina Karokhina, best Russian balalaika virtuoso in the United States of America, performed three sets of Soviet, Russian, Jewish, and Gypsy songs and music during the Grand Re-Opening of iconic Russian Restaurant Gambrinus located on the corner of Ocean Parkway and Brighton Beach Avenue in the heart of Russian part of Brooklyn, NY on Friday, May 3rd, 2019 from 8pm to midnight. Exact address of the venue: Gambrinus & Co, 3100 Ocean Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11235.
03-09-2019. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree, Colorado
Russian dancers, singers and musicians of ensemble Barynya performed 90 min concert at the Lone Tree Arts Center in Lone Tree, Colorado on Saturday, March 9th, 2019. Cast of Barynya ensemble included dancers Alexander Rudoy, Konstantin Tulinov, Vladimir Nikitin, Olga Chpitalnaia, Katia Brovkina, Valentina Kvasova, Alisa Egorova, and musicians Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov. Dancers performed Moldavian dance, Sailors' dance, Barynya, Kalinka, Hopak, Danila Cooper, Jewish wedding dances (Bottle dance, Candle dance), Siberian, Gypsy, Cossack, and other selections. Exact address of the venue: Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree CO 80124.
Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree, Colorado
01-26-2019. Performance with Arizona Balalaika Orchestra in Tucson, Arizona
Russian balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, singer/guitar player Mikhail Smirnov, contrabass-balalaika player Leonid Bruk, Arizona Balalaika Orchestra led by conductor Alexander Tentser performed a concert on Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at the Pima Community Center for the Arts in Tucson, Arizona.
11-21-2018. Russian restaurant Mari Vanna New York City, 50th Birthday party
On Sunday, November 11th, 2018 company performed during Russian-Gypsy themed 50th Birthday Celebration at Russian restaurant Mari Vanna in New York City, 41 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003. Cast of musicians and dancers: Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), dancer Alisa Egorova, Andrei Solodenko (accordion), Sasha Tseyitlin (violin). Show included arrival of huge costume character mascot - Russian Bear to dance and take photos with guests.
10-20-2018. Atlanta Balalaika Orchestra 37th Annual Fall Concert
Saturday, October 20th, 2018, 7:30 pm. Balalaika Trio with Atlanta Balalaika Orchestra in Concert titled An Evening of Music and Song From Slavic Lands at the Avondale First Baptist Church, 27 Covington Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002.
10-13-2018. Concert at the Freeport High School in Freeport, New York
On Saturday, October 13th, 2018 Russian Balalaika Trio, folk singer Irina Zagornova, and dancers of Barynya performed 90 min concert sponsored by Freeport Community Concert Association (FCCA) at the Freeport High School, 50 South Brookside Avenue, Freeport, New York.
On Friday, July 27, 2018 (6-11pm), Saturday, July 28, 2018 (1-9pm), and Sunday, July 29, 2018 (1-9pm) Barynya Balalaika Trio provided many shows during the Cleveland Russian Festival 2018 sponsored by St. Sergius Cathedral. Festival was taking place on grounds of German Central, 7863 York Road, Parma, Ohio.
07-16-2018. Valley Forge Casino Resort, King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania
75 min concert during the Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) 40th Anniversary conference on Monday, July 16th, 2018 at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
06-28-2018. Long Life Adult Day Care, Cliffside Park, NJ, Bergen County
On Thursday, June 28th, 2018 Russian Balalaika Trio performed one hour concert at the Long Life Adult Day Care Center in Bergen County, New Jersey, USA. Exact address of the venue: Long Life Adult Day Care, 596 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010. Program of performance included Waltz "Babochka" (The Butefly) by Vasily Vasilievich Andreyev, "Variations on a Theme of Corelli in the Style of Tartini", composer Fritz Kreisler, arr. for balalaika by P. Necheporenko, "The White Acacia's Fragrant Flakes" by Alexander Shalov and V. Basner, "Sabre Dance" - a movement in the final act of Aram Khachaturian's ballet Gayane, "Barynya" by Yury Shishakov, and other selections.
06-24-2018. Coney Island Cultural Festival, Gravesend, Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, June 24, 2018, 4:05pm. Coney Island Cultural Festival in Gravesend part of Brooklyn. John Dewey High School, 50 Ave X, Brooklyn, New York 11223. Konstantin Tulinov, Vladimir Nikitin, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Alisa Egorova, Leonid Bruk, Irina Zagornova, Simona Zhukovski, Dinara Subaeva, Boulat Moukhametov.
04-29-2018. Queens, Astoria, New York, Steinway Street Fair International Cultural Festival
Sunday, April 29th, 2018, 3:30PM - 3:55PM. Russian Balalaika Trio and Barynya dancers 25 min performance during the Steinway Street Fair International Cultural Festival on Steinway Street between Broadway & 31st Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Cast of performers: Vladimir Nikitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Serhiy Tsyganok, Dinara Subaeva, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Vasily Yankovich.
Queens, New York, Steinway Street Fair International Festival Russian folk song "Saturday Affair" - Subboteya - У нас нонче субботея (video)
01-13-2018. New York Hilton Midtown, New York, NY. APAP showcase
Saturday, January 13th, 2018, 8:40pm. APAP (Association of Performing Arts Professionals) showcase in NYC. New York Hilton Midtown, Regent Parlor 2nd Floor, 1335 Avenue of The Americas, New York, NY 10019. Cast: Vladimir Nikitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Dinara Subaeva, Valentina Kvasova, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Irina Zagornova, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk.
Russian themed birthday party on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 at the Noble Nest in White Lake, New York. Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), singer Simona Zhukovsky, balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, singer Valentina Kvasova provided traditional Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, and Gypsy songs during cocktail hour. Dancers of Aria Entertainment have met the guests and performed several dance routines during the dinner.
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, and Mikhail Smirnov provided 45 min school assembly performance on Thursday, September 28th, 2017 at the Rodgers Forge Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland. Exact address of the school: 250 Dumbarton Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.
09-04-2017. Lakeside Adult Care Center, Brooklyn, New York
Monday, September 4th, 2017, 11am and 4pm. 1 hour concert dedicated to Labor Day Celebration at the Lakeside Adult Health Care Center, 945 East 108th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11236. Program of Jewsh, Russian, Gypsy traditional music and songs, classical music selections.
On Saturday, August 19th, 2017 from 7:30 to 9pm Russian Balalaika Trio and Barynya Dance Ensemble performed free 90 minute public concert at the Untermyer Park, 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Cast of performers included Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Alisa Egorova, Valentina Kvasova, Simona Zhukovsky, Dinara Subaeva, Vladimir Nikitin, Serhiy Tsyganok, Konstantin Tulinov.
Saturday, July 29th, 2017, 1pm-2pm, 3:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-8:30pm, 9:45-11pm. Sunday, July 30th, 2017, 1-2:30pm, 6:30-8pm. German Central, 7863 York Road, Parma, Ohio. 4th Annual Cleveland Russian Festival presented by St. Sergius Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio.
07-26-2017. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah, NY
On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 from 5:20 to 7pm. Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Valentina Kvasova, Elina Karokhina. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536.
07-20-2017. Holiday Inn Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia
Musicians of Barynya Balalaika Trio and Russian dancer Alisa performed 60 min concert during the Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) 39th conference in Virginia, USA. Concert took place on Thursday, July 20th, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Alexandria Old Town, 625 First Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017, 7-11pm. Corporate event at the Siberian Floors NYC, 145 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013. Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), dancer Alisa Egorova, dancer Vladimir Nikitin, dancer Dinara Subaeva, Alex Tseytlin (violin).
Saturday, July 1st, 2017, 9pm. Musicians of Balalaika Trio and ten dancers of Russian folk dance ensemble Barynya provided Gypsy, Cossack, Tatar, Russian and Ukrainian dances and music during private party in New York City.
On Friday, May 26, Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, 2017 (Memorial Day weekend 2017) musicians of Barynya Balalaika Trio and dancers of Barynya ensemble performed several shows during Troika Festival in Erie, Pennsylvania. All performances were taking place on the grounds of Church of the Nativity Community Center, 109 German Street, Erie, PA.
01-31-2017. Muhlenberg South Elementary School, Beechmont, Kentucky
Russian folk music, dance and song trio Barynya - Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), and Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) / - performed a concert on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017 at the Muhlenberg South Elementary School located in Beechmont, Kentucky. A program of the performance included Sabre Dance from "Gayane" by Aram Khachaturian, traditional Russian song "Kalinka" with accompaniment of Russian button accordion garmoshka, World Balalaika Medley, Siberian Nanai Fighting Dance "Wrestling of Nanai Kids" (Russian: "Нанаец"), dance of Russian Bear (Russian: "Танец Медведя"), Russian folk song and dance "The Snowstorm" (Russian: "Метелица"), Jewish Wedding Dance With Candles (Russian: "Танец со свечками"), Russian Romani Roma Gypsy song and dance "Dark Eyes" (Russian: "Очи Чёрные"), Russian folk dance lesson "Barynya" (Russian: "Урок танца"), Ukrainian folk song and dance "Pidmanoola" (Russian: "Украинский"), Russian folk instrument balalaika introduction with folk song Kamarinskaiya (Russian: "Камаринская"), Russian Tongue Twisters Medley ("Скороговорки"), Russian Percussian Orchestra interactive game with students ("Трещётки"), instrumental solo Chardash (Russian: "Чардаш"), and other selections.
01-28-2017. Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 7-9pm concert with Arizona Balalaika Orchestra at the Pima Community College Proscenium Theater stage, 2202 W. Anklam Rd., Tucson, AZ 85745.
Sunday, August 7th, 2016, 9-11:15am. Performance at The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Exact address: Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns, 42 North Broadway, Tarrytown, New York 10591 (www.reformedchurchtarrytowns.org).
Russian Balalaika music and song trio Barynya performed 45 min program during the Balalaika & Domra Association of America conference 2016 in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Courtyard Bloomington, 310 S. College Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47403.
On Thursday, July 21st, 2016 from 5 to 9pm Barynya Balalaika Trio provided free and opened to public performance during an annual Street Music Festival in Illinois. Program of performance included traditional, popular and classical music from Russia and around the world performed on balalaika, balalaika-contrabass, garmoshka, and guitar.
07-20-2016. Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City, NJ, Cape May County, NJ
Wednesday, July 20th, 2016, 4pm. Barynya Balalaika Trio at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226. Cape May County, New Jersey.
07-20-2016. Bankbridge Elementary School, Sewell, NJ, Gloucester County, New Jersey
On Wednesday, July 20th, 2016 starting at 9:30am Barynya Balalaika Trio perormed 45 min concert at the Bankbridge Elem. School in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Exact address of the school: Bankbridge Elementary School, 850 Bankbridge Road, Sewell, NJ 08080.
06-05-2016. Wedding at the Lyndhurst Mansion Castle (Jay Gould Estate), Tarrytown, NY
On Sunday, June 5th, 2016, from 6:30 to 10:30pm Barynya Balalaika Trio performed during cocktail hour and a few fast songs during dancing part of the reception during the wedding at the Lyndhurst Mansion Castle (Jay Gould Estate), 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
05-07-2016. Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony, Ellis Island, NYC
On Saturday, May 7th, 2016 Barynya Balalaika Trio {Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov} performed during Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony on Ellis Island in New York (federally owned island in New York Harbor).
May 2nd, 2016. Wesleyan University, Farm Hill Elementary School, Memorial Chapel, Middletown, CT
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov performed three concerts in Middletown, Connecticut. First show and workshop took place at the World Music Hall of Wesleyan University. Second performance was a 45 min concert for students and teachers at the Farm Hill Elementary School located at 390 E Ridge Rd, Middletown, CT 06457 on Monday, May 2nd. 2016. School assembly performance started at 2PM. The Balalaika Trio performed Siberian Nanai Wrestling Dance "Нанаец", Russian folk button accordion "Гармошка" introduction with traditional Russian song "Kalinka", The Snowstorm, Russian folk dance ("Метелица"), Kamarinskaiya, Russian folk instrument balalaika introduction ("Камаринская"), Russian Tongue Twisters Medley ("Скороговорки"), Jewish wedding dance "Свечки", Russian Percussian Orchestra interactive game with students ("Трещётки"), Russian Romani Roma Gypsy song and dance ("Цыганский"), Russian folk dance lesson ("Урок танца"), Ukrainian folk song and dance Pidmanoola ("Украинский"), instrumental solo "Чардаш", Russian Bear dance "Медведь", and other selections. Last performance took place at the Memorial Chapel Middletown located at 221 High Street in Middletown, CT.
On Monday, May 2nd, 2016 at 10am Balalaika Trio provided one hour performance at Connecticut Baptist Homes, 292 Thorpe Ave., Meriden, CT 06450. Program included Russian, Cossack, Gypsy, Jewish, Ukrainian songs and dances as well as classical repertoire.
02-12-2016. Steve's Live Music, Sandy Springs, Georgia
Friday, February 12th, 2016, 8-9pm. Barynya Balalaika Trio (Lina, Leonid, Misha) performed one hour concert at the Steve's Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Dr, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328.
Thursday, December 17th, 2015, 8pm-2am. Corporate event at the Siberian Floors, 6191 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida 33137. Tel: 305.428.2092, Fax: 212.954.5513. Program of Russian, Jewish, Cossack, Gypsy songs, music and dances.
On Saturday, December 12th, 2015 Barynya Balalaika Trio, singer Irina Zagornova, dancers Olga Chpitalnaia, Valentina Kvasova, A.Lapidas, Iliya Pankratov performed a show at popular Russian restaurant Romanoff in Brooklyn, New York. Exact address: 2670 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235.
10-10-2015. Private party in Greenwich, Connecticut
On Saturday, October 10th, 2015 from 6 to 11pm the Balalaika Trio played for several hours during party at the private house in Greenwich, Connecticut. Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka) and Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass) performed mix of classical, popular, and traditional Russian, Cossack, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Jewish music and songs.
Russian song, dance and music Balalaika trio Barynya performed on Sunday, July 12th, 2015 at house concert and party hosted by Nina and Eugene Tritinichenko in Holland, Michigan. Barynya Balalaika Trio (Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals)) presented 1 hour performance and performed a few songs during the party that followed the concert.
07-09-2015. World Music Concert Series in Downtown Oak Park, Oak Park, Illinois
Russian song, dance and music Balalaika and garmoshka Trio Barynya performed on Thursday, July 09, 2015, from 7 to 9pm at the Downtown Oak Park, 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois during the Thursday Night Out World Music Concert Series in Downtown Oak Park, www.downtownoakpark.net. Barynya Balalaika Trio cast: Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina ( balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals) presented two hours performance that included Russian, Cossack, Siberian, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Jewish music and songs, and also classical and popular repertoire.
07-08-2015. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. BDAA-2015.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015. 1 hour concert in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio during 2015 convention of Balalaika and Domra Association of America. Trio performed a mix of Russian, classical, and Gypsy music.
Performance took place at the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.
04-16-2015. Concert at the United States West Point Military Academy, West Point, New York
Balalaika Trio perfored a formal concert at the West Point Military Academy on April 16th, 2015. Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass) played a mix of popular, classical and traditional music and songs from Russia and from around the world. Program of performance included Andreev's Waltz, Russian folk song Kamarinskaya, Dr. Zhivago, The Moon Is Shining Brightly, Peddlers, Yablocko, Ural Mountain dance, Angry Husband, Onegin's Name Day Waltz, Russian Tongue Twisters, Mozart Turkish Rondo, Russian Folk Songs Medley, Dark Eyes, Gypsy Roma Medley, Shostakovich Waltz #2, Chardash, Balalaika Medley, Valenki (Felt Boots).
02-28-2015. Polish Community Center, Albany New York
Saturday, February 28, 2015, 12:45pm – 1:30pm, 2:45pm – 3:30pm, 4:05pm – 4:50pm. 3 performances at the Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, New York 12205. New Russia Cultural Center's Russian festival. Cast: Andrei Kisselev (dancer), Yana Volkova (dancer), Irina Zagornova (singer), Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov.
On Saturday, January 10th, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:45pm. Barynya Balalaika Trio performed during Faberge event that was taking place in New York City. Exact address: 26 East 73rd Street, New York, NY 10021. Cast: Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika).
12-21-2014. Walt Whitman Theatre, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
On Sunday, December 21st, 2014 at 3pm Barynya Balalaika Trio (Bruk, Karokhina, Smirnov) performed at Walt Whitman Theatre (Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts) in Brooklyn College during kid's New Year's Musical Fairytail "The Snowmaiden". Exact address of the venue: 2900 Avenue H, Brooklyn, NY 11210
09-21-2014. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & Church of Our Lady of Tikhvin in Howell, NJ
On Sunday, September 21st, 2014 Barynya Balalaika Trio (Leonid Bruk, , Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina) and folk singer Irina Zagornova performed at the Russianfest on the grounds of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & Church of Our Lady of Tikhvin, 200 Alexander Avenue, Howell, New Jersey 07731.
9-20-2014. North Brunswick, NJ, concert with singer A.Menshikov
On Saturday, September 20th, 2014 starting at 1:45pm musicians of Barynya Balalaika Trio Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina and singer Alexander Menshikov performed one hour concert at the Heritage Day Festival in North Brunswick Community Park, 2053 U.S. 130, North Brunswick, NJ 08902.
02-07-2014. 49th Petroushka Ball at the Plaza Hotel NYC
Friday, February 7th, 2014,7pm-2am. 49th Petroushka Ball at the Plaza Hotel NYC, 768 5th Ave, New York, NY. Grand Ballroom & Terrace Room. Singer Alexander Menshikov, Igor Lutsev (drums), Sergei Gurbel (sax), Vladimir Barskiy (piano), Leonid Bruk (contrabass balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Sergey Ryabtsev (violin), dancers: Valentina Kvasova and Olga Chpitalnaia.
08-30-2013. Kislak Camp, Lakewood, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Friday, August 30th, 2013. 1 hour performance at the Kislak Camp, 119 Woods Rd, Lakewood, PA 18439. Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Irina Zagornova.
Photo from concert at the Peabody Essex Museum during an exhibition "Faberge Revealed" in Salem, Massachusetts, July 2013. All photos made by Shawn Fitzgerald Photography are available on Barynya website.
Wednesday, July 10th through Sunday, July 14th, 2013 musicians of Barynya Balalaika trio (Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk) and Russian folk singer Irina Zagornova performed during the Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) 35th Annual Convention in Sarasota, Florida.
07-07-2012. Saunders Trades and Technical High School, Yonkers, NY
Saturday, July 7th, 2012. 7:30pm to 9:15pm. Elina Karokhina, Alexander Menshikov, Mikhail Smirnov and Georgian dancers free public concert during Summer Worldfest series, Saunders Trades and Technical High School, 183 Palmer Road, Yonkers, NY 10701.
02-27-2012. State Capella of Saint Petersburg, St.Petersburg, Russia
Elina Karokhina and Mikhail Smirnov were invited to perform at the concert dedicated to celebration of 80th jubilee of Mr. Nikolai Aleksandrovich Shubin, famous teacher of the balalaika and domra. Elina and Mikhail played very difficult medley that consisted of Russian folk songs, classical and popular hits. The concert took place at the "State Capella of Saint Petersburg", one of the most prestigious concert halls in St. Petersburg, Russia located at Naberezhnaya Reky Moiki, #20, metro (subway station) "Nevsky Prospekt". All photos and videos are available at st.petersburg.russia.htm
12-11-2011. Huntington Library, Suffolk County, Long Island
Sunday, December 11, 2011, 2pm. 1 hour performance at Huntington Public Library, 338 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743. 3 male dancers, 3 musicians: Nick Kobryn, Ilia Pankratov, Petr Tikhonov, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk.
11-05-2011. Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River NJ
On Saturday, November 5th, 2011 Barynya Balalaika Trio performed at the Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church's special event in South River, New Jersey. Exact address of the venue: 9 Jeffrie AveSouth River, NJ 08882
On Sunday, October 30th, 2011, 5-7pm. performance during Biologique Recherche's cocktail party at the Gansevoort Park Hotel, 420 Park Ave South, New York, NY.
10-24-2011. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Russian Brides, Season 13, Episode 7
Elina Karokhina and other musicians of Barynya ensemble were a part of famous TV show Episode Law & Order about Russian mafia. In order to bring down a Russian mobster running an international prostitution/kidnapping ring disguised as a Russian bride website, Cragen steps from behind the desk to go undercover as a "john". Cast: Elina Karokhina - balalaika, Mikhail Smirnov - garmoshka, Alexandre Tseytlin - violin. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Russian Brides, Season 13, Episode 7 filmed on Brighton Beach in Brooklyn, New York. It was cold day in Brooklyn on October 24, 2011.
09-17-2011. Russian-American Wedding at the Garrison, Garrison, New York
On Saturday, September 17th, 2011 musicians and dancers of Russian dance, song, and music ensemble Barynya provided music and entertainment during mixed Russian-American wedding in Garrison, New York. Cast of Barynya included Danila Sherstobitov (dancer), Ilia Pankratov (dancer), Olga Chpitalnaia (dancer), Anna Brovkina (dancer), Leinid Bruk (contrabass balalaika player), Mikhail Smirnov (singer, garmoshka, and guitar player), and balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina. Exact address of the venue: The Garrison, 2015 US 9, Garrison, New York 10524. Address for GPS: 1 Snakehill Rd, Garrison, NY 10524.
06-29-2011. Barynya Russian Balalaika Trio on TV in Boston, MA
Barynya Balalaika Trio: Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals).
Recorded and produced by EstradaProduction. All photos and videos from this event are available at the website www.Russian365.com.
02-11-2011. Petroushka Ball, Waldorf Astoria, New York City
Performance during dinner by Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar), and singer Alexander Menshikov. Recorded by Alexander Gurman (alexandergurman's YouTube channel) on February 11, 2011 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City during the Petroushka Ball-2011.
01-19-2011. Performance during basketball game NJ NETS vs Utah JAZZ at the Prudential Center arena in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Musicians Alexandre Tseytlin (violin), Leonid Bruk (bass, balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar), singer Alexander Menshikov, and singer Irina Zagornova entertained during the New Jersey Nets VIP reception. The guest list included NETS owner (Mikhail Prokhorov), the Russian Ambassador to the UN (H.E. Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin), and the Russian Consul General (Honorable Andrey Konstantinovich Yushmanov).
On Tuesday, December 16th, 2010 Russian dance amd music ensemble Barynya performed during Rusal corporate party at the Russian Consulate NYC - the diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation in New York City. Cast: Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk and singer Irina Zagornova at the RUSAL USA corporate party.
08-14-2010. Public performance in Westchester County, New York
On Saturday, August 14th, 2010, 7:30PM to 9:15PM. Russian Balalaika Trio and dancers of ensemble Barynya provided free public performance in Westchester County, New York. Performers cast: Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Alexander Rudoy (dancer), Aliaksandr Anatska (dancer), Olga Yeliseyeva (dancer), Olga Chpitalnaia (dancer), Vldmr Lgnv (bass), and folk singer Irina Zagornova. Exact address: Untermyer Park, 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, New York.
Woolen Boots {Valenki} (video) - 11,364 views on youtube since September 1st, 2010
07-25-2010, Northern Adult Care Center, Brooklyn, NY
On Sunday, July 25th, 2010 Elina Karokhina performed two concerts with New York based guitar player Alexey Efimenko at the Northern Adult Care Center, 1 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215. The program of performance included Russian, Gypsy, Ukrainian and Jewish music as well as several classical pieces.
07-17-2010. 50th Birthday Party - Russian Sailors' Theme, Lake Ozark, Missouri
MC MISHA, singer Sasha Menshikov, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina entertained an exclusive private party on the Lake Ozark in Missouri. The party with the Russian Sailor's theme took place outside just above the beautiful lake. The temperature was above 90 however everyone had a good time. Musicians played live music with garmoshka, guitar, balalaika, bass guitar, and balalaika-contrabass). The team performed American, Russian, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Jewish, and European popular songs and music.
07-14-2010. Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Minneapolis South, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Videos were recorded during the "Gypsy Night" and "Open Microphone Night" at the Balalaika and Domra Association of America conference-2010. The conference took place at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota in July 2010. Performers: Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), singer Alexander Menshikov, Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals). Camera - Sergey Rogozin, video editing Leonid Bruk.
List of songs performed on video below "Two guitars" (continue) - singer Misha Smirnov, "Kai Yone" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Yablochko - Small Apple" - Lyonya Bruk, Lina Karokhina, "Prikhayape" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Sing it once, sing it twice" - Misha and Sasha, "Hava Nagila, 7:40, Felt Boots" - solo Lina Karokhina
List of songs performed on video below "Hava Nagila, 7:40, Felt Boots" (finale) - solo Lina Karokhina, "Mato" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Faceted Glasses" - singer Sasha Menshikov
List of songs performed on video below "Russian Tongue-Twisters" - solo Mikhail Smirnov, "Caprice #24" by Paganini - solo Elina Karokhina, "Shnitke's Fuga" - solo Leonid Bruk, "Along The Piterskaya" ("Вдоль по Питерской") - singer Sasha Menshikov.
List of songs performed on video below "Styopa The Drunk" (with Judy Sherman's "Big Rock Balalaikas" from Los Angeles, CA), "Burn, Burn, Gypsy Love" (with Judy Sherman's "Big Rock Balalaikas"), "Gypsy Fantasy" (arr. Shalov) - solo Lina Karokhina, "Somewhat sad, let's play the guitar" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Two guitars" - singer Misha Smirnov
04-29-2010. Balalaika Piano Duo, wedding ceremony in Boston, MA
Balalaika/Piano Duo led by Elina Karokhina provided music for wedding ceremony on April 29th, 2010 in Boston, MA. The music included The Swan (Le Cygne) from Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens, "Here Comes The Bride" Wedding March, J.S.Bach - Arioso from Cantata BWV 156 (Adagio), Ave Maria - Schubert, "CANON IN D" by PACHELBEL, WEDDING MARCH by MENDELSSOHN, "CLAIR DE LUNE" by DEBUSSY, and other selections.
04-19-2010. Old Mill Inn, Toronto, Canada
Friday, April 9th, 2010, Old Mill Inn, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, Ontario, M8X 1G5 CANADA, Winter Palace Ball and the Gala Charity Fundraiser benefitting Ruskoka, a summer camp for underprivileged children.
Musicians: Elina Karokhina
(balalaika),
Leonid Bruk
(contrabass balalaika),
Yan Khmel
(bayan),
Mikhail Smirnov
(garmoshka, guitar, vocals),
Valery Abramov (tenor-saxophone), Oleg Sorin (trumpet).
Military Ensemble of Northern-Western Order, St. Petersburg, Russia
From 2004 to 2009 Elina Karokhina was the soloist of the Russian Military ensemble "Ansambl Vnutrennikh Voisk Rossii Severo-Zapadnogo Okruga" based in St. Petersburg, Russia on the Millionnaiya Steet near Hermitage Museum. At the time the ensemble had about 70 members: musicians, dancers, singers.
Balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. She is the daughter of the 2003 Pushkin Prize-winning author L'ev Fyodorovich Karokhin and Galina Savich. Lina (Elina L'vovna) began her formal training at the Mussorgsky Music College of St. Petersburg and continued her training at N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, earning a degree as an Orchestra Soloist. She continued her training at the Conservatory, which included a brief residency in Germany. After, she returned to her native St. Petersburg and completed her education, earning a Doctor of Musical Art degree in the Balalaika. Following her graduation, she began working as a musician, both as a teacher and as a performer, teaching balalaika. In 1994 Elina was one of the winners of international competition "Kubok Severa" of folk musicians in Cherepovets, Russia. In 1996 she won the First Place of Troyanovsky's Competition of musicians performing on traditional instruments in St. Petersburg (Russia). Elina was invited as a special guest for the Gloden Ring of Russia 1993 Balalaika and Domra Association of America convention. She shared the stage with Alexander Tsygankov, Valeriy Zazhigin and Mikhail Sheikhman for the concerts at the "Rossia" Concert Hall in Moscow (Московский концертный зал "Россия") and at the Saint Petersburg's State Capella (Государственная академическая капелла). Elina Karokhina (Russian: Элина Львовна Карохина) served in the Russian Army in the Military Ensemble in the Northwest Order of Red Stars. As a balalaika soloist Elina has toured all over the world. When she moved to the United States in 2009 she founded and performed with Boston Russian Music Duo. Currently she is a musicial director and soloist with the biggest professional Russian music, song and dance ensemble Barynya based in New York, USA. She performs solo, with the NY Balalaika Duo, Brooklyn Balalaikas Trio, Barynya Balalaika Orchestra, NYC Klezmer Band, wedding band 5grand, and some other groups and ensembles. In January 2015 Elina Karokhina was selected to perform the balalaika part with Mariinsky Theatre directed by famous Russian conductor Valery Gergiev in Rodion Shchedrin's opera "The Enchanted Wanderer" at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. In May 2016 she was hired to play six concerts at the Carnegie Hall in New York City as a part of "THE TRIUMPH OF HOPE" international event. In September 2016 he appeared at the Carnegie Hall again as a part of Moscow Gypsy Army representing rich musical culture of Eastern Europian Roma people. In January 2017 Elina was hired to play Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh" Suite at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. with the National Symphony Orchestra. All four performances were under direction of world-famous conductor Sir Mark Elder. In July 2018 Elina was selected to perform as a Honored Guest Artist during Balalaika and Domra Association of America 40th Jubilee Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In October 2019 Elina Karokhina with other members of Barynya ensemble performed several shows during Emirates-Russian Week at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
NY Russian Balalaika Trio, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Garrison, New York, 9-17-2011
