Сontact Mikhail Smirnov 201-981-2497 msmirnov@yahoo.com

Mikhail Smirnov, Artistic Director, Founder of Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya from New York

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Mikhail Smirnov, Artistic Director/Founder of Ensemble Barynya, owner of Barynya Entertainment, was born in Moscow, Russia in 1966. Mikhail (Ru: Михаил Смирнов) is an author of many articles about traditional Russian dance, music and instruments in English and Russian, owner of Barynya Entertainment - the biggest Russian talent booking agency outside of Russia.

Mikhail Smirnov, photo from TV.com website Mikhail recieved his Master's degree from the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts. As a child, he 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 soloist in a several Russian folk dance and music groups including the Moscow State Center for Russian song, "Russkaya Pesnya", under direction of Nadezhda Babkina. While studying in Moscow, Mikhail followed his passion for Russian folk culture by traveling to many different regions of Russia such as Tver, Smolensk, Belgorod, and Don River to collect Russian folklore at its sourse. He was surprised to find out that folk dances, songs, melodies, lyrics, and tunes change from village to village, even if those as close as a couple of miles apart. In these folklore expeditions, Misha recorded over 100 hours of Russian folk music and dances, performances on folk instruments. Later he has incorporated much of this original material into repertoire of his ensemble Barynya - the biggest professional Russian dance and music company outside of Mother Russia. Mikhail is adept on a variety of Russian folk instruments including balalaika-contrabass, balalaika, and gusli. However, his favorite instrument remains the garmoshka, the small Russian folk button accordion used in Russian folk music and dancing.

CONTACT INFORMATION

To get a price quote or to ask any questions, please send an email to msmirnov@yahoo.com or call (201) 981-2497.

"Superstars of Dance", NBC

Mikhail Smirnov with producer and judges of the show Superstars of Dance, NBC, 2009

In January 2009 Mikhail Smirnov and dancers of ensemble Barynya were featured on national TV, NBC's "SUPERSTARS OF DANCE" - breathtaking international dance competition led by executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller (American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance). This prestigious dance competition hosted by Michael Flatley ("Lord of the Dance") and Susie Castillo, a former Miss USA. Mikhail Smirnov was one of eight judges to decide which country will win. Of course, he can was not able to be judging Team of Russia... The show premiered on NBC network on January 4th and aired through January 26th, 2009.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

Professional photos by photographer Yuriy Balan, Queens, New York

Irina Zagornova, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, photo credit Yuriy Balan Irina Zagornova, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, photo credit Yuriy Balan Irina Zagornova, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, photo credit Yuriy Balan
New York Balalaika Duo, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Photo credit Yuriy Balan New York Balalaika Duo, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Photo credit Yuriy Balan New York Balalaika Duo, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Photo credit Yuriy Balan
Barynya Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, photo credit Yuriy Balan Barynya Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Photo credit Yuriy Balan Barynya Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Photo credit Yuriy Balan
Photos of Russian garmoshka player Mikhail Smirnov, Ensemble Barynya, New York, photo credit Yuriy Balan Photos of Russian garmoshka player Mikhail Smirnov, Ensemble Barynya, New York, photo credit Yuriy Balan Photos of Russian garmoshka player Mikhail Smirnov, Ensemble Barynya, New York, photo credit Yuriy Balan

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.

90th Annual Russian Nobility Ball-2023, The Pierre A Taj Hotel, New York City, Russian song dance and music ensemble Barynya, Artistic Director Mikhail Smirnov
All photos and videos from 90th Russian Nobility Ball at The Pierre A Taj Hotel in New York City, Friday, May 5th, 2023

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.

Balalaika Garmoshka Mandolin Domra Duo Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, 05-06-2023, Saturday, May 6th, 2023, 9-midnights, Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, Russian Balalaika Garmoshka Mandolin Domra Duo Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, 1602 Gravesend Neck Road Brooklyn New York  11229Balalaika Garmoshka Mandolin Domra Duo Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, 05-06-2023, Saturday, May 6th, 2023, 9-midnights, Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, Russian Balalaika Garmoshka Mandolin Domra Duo Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, 1602 Gravesend Neck Road Brooklyn New York  11229
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.

Russian-Jewish Wedding, Saturday October 8 2022, 10-08-2022, Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve 5600 Moonlight Dr Scottsville VA 24590, DJ Alisa
Russian-Jewish-American wedding in Scottsville, Virginia on Saturday, October 8th, 2022
Russian-Jewish Wedding, Saturday October 8 2022, 10-08-2022, Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve 5600 Moonlight Dr Scottsville VA 24590, DJ Alisa
Russian-Jewish-American wedding in Scottsville, Virginia on Saturday, October 8th, 2022

Despacito - Russian-Jewish Live Music Wedding Balalaika Band

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Smuglyanka (singer Mikhail Smirnov)

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Dark Eyes (Mikhail Smirnov)

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July 16, 2022. Niagara Falls, ONTARIO, Canada, Russian Adoption Reunion 2022

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".

Ensemble Barynya, Ансамбль Барыня, Валентина Квасова, Александр Рудой, Алиса Егорова, Элина Карохина, Михаил Смирнов, суббота 16-ое июля 2022-ого года, 07-16-2022, Saturday July 16 2022, Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Valentina Kvasova (dancer), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Alisa Egorova (dancer), Alexander Rudoy (dancer), Niagara Falls, ONTARIO, Canada, Russian Adoption Reunion 2022, Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, 5875 Falls Ave, Niagara Falls, ONTARIO  L2G 3K7, Canada
Russian Adoption Reunion 2022 at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, July 16, 2022

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.

Kempinski Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Emirates-Russian Week
Barynya Russian Balalaika Trio, Kempinski Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Emirates-Russian Week, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya
Russian Balalaika Trio, Kempinski Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Emirates-Russian Week

Performance in Bloomingdale, Canada

Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov played during Svet Ministries Event at the Koinonia Christian Fellowship in Bloomingdale, Canada on Saturday, October 26, 2019 a program of Russian and Russian-Gypsy traditional music. Performance took place at the Koinonia Christian Fellowship, 850 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0, Canada.

Svet Ministries Event, Koinonia Christian Fellowship event, Bloomingdale, Canada
Russian Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya, Bloomingdale, Canada (near Toronto), Svet Ministries Event, Koinonia Christian Fellowship
all photos from Svet Ministries Event

Corporate event at 5 star Esperanza Resort, Vilnius County, Lithuania

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.

Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, 12-28-2017, Corporate event in Lithuania, Monday, December 18th, 2017
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, New Year's celebration in Lithuania

Barynya (video)

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

Sydney, Australia

Mikhail Smirnov and folk singer Alexander Menshikov we invited to provide entertainment (jokes in Russian and English, traditional Russian Gypsy songs "Dark Eyes", "Kai One", "Two Guitars", "Nane Tsokha", "Prikhayape", "Shatritsa", "The Long Road") for the Russian New Year's party in Sidney, Australia.


all photos from Sidney, Australia

01-23-2020. "From Russians With Love", Concert with Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Gaillard Center, Charleston, SC

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.

From Russians With Love, Concert with Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Gaillard Center, South Carolina
Barynya Balalaika Duo, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, From Russians With Love, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Gaillard Center, Charleston, South Carolina
Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, From Russians With Love, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Gaillard Center, South Carolina

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.

Цыганское шоу в Нью-Йорк Сити, Элина Карохина, Михаил Смирнов, Фрида Ануарбек, Наташа Столичная, Ист-Вилладж, Манхэттен, суббота, 5-ого июня 2021-ого года, 06-05-2021, Saturday, June 5, 2021, Gypsy Band NYC, Moscow Gypsy Army, Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Frida Anuarbek (keyboard, vocals), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Russian Gypsy singer Natasha Stolichnaya, Anyway Cafe NYC, New York City, 34 E 2nd St, New York, New York
Saturday, June 5th, 2021, Anyway Cafe New York City

Saturday, March 27th, 2021. Anyway Cafe Brooklyn

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.

Энивэй Кафе в Бруклине, Нью-Йорк, Элина Карохина, Михаил Смирнов, Суббота, 27-ого марта 2021-ого года, 03-27-2021, Balalaika Duo Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, 03-27-2021, Saturday, March 27th, 2021, 8-11pm. Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, Russian Balalaika Duo, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, 1602 Gravesend Neck Road Brooklyn New York  11229
Balalaika Duo at the Anyway Cafe Brooklyn, 03-27-2021, Saturday, March 27th, 2021

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.

Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Russian dance music and song ensemble Barynya, 12-01-2020, Tuesday December 1st 2020, Virtual performance, Musical Bridges Around the World Facebook Live for Giving Tuesday event, San Antonio, Texas
12-01-2020, Musical Bridges Around the World Facebook Live for Giving Tuesday event, San Antonio, Texas


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

November 5th, 2020. Virtual performances at the Evergreen Elementary School, San Jose, California

On Thursday, November 5th, 2020 dancers and musicians of Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya presented two virtual performances for the students of the Evergreen Elementary School, San Jose, California. Exact address of the school: 3010 Fowler Rd, San Jose, CA 95135. Forty five min program of each assembly included introduction to Russian language, culture, Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewish and Gypsy Roma traditional dancing, music, songs, and virtuoso performances on instruments including the balalaika, garmoshka (Russian folk button accordion) and balalaika contrabass. Cast of performers: dancer Konstantin Tulinov, Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), dancer Elena Notkina, dancer Alexander Rudoy, dancer Katsiaryna Mileuskaya, dancer Zheniya Berdzinishvili, dancer Vladimir Nikitin, dancer Sergey Tsyganok, dancer Veronika Hunko, dancer Valentina Kvasova, dancer Maryia Zhukovich, dancer Olga Chpitalnaia, dancer Anna Brovkina, dancer Katerina Brovkina, dancer Irina Kl, dancer Ilia Pankratov, dancer Danila Sherstobitov, and dancer Aliaksandr Anatska.

Russian dance, music, song ensemble Barynya, Artistic Director Mikhail Smirnov, 11-05-2020, Thursday, November 5th, 2020, Virtual performances, Evergreen Elementary School, San Jose, California
11-05-2020, Evergreen Elementary School, San Jose, California

45 min virtual show, November 5, 2020, Evergreen Elementary School, San Jose, CA

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Sept 11, 2020. 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.

Ensemble Barynya 2020 video-promo, 15 min

Watch this video on www.YouTube.com website

Ensemble Barynya, Artistic Director Mikhail Smirnov, Brooklyn, New York, Friday, September 11th, 2020, Kings Bay YM-YWHA, 3495 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11229, (from left to right) Simona Zhukovsky, Valentina Kvasova, Olga Chpitalnaia, Olga Yeliseyeva, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Danila Sherstobitov, Vladimir Nikitin, Alexander Rudoy, Konstantin Tulinov, photo credit Leonid Bruk, ансамбль Барыня, художественный руководитель Михаил Смирнов, 11 сентября 2020-ого года, Бруклин Нью-Йорк, фото Леонида Брука
Ensemble Barynya, Friday, September 11th, 2020, Kings Bay YM-YWHA, (from left to right) Simona Zhukovsky, Valentina Kvasova, Olga Chpitalnaia, Olga Yeliseyeva, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Danila Sherstobitov, Vladimir Nikitin, Alexander Rudoy, Konstantin Tulinov

Public concert at the Untermyer Park in Yonkers, New York on August 22nd, 2020

First public performance of Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya after the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic took place on Saturday, August 22nd, 2020 at the Untermyer Park in Yonkers, New York. Exact address of the venue: Untermyer Park and Gardens, 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Cast of ensemble Barynya included Mikhail Smirnov (artistic director, founder, garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika virtuoso), Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Konstantin Tulinov (dancer), Vladimir Nikitin (dancer), Valentina Kvasova (dancer, vocals), Russian-Gypsy singer Natasha Stolichnaya, Frida Anuarbek (keyboard, vocals), Maryia Zhukovich (dancer), Katsiaryna Mileuskaya, and Veronika Hunko.

Ensemble Barynya, artistic director Mikhail Smirnov, суббота, 22-ое августа 2020 года, парк Унтермаер, Антермайер Парк энд Гарденс, город Янкерс, штат Нью-Йорк, Saturday, August 22nd, 2020, Untermyer Park and Gardens, Yonkers, New York, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Vladimir Nikitin, Elena Notkina, Veronika Hunko, Maryia Zhukovich, Natasha Stolichnaya, Valentina Kvasova, Konstantin Tulinov, Frida Anuarbek
Saturday, August 22nd, 2020, Untermyer Park and Gardens, Yonkers, New York, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Vladimir Nikitin, Elena Notkina, Veronika Hunko, Maryia Zhukovich, Natasha Stolichnaya, Valentina Kvasova, Konstantin Tulinov, Frida Anuarbek

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.

Ensemble Barynya, artistic director Mikhail Smirnov, суббота, 22-ое августа 2020 года, парк Унтермаер, Антермайер Парк энд Гарденс, город Янкерс, штат Нью-Йорк, 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
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

Full concert video

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

Russian Themed Surprice Birthday Party, Chinar On The Island, Staten Island, New York, Russian dancers, musicians, singers, MC, Tamada, October 24, 2020

On Saturday, October 24th, 2020 five members of ensemble Barynya - Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, vocals, guitar), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Alisa (dancer), Konstantin Tulinov (dancer), and Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass) - provided entertainment during Russian themed Surprice Birthday Party at the Chinar On The Island, 283 Sand Ln, Staten Island, NY 10305. The company met the Guest of Honor Сергей Владимирович at the door with Bread and Salt ceremony followed by CHAROCHKI (величальная для именинника) dressed in traditional costumes with live music, and the Russian Bear. When guests were seated inside dancers and musicians provided a program with musicians playing the balalaika, garmoshka, balalaika contrabass, singing popular Russian songs, dancers performing several dance selections including Russian, Ukrainian, Gypsy, Jewish, Tatar with multiple costume changes. Artistic director of ensemble Barynya Mikhail Smirnov took care of Tamada/MC entertainment introducing toasts, and doing couple of games and trivia with guests, Guest of Honor and his wife.

Russian Themed Surprice Birthday Party, Chinar On The Island, Staten Island, New York, Ensemble Barynya, Elina Karokhina, Russian MC-Tamada Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Russian dancer Alisa, Russian dancer Konstantin Tulinov, Saturday, October 24th, 2020, Chinar On The Island, 283 Sand Ln, Staten Island, NY 10305
Saturday, October 24th, 2020, Chinar On The Island, Staten Island, New York


watch this video on www.YouTube.com website

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: dancer Alisa Egorova, singer Mikhail Smirnov, balalaika player Elina Karokhina, and dancer Sergey Tsyganok.

Russian dancers in North Carolina, Ensemble Barynya, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Alisa Egorova, Sergey Tsyganok, Cumberland Hall Auditorium, Fayetteville Campus, Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303
Russian dancers in North Carolina, Ensemble Barynya, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Alisa Egorova, Sergey Tsyganok, Cumberland Hall Auditorium, Fayetteville Campus, Fayetteville Technical Community College, 2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303

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.

01-17-2020, Barynya Balaika Trio, Tatiana Ball 2020, Friday, January 17th, 2020, Parma, Ohio, Crystal Party Center Wedding Hall & Catering, 5745 Chevrolet Blvd, Parma, Ohio  44130, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov
Tatiana Ball 2020, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, January 17th, 2020, Crystal Wedding Hall, Parma, Ohio

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.

Balalaika Trio, Barynya dancers, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Alisa Egorova, Konstantin Tulinov, Arsentiy Oskin
Sixth Annual Slavic Heritage Festival in Harford County, Maryland

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.

New York Russian Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Russian folk singer Irina Zagornova, Downtown New York City, 10-02-2019, Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019
Irina Zagornova, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov

"Kalinka" - Trio Barynya and Irina Zagornova

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

09-14-2019. Ann Arbor Russian Festival, St.Vladimir Orthodox Church, Dexter, Michigan

Dancers, singers, and musicians of Barynya ensemble provided several performances during 7th Annual Ann Arbor Russian Festival 2019 that was taking place on the gounds of St. Vladimir Orthodox Church in Dexter, Michigan on Saturday, September 14th and Sunday, September 15th, 2019. Cast: Alisa Egorova (dancer), Serhiy Tsyganok (dancer), Konstantin Tulinov (dancer), Simona Zhukovski (dancer), balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Mikhail Smirnov.

Dexter, Michigan, Ann Arbor Russian Festival 2019, Leonid Bruk, Alisa Egorova,Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya
Ensemble Barynya, Ann Arbor Russian Festival 2019, Dexter, Michigan

09-31-2019. Faith Food and Fellowship Festival, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, East Meadow, Long Island

On Saturday, August 31st, 2019 ensemble Barynya (Leonid Bruk, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov) provided three hours performance during Faith Food and Fellowship Festival-2019 at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in East Meadow, Long Island from 12 to 3pm. The program of performance included Russian, Ukrainian, Cossack, Moldavian, Tatar, Jewish and Gypsy folk songs, music and dancing.

Faith Food and Fellowship Festival-2019, August 31st, 2019, Holy Trinity Orthodox Church (East Meadow, New York), 369 Green Ave East Meadow, New York, Russian contrabass-balalaika virtuoso Leonid Bruk, photo credit Ilene Schuss, www.facebook.com/ilene.schuss
View all photos from Faith Food and Fellowship Festival-2019. Photo credit Ilene Schuss, www.facebook.com/ilene.schuss

09-10-2019. Anyway Cafe, New York City

On Tuesday, September 10th, 2019 from 8 to 11pm two musicians of Barynya ensemble Elina Karokhina (balalaika), and Mikhail Smirnov (vocal, guitar) played for 3 hours at the Anyway Cafe in East Village, Manhattan. Exact address: Cafe Anyway NYC, 34 East 2nd Street, New York, NY 10003-8909. Phone: (212) 533-3412. Elina and Mikhail played a mix of some modern popular songs, classical pieces, Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewisjh, Gypsy popular and traditional songs and instrumental numbers on balalaika, garmoshka, and guitar. Music selections included Sabre Dance from "Gayane" by Aram Khachaturian, The Hungarian Dance Number 5 (German: Ungarische Tanze) by Johannes Brahms, Csardas by Vittorio Monti, Paganini's Caprice No. 24, Rondo Alla Turca (Turkish March) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Polonaise No. 13 in A minor, "Pozegnanie Ojczyzny" (Farewell to the Fatherland) by Michal Oginski, Libertango by Astor Piazzolla, J.S. Bach - Suite No. 2 - Badinerie (Joke), Variations on a Theme of Corelli in the Style of Tartini. Composer, Kreisler, Fritz, Marie-Auguste Massacrie-Durand Valse No.1, Op.83 (First Waltz), "Moscow Nights", "Kalinka", "Long Road", "Two Guitars", "Meadowlands", Andreev's Waltz "Daydreams", Russian folk dance "Kamarinskaya", "Somewhere My Love" from "Dr. Zhivago" movie, "The Moon Is Shining Brightly", "The Peddlers", "Yablocko", "Ural Mountains Dance", "Angry Husband", Onegin's Name Day Waltz, Mozart's "Turkish Rondo", "Dark Eyes", "Gypsy Roma Medley", Shostakovich's Waltz #2, "Chardash", Balalaika Medley, "Valenki" (Felt Boots).

Manhattan Russian Music Duo, Balalaika, Garmoshka, Guitar, singers, Anyway Cafe, East Village, Cafe Anyway NYC, 34 East 2nd Street, New York, NY 10003-8909,  Phone (212) 533-3412, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina

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.

08-16-2019, Russian Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Russian folk singer Irina Zagornova, Midtown West, Manhattan, NY, Friday, August 16th, 2019
Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Irina Zagornova, Leonid Bruk

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.

Gambrinus & Co 3100 Ocean Pkwy Brooklyn NY 11235, Barynya Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, photo credit Ilya Solis
New York based Barynya Balalaika Trio at the 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.

Ensemble Barynya, Colorado, Russian dancers, Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree CO 80124, Alexander Rudoy, Konstantin Tulinov, Vladimir Nikitin, Olga Chpitalnaia, Katia Brovkina, Valentina Kvasova, Alisa Egorova, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov
Ensemble Barynya, Colorado, Russian dancers, Lone Tree Arts Center, Alexander Rudoy, Konstantin Tulinov, Vladimir Nikitin, Olga Chpitalnaia, Katia Brovkina, Valentina Kvasova, Alisa Egorova, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov

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.

01-26-2019, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Arizona Balalaika Orchestra, Barynya Balalaika Trio, January 26th 2019, Pima Community Center for the Arts West Campus, 2202 West Anklam Road, Tucson, Arizona  85745
Pima Community Center for the Arts, 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.

11-11-2018, Sunday, November 11, 2018, NYC Balalaika Band, Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), dancer Alisa Egorova, Andrei Solodenko (accordion), Sasha Tseyitlin (violin), Mari Vanna, New York City, 41 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
Russian restaurant Mari Vanna NYC, 50th Birthday party

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.

10-20-2018, Saturday, October 20th, 2018, Russian Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Irina Zagornova, Avondale First Baptist Church, 27 Covington Road, Avondale Estates, GA  30002
An Evening of Music and Song From Slavic Lands, Atlanta, Georgia

"Woolen Boots" - Trio Barynya and singer Irina Zagornova

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10-13-2018. Concert at the Freeport High School in Freeport, New York

On Saturday, October 13th, 2018 ensemble Barynya performed 90 min concert sponsored by Freeport Community Concert Association (FCCA) at the Freeport High School, 50 S Brookside Ave, Freeport, NY 11520. Cast of Barynya ensemble included dancer Vladimir Nikitin, singer Irina Zagornova, contrabass balalaika player Leonid Bruk, dancer, choreographer, singer Valentina Kvasova, dancer Alexander Rudoy, dancer/singer Simona Zhukovski, dancer Serhiy Tsyganok, dancer Irina Biryukova, dancer Konstantin Tulinov, dancer Olga Yeliseyeva, dancer Olga Chpitalnaia, dancer Ilia Pankratov, dancer Alisa Egorova, balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, and artistic director, singer, garmoshka, and guitar player Mikhail Smirnov.

Russian Dance, Song and Music ensemble Barynya, Artistic Director Mikhail Smirnov, Saturday, October 13, 2018, Freeport High School, Freeport Community Concert Association, FCCA, Freeport, Long Island, New York, photo credit Yuriy Balan, Valentina Kvasova, Alexander Rudoy, Simona Zhukovski, Serhiy Tsyganok, Irina Biryukova, Konstantin Tulinov, Olga Yeliseyeva, Olga Chpitalnaia, Ilia Pankratov, Vladimir Nikitin, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Irina Zagornova, Alisa Egorova
all photos from Freeport High School

07-27-2018. Cleveland Russian Festival 2018

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.

July 2018, Russian Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, German Central, 7863 York Road, Parma, Ohio
Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Cleveland Russian Festival 2018, German Central, 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.

Valley Forge Casino Resort, BDAA-2018, 40th Anniversary conference of Balalaika and Domra Association of America Orchestra, King Of Prussia, Pennnsylvania, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov
Barynya Trio: Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov


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07-09-2018. Garden of Joy Adult Care Center, Brooklyn, New York

Two performances on Monday, July 9th, 2018, 11am and 3:15pm at the Garden of Joy Adult Care Center, 3152 Brighton 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11235.

07-09-2018, Brighton Beach Balalaika Trio, Garden of Joy Adult Care Center, Brooklyn, New York, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, 3152 Brighton 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11235, Monday, July 9th, 2018
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov

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.

Fragrant Flakes Of White Acacia (video)

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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.

Balalaika Trio, Barynya dancers, Konstantin Tulinov, Vladimir Nikitin, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Alisa Egorova, Leonid Bruk, Irina Zagornova, Simona Zhukovski, Dinara Subaeva, Boulat Moukhametov, Coney Island Cultural Festival, Gravesend, Brooklyn, 06-24-2018, Sunday, June 24, 2018, John Dewey High School, 50 Ave X, Brooklyn, New York  11223
Coney Island Cultural Festival, Gravesend, Brooklyn, New York

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.

Steinway Street Fair International Cultural Festival, Astoria, Queens, New York, Vladimir Nikitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Serhiy Tsyganok, Dinara Subaeva, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Gypsy Boulevard Vasily Romani
Queens, New York, Steinway Street Fair International Festival
Russian folk song "Saturday Affair" - Subboteya - У нас нонче субботея (video)

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04-17-2018. Concert at the Darien High School in Connecticut

Russian music, dance and song ensemble "Barynya" provided Russian folk song and dance workshop and formal 90 min performance on Tuesday, April 17th 2018 at the Darien High School, 80 High School Lane, Darien CT 06820. Folk songs and dance master class with high school and middle school students started at 5pm. Performance started at 7pm. Cast of Barynya performers: Vladimir Nilitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Serhiy Tsyganok, Simona Zhukovski, Olga Chpitalnaia, Dinara Subaeva, Leonid Bruk, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov. Program of performance: Russian folk song and dance KALINKA (The Snowball Tree), Russian song and dance METELITSA (The Snowstorm), Sibirian Nanai dance (НАНАЕЦ), BARYNYA, PIDMANULA, KAMARINSKAIA, TATARSKIY, contrabass-balalaika solo, Jewish Candle dance, Andgry Husband (КАК ЗАСТАВИЛ МЕНЯ МУЖ), Jewish Bottle dance (БУТЫЛКИ), Peddlers (КОРОБУШКА), Cossack dance (КАЗАЧИЙ ТАНЕЦ ВАРЕНЬКА), Russian Tongue-Twisters (СКОРОГОВОРКИ), Sailors dance (ЯБЛОЧКО), Ukrainian National Dance "Hopak" (ГОПАК), Dark Eyes (ОЧИ ЧЕРНЫЕ), Russian Gypsy Romani dance Mardzhandzha (ЦЫГАНСКИЙ ТАНЕЦ МАРДЖАНДЖА), Waltz Durane (ДЮРАН), and other selections.

Russian dance and music Ensemble Barynya in Connecticut, Darien High School, Darien, CT, Vladimir Nilitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Serhiy Tsyganok, Simona Zhukovski, Olga Chpitalnaia, Dinara Subaeva, Leonid Bruk, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov
Russian dance and music Ensemble Barynya in Connecticut, Darien High School, Darien, CT, April 17th, 2018

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.

Vladimir Nikitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Dinara Subaeva, Valentina Kvasova, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Irina Zagornova, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, 01-13-2018, New York Hilton Midtown, New York, NY.  APAP showcase, Saturday, January 13th, 2018
01-13-2018. New York Hilton Midtown, New York, NY. APAP showcase

Auguste Durand, Waltz (video)

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10-14-2017. Noble Nest, White Lake, New York

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.

Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Noble Nest, White Lake, New York
all photos and video from Noble Nest in White Lake, New York

10-13-2017. University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Olga Douglas, Simona Zhukovski, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Valentina Kvasova, Dinara Subaeva, Vladimir Nikitin, University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
Ensemble Barynya: Olga Douglas, Simona Zhukovski, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Valentina Kvasova, Dinara Subaeva, Vladimir Nikitin, University Of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

09-28-2017. Rodgers Forge Elementary School, Baltimore, Maryland

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.

Russian Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Rodgers Forge Elementary School, 250 Dumbarton Rd, Baltimore, MD  21212, Thursday, September 28, 2017, 09-28-2017
Rodgers Forge Elementary School, 250 Dumbarton Rd, Baltimore, Maryland

22 min video from Rodgers Forge Elementary School

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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.

Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Lakeside Adult Care Center, Brooklyn, New York
Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Lakeside Adult Care Center, Brooklyn, New York

Medley (video)

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08-19-2017. Untermyer Park, Yonkers, New York

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.

Dr. Zhivago (video)

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07-29-2017. Cleveland Russian Festival, Parma, Ohio

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.

Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, 07-29-2017, Cleveland Russian Festival, Parma, Ohio, Saturday, July 29th, 2017, Sunday, July 30th, 2017, German Central
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Cleveland Russian Festival, Parma, Ohio

Cleveland Russian Festival, Ohio (video)

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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.

Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Valentina Kvasova, Leonid Bruk, 07-26-2017, Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah, New York, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536, Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah, New York

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.

Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Holiday Inn Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia, BDAA-39, Thursday, July 20th, 2017, Balalaika and Domra Association of America
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, BDAA-39, Alexandria, Virginia

"The White Acacia's Fragrant Flakes" by Alexander Shalov and V. Basner

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07-12-2017. Corporate event in New York City

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).

Balalaika Band and Barynya dancers, Corporate event in New York City, 07-12-2017, Wednesday, July 12th, 2017
Corporate event in New York City

07-01-2017. Private party in New York City

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.

Barynya Balalaika Trio, Barynya dancers, New York City, 07-01-2017, Saturday, July 1st, 2017
Private party in New York City

05-28-2017. Troika Festival, Erie, Pennsylvania

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.

Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Troika Festival, Erie, Pennsylvania, Church of the Nativity Community Center, 109 German Street, Erie, PA
Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Troika Festival, Erie, Pennsylvania

World music medley (video)

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05-14-2017. Matryoshka Festival, Clinton, Massachusetts

Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Matryoshka Festival, Clinton, Massachusetts, Sunday, May 14, 2017 Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Matryoshka Festival, Clinton, Massachusetts, Sunday, May 14, 2017

05-09-2017. Victory Day in Weston, CT - День Победы в Коннектикуте

День Победы в Коннектикуте, Victory Day Celebration, Weston, CT
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04-08-2017. Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, Florence, South Carolina

Alla Melnik, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, Florence, South Carolina, April 8th, 2017
Concert at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center, Florence, South Carolina, April 8th, 2017

02-11-2017. Fort Lauderdale Grand Russian Ball, Mary Porter Riverview Ballroom, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Florida

Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Russian balalaika duo, Black Tie Gala, Fort Lauderdale Grand Russian Ball 2017, Mary Porter Riverview Ballroom, 75th Anniversary of Florida Grand Opera, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale FL 33312, Saturday February 11th 2017 Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Russian balalaika duo, Black Tie Gala, Fort Lauderdale Grand Russian Ball 2017, Mary Porter Riverview Ballroom, 75th Anniversary of Florida Grand Opera, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale FL 33312, Saturday February 11th 2017
Russian balalaika duo at the Black Tie Gala, Fort Lauderdale Grand Russian Ball 2017 at the Mary Porter Riverview Ballroom, 75th Anniversary of Florida Grand Opera at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 Southwest 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale FL 33312.

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.

Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Muhlenberg South Elementary School, Beechmont, Kentucky
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov at the Muhlenberg South Elementary School, Beechmont, KY

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.

01-28-2017, Arizona Balalaika Orchestra, Barynya Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Saturday, January 28, 2017
Arizona Balalaika Orchestra and Barynya Balalaika Trio, Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona

Vassiliy Andreev Waltz "The Butterfly"

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

Nikolai Massenkoff and ensemble Barynya Illinois and Missouri tour 2016

Russian folk singer Nikolai Massenkoff and ensemble Barynya were doing a short concert tour in Illinois and Missouri in October 2016. Concerts took place on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, 11am at FREEDOM HALL, 410 LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD, PARK FOREST, Illinois 60466, on Monday, October 24, 2016, 9:30am at Brubeck Arts Center on Campus of Wabash Valley College, 2200 COLLEGE DRIVE, MOUNT CARMEL, Illinois 62863, on Sunday, October 23, 2016, 1:30pm. Brubeck Arts Center on Campus of Wabash Valley College, 2200 COLLEGE DRIVE, MOUNT CARMEL, Illinois 62863, on Saturday, October 22, 2016, 6pm at BELLE STARR THEATER, 112 E. BOONSLICK ROAD, WARRENTON, MISSOURI 63383. Cast of performers included soloist, star, singer inger Nikolai Massenkoff, Leonid Bruk (contrabass-balalaika), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Vladimir Nikitin (dancer), Simona Zhukovsky (dancer).

video - part 01

view this video on youtube.com website

video - part 02

view this video on youtube.com website

08-31-2016. Accordions Around the World festival at the Bryant Park NYC

Wednesday, August 31, 2016, 5:52pm - 6:32pm. Performance during Accordions Around The World concert series at the Bryant Park in New York City.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016, Bryant Park NYC, New York City, 08-31-2016, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk
Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Bryant Park NYC, New York City


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

08-07-2016. The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow

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).

Sunday, August 7th, 2016, The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, 08-07-2016, Sleepy Hollow, New York
The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow, 08-07-2016, Sleepy Hollow, New York

07-22-2016. Courtyard Bloomington Hotel, Bloomington, Indiana

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.

Friday, July 22, 2016, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Balalaika & Domra Association of America conference 2016, Courtyard Bloomington, Indiana, 07-22-2016
all photos and video from Balalaika & Domra Association of America conference 2016 in Bloomington, IN

44 min video of the performance

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

07-21-2016. Street Music Festival in Illinois

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.

07-21-2016, Illinois Balalaika Trio, Downtown Oak Park, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Thursday, July 21st, 2016
Downtown Oak Park, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk

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, Balalaika Trio, Ocean City Free Public Library, Cape May County, New Jersey, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Wednesday, July 20th, 2016
Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Ocean City Free Public Library, 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.

07-20-2016, Balalaika Trio, Bankbridge Elementary School, Gloucester County, New Jersey, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Wednesday, July 20th, 2016
Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Bankbridge Elementary School, Gloucester County, New Jersey

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.

Barynya Balalaika Trio, Lyndhurst Mansion Castle, Jay Gould Estate,  635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Masha Sarandinaki Tolstoy, Mikhail Smirnov, Sunday, June 5th, 2016
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Masha Tolstoy Sarandinaki, Mikhail Smirnov, Lyndhurst Mansion Castle, Jay Gould Estate, Tarrytown, NY

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).

Barynya Balalaika trio, Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony, Ellis Island, New York City, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Saturday, May 7th, 2016
Barynya Balalaika trio, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Ellis Island, New York City

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.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website
Barynya Balalaika trio, Connecticut, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Memorial Chapel, 221 High Street,  Middletown, CT
Barynya Balalaika trio, Connecticut, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Memorial Chapel, Middletown, CT

05-02-2016. Connecticut Baptist Homes, Meriden , 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.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

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.

02-12-2016, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Barynya Balalaika Trio, Steve's Live Music, Sandy Springs, Georgia, Friday, February 12th, 2016
Steve's Live Music, Sandy Springs, Georgia

01-29-2016. Clarion University, Clarion, Pennsylvania

Friday, January 29, 2016, 8:00PM. 1 hour show at the Clarion University, 840 Wood Street/249 Gemmell Ct, Clarion, PA 16214.

01-29-2016, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Barynya Russian Balalaika Trio, Clarion University, Clarion, Pennsylvania, Friday, January 29, 2016
Clarion University, Clarion, Pennsylvania

12-17-2015. Corporate event in Miami, Florida

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.

Balalaika Trio, Barynya dancers, Siberian Floors Miami, 6191 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138, 12-17-2015, Thursday, December 17th, 2015
Siberian Floors, Miami, Florida

15 min video from Miami, Florida

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

12-12-2015. Restaurant Romanoff Brooklyn, NY

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.

12-12-2015, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Irina Zagornova, Barynya Balalaika Trio, Restaurant Romanoff Brooklyn, NY, Saturday, December 12th, 2015
Restaurant Romanoff Brooklyn, NY

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.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

07-12-2015. Home concert in Holland, Michigan

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.

07-12-2015, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Barynya Russian Balalaika Trio, Home concert in Holland, Michigan, Sunday, July 12th, 2015
Home concert in Holland, Michigan

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.

07-09-2015, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Barynya Russian Balalaika Trio, Downtown Oak Park, Oak Park, Chicago, Illinois, Thursday, July 09, 2015
World Music Concert Series, Downtown Oak Park, Oak Park, Illinois

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.

07-08-2015, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Barynya Balalaika Trio, Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, BDAA-2015, Wednesday, July 8, 2015
2015 convention of Balalaika and Domra Association of America

52 min video

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

04-16-2015. 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).

Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, West Point Military Academy, NY Balalaika Trio, Russian music, garmoshka, songs, balalaika-contrabass
Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, West Point Military Academy

03-27-2015. Glenelg Country School, Glenelg, Maryland

Friday, March 27th, 2015, 8:45, 9:45, 10:45am. Three shows at the Glenelg Country School, 12793 Folly Quarter Road, Glenelg, MD 21042. Balalaika Trio.

Balalaika Trio Maryland
Glenelg Country School, Glenelg, Maryland

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.

Irina Zagornova, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Ave. Ext, Albany NY 12205
Polish Community Center, Albany New York

01-10-2015. Faberge event in New York City

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).

Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Faberge event in New York City, 01-10-2015
Barynya Balalaika Trio, Faberge event in New York City

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

Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Walt Whitman Theatre, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn, New York
Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Walt Whitman Theatre, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn, New York

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.

09-21-2014, Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Irina Zagornova, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & Church of Our Lady of Tikhvin, 200 Alexander Avenue, Howell, New Jersey  07731, Sunday, September 21st, 2014
Irina Zagornova, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & Church of Our Lady of Tikhvin, Howell, NJ


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

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.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

04-04-2014, Lamoni, Iowa

Performance with Russian singer Nikolai Massenkoff at the Graceland University's Shaw Center, Shaw Family Auditorium, Lamoni Campus, 1 University Place, Lamoni, IA 50140 on Friday, April 04, 2014. ALL PHOTOS and VIDEO from Lamoni, Iowa


click to see all photos and video from Lamoni, Iowa

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.

02-07-2014, NY Balalaika Band and Orchestra, Sergei Riabtsev, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Igor Lutsev, Friday, February 7th, 2014, Plaza Hotel NYC, 768 5th Ave, New York, NY
49th Petroushka Ball, at the Plaza Hotel NYC

Petroushka Ball 2014 (video)

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

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.

Friday, August 30th, 2013, Russian Balalaika Trio, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Irina Zagornova, 08-30-2013, Kislak Camp, Lakewood, PA, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Kislak Camp, Lakewood, PA, Wayne County, Pennsylvania

07-18-2013. Peabody Essex Museum, exhibition "Faberge Revealed", Salem, Massachusetts

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.

Barynya performance at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), exhibition Faberge Revealed, Salem, Massachusetts, USA, July 2013, Shawn Fitzgerald Photography
All photos from Barynya performance at the "Faberge Revealed" exhibition, Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, July 2013, Shawn Fitzgerald Photography.

07-10-2013. Sarasota, Florida

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.

Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, singer Irina Zagornova, Sarasota, Florida
Leonid Bruk, Irina Zagornova, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Sarasota, Florida

June 2013, New York City

Photo by www.GoshaArt.com from the event in New York City in June 2013. More photos from the event in NYC by Gosha Shif.

NYC Balalaika Duo. Photo by www.GoshaArt.com
All images from event in Manhattan. Photo by www.GoshaArt.com

10-21-2012. Middle Country Public Library, Selden, New York

Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya. Concert October 21st, 2012. Middle Country Public Library, 575 MC Road, Selden, New York
All photos from October 21st, 2012, Long Island, New York

August 2012. Georgian dance and Russian Gypsy song & music concert in Yonkers, NY


all photos from concert in Yonkers, New York

06-28-2012. Gypsy show in Philadelphia, PA

Gypsy Trio in PA
more photos

March 2012, Maret Middle School, Washington D.C.


watch this video on www.vimeo.com

03-09-2012. Oak View Elementary School, Fairfax, Virginia, March 9th, 2012

NY Balalaika Trio, Elina Karokhina, Boulat Moukhametov, Mikhail Smirnov, Oak View Elementary School, Fairfax, Virginia, March 9th, 2012
Click the image above to see full size high resolution photo

02-27-2012. State Capella of Saint Petersburg, St.Petersburg, Russia

Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina 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

State Capella of Saint Petersburg, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov
more photos and videos from the State Capella of St. Petersburg

01-08-2012, Showcase for the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, New York City

Ensemble "BARYNYA" and "THE SNOW MAIDEN" (Musical) showcases during Association of Performing Arts Presenters (APAP) annual booking conference at the Hilton Hotel NYC (at 54th Street), 1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York City, New York, USA. Cast: singer Alexander Menshikov, Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Leonid Bruk (contrabass-balalaika), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Andrei Kisselev, Boulat Moukhametov, Alexander Rudoy, Anna Brovkina, Olga Chpitalnaia, Valentina Kvasova.

Barynya, APAP|NYC|2012, New York City, January 8th, 2012
Click to see all photos and videos from APAP|NYC|2012

All photos and videos from APAP|NYC|2012

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

12-22-2011. Russian Winter Musical Fairytale The Snow Maiden

Russian Winter Musical Fairytale The Snow Maiden
Click the image above to see all photos

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.

12-11-2011, Nick Kobryn, Ilia Pankratov, Petr Tikhonov, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Huntington Public Library, 338 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743, Suffolk County, Long Island
Huntington Public Library, Huntington, NY 11743, Suffolk County, Long Island

Huntington Public Library - video by Long Island TV company

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

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

Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River, New Jersey
Balalaika Trio, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River, New Jersey

10-30-2011. Gansevoort Park Hotel, New York City

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.

Balalaika Trio NYC, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Gansevoort Park Hotel, 420 Park Ave South, New York, NY
Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Gansevoort Park Hotel, New York, NY

10-20-2011. Corporate event in Miami, Florida

"Korobushka" and "Kalinka"

watch this video on www.youtube.com website
All photos and videos from performance at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel on October 20, 2011 in Miami, Florida

Restaurant NASHA RASHA NYC

Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka) and Elina Karokhina (balalaika)) at Nasha Rasha NYC, Russian restaurant that is rated as one of the Ten Best Russian Restaurants in New York City, 4 W 19th Street, New York New York.

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.

NY Russian Balalaika Trio, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Garrison, New York, 9-17-2011NY Russian Balalaika Trio, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Garrison, New York, 9-17-2011

08-17-2011. Lake Side Adult Care, Brooklyn, New York

trio Barynya performance in Brooklyn, NY, August 2011
Click the image above to see bigger photo
/ more photos from this concert

Barynya Trio at the 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 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.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

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.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website


watch this video on www.youtube.com website


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

05-29-2011. "Balalaika Music Medley", Erie, PA, "Troika" Festival.


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

05-08-2011. San Antonio, Texas

Alexey Maltsev, Alexander Rudoy, Anna Brovkina, Olga Chpitalnaia, Mikhail Smirnov. Ensemble Barynya, San Antonio, Texas, May 2011
Alexey Maltsev, Alexander Rudoy, Anna Brovkina, Olga Chpitalnaia, Mikhail Smirnov. Texas, May 8 2011. Click to see all photos by Ken Mahnke.

March 25- May 2, 2011. Celebrity Theatre, Dollywood Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Four shows a day six days a week at the Celebrity Theatre, Dollywood Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee during the Festival of Nations. Cast: Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Andrei Ivanov (dancer), Alexey Maltsev (dancer), Anya Zeenenko, Anna Brovkina (dancer), and the company of Georgian dancers and musicians... all videos and photos

04-04-2011. Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, April 4th, 2011

03-11-2011. Old York Road Temple - Beth Am, Abington, Pennsylvania

Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Abington, PA, March 2011
Click to open full size scan
or read the article at the www.jewishexponent.com website. More photos and recommendation letter are available on Balalaika Duo page

Anyway cafe NYC with Elina Karokhina (balalaika), February 2011

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.


watch this video on www.vimeo.com

02-05-2011. Mira Costa High School Auditorium, Manhattan Beach, California

Mira Costa High School Auditorium, Manhattan Beach, California
Mira Costa High School Auditorium, Manhattan Beach, California


watch this video on www.vimeo.com.
All videos and photos from concert in Los Angeles, California, February 2011

February 2011, "Russian Tongue Twisters" video


All videos and photos from ensemble Barynya concert in Los Angeles, California in February 2011

01-30-2011. Wedding at the Grand Marquis, Old Bridge, New Jersey

MC Misha
View all photos from January 30th 2011 wedding in New Jersey

01-26-2011. School assembly in Brooklyn, New York

Multicultural school assembly. Russian dance and music, dance workshop. January 26, 2011, Brooklyn, New York
view all photos and videos

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).

Russian band NJ NETS January 19, 2011
click to see all photos from Prudential Arena

December 2010, TMPlaza, Hong Kong, China

Barynya in Hong Kong
Click image above to see all photos and videos from Hong Kong

12-16-2010. Russian consulate NYC, New York, USA

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.

Barynya at the Russian Consulate NYC
Click to see all photos from the event at the Russian Consulate NYC

12-03-2010. Concert tour in Florida

Ensemble Barynya tour in Florida, December 2010
View all photos from concert tour in Florida in December 2010

10-20-2010. Cincinnati Opera's 2010 Ball “An Evening Under the Tsars”,
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza Hotel, Cincinnati, OH

Cincinnati Ohio 2010
View all photos from concert in Cincinnati, Ohio

10-10-2010. Russian Festival in Howell, New Jersey

Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass). Dancers: Alexey Maltsev, Ilia Pankratov, Anna Brovkina, Olga Chpitalnaia.

"Gypsy Fantasy"

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

"Chardash"

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

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

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

08-04-2010, Untermyer Park, Yonkers, New York

It has been the first time in 2010 when singers Irina Zagornova performed with Barynya during the same concert. Elina Karokhina (balalaika) and Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass) have played a new arrangement of the Sailors dance for balalaika and balalaika-contrabass. Video Alisa Yegorova, video editing L.Bruk. Photos by L.Bruk and I. Fridman. See all photos and videos from this concert here.

Mikhail Smirnov
view all photos and videos from performance at the Untermyer Park

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.

Leonid Bruk, Lake Ozark, Missouri, July 2010
click the image above to see all photos

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


watch this video on www.vimeo.com

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


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

List of songs performed on video below
"Ne Budite" ("Small Sun" - "Солнышко") - Gypsy Roma, "Dari-Dari" ("Весёлой шумной толпою") - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Dark Eyes" ("Очи Черные") - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Long Road" ("Дорогой длинною") - singer Sasha Menshikov


watch this video on www.youtube.com website

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.


watch this video on www.vimeo.com
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


watch this video on www.vimeo.com

Gypsy Fantasy, Minneapolis, MN

watch this video on www.youtube.com website
Watch full recording of this concert here

06-29-2010, Concert at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington DC

Barynya in Washington D.C.
view all pictures from concert in Washington DC

06-18-2010, New York City

Ensemble Barynya at the promotional advertising campaign in New York City for "Krushka and Bochka KVASS". KVASS is a natural bread-based original beverage of Russia.

Krushka and Bochka KVASS, Barynya, Alexander Rudoy, Olga Chpitalnaia, Mikhail Smirnov
Click to see all photos from Russian Kvass gig in NYC

April 30, May 1st, May 2nd, 2010. San Antonio, Texas

ensemble Barynya tour 2010, San Antonio, Texas
Click to see all photos from Barynya tour 2010 to San Antonio, Texas

April, 2010. Scottish Rite Auditorium, Williamsport, PA,

"Doctor Zhivago"

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

"Kamarinskaya"

watch this video on www.youtube.com website

04-15-2010. Video from Montclair Kimberley Academy in Montclair, NJ

Concert took place on April 15th, 2010. Cast: Anya Zeenenko (dancer), Alexey Maltsev (dancer, costumed characters), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, balalaika, vocals). List of songs and dances performed: "Kalinka", "Korobushka", "Hopak", "Chastushki-Staradaniya", "Nanai Sumo Wrestling dance", "Metelitsa" (The Snowstorm), "Skorogovorki" (Russian Tongue Twisters), "Subboteya" (Saturday Affair). Extra: photo medley. Camera Sasha, video editing Misha.


Watch this video on www.youtube.com website

"The Star-Ledger", NJ's largest local newspaper, USA

The Star-Ledger, NJ's largest local newspaper, USA ..."The spirit of the Old Country transplanted to the New -- that's the essence of Barynya, the Slavic folk dance ensemble, which made a lively stop Sunday at the Community Theatre in Morristown.

Founded and directed by Mikhail Smirnov, a Russian ethnomusicologist who now lives in Cliffside, the troupe is comprised of immigrants from Russia and its satellites, like the former Soviet republic of Ukraine. Yet in the wake of perestroika, the geographic distribution of Cossack dance staples like the "Kazatsky" has come to include parts of Brooklyn, Canada and New Jersey. Although farther out from the Russian sun, the orbits of these lesser moons are apparently fixed.

Smirnov, who narrates the program when he is not squeezing an accordion-like instrument called the garmoshka, seems comfortable with this irony, and he peppers his monologue with witticisms. His audience's propensity to greet the music with rhythmic clapping..." read full article in NJ's "Star Ledger"

09-18-2008. Mikhail Gorbachev's Liberty Medal Award Gala
National Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA

Mikhail Gorbachev's Liberty Medal Award Gala 2008 Ensemble Barynya performed during the Diner Gala after the Liberty Medal 2008 was presented to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev by President George H.W. Bush. Official ceremony took place on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at The National Constitution Center located at 525 Arch St. on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall. Eight Barynya dancers, four musicians and three singers entertained a black-tie dinner for more than 1,000 guests. Audience included President George H. W. Bush, Tom Brokaw, Dikembe Mutumbo and Van Cliburn. Barynya performed both concert music and dance throughout the evening. President's Bush and Gorbachev were thrilled. World known concert pianist Van Cliburn shake hands with the balalaika virtuoso Lev Zabeginsky. MC of the evening, American television journalist Tom Brokaw, used one of our microphones to do the toasts. He was standing next to Barynya musicians on the stage.

04-09-2010, 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).

Barynya at the Winter Palace Ball, Toronto, Canada
Ensemble Barynya at the Winter Palace Ball, Toronto, Canada. Click to see all photos

April 2010, Anyway cafe, New York City

Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Anyway Cafe, New York City, 2010
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| Mikhail Smirnov and Elina Karokhina at the Anyway Cafe, 34 E 2nd St, New York, NY 10003

03-05-2010, Boston, Massachusetts

Barynya in Boston, Massachusetts
View all photos from concert in Boston, Massachusetts

February 2010, Winter Tour in Chicago, Illinois

Barynya in Chicago, IllinoisBarynya in Chicago, IllinoisBarynya in Chicago, IllinoisBarynya in Chicago, Illinois
view all photos from Barynya tour in Chicago, IL

February 2010, Russian Winter Festival in Albany, New York

Barynya, Russian Winter Festival, Albany, New York
click to see full size image
/ Read more at Pilot Girl's blog

Barynya, February 2010, Russian Winter Festival, Albany, New York
click the image above to see all photos and video from Albany

Sunday, January 10, 2010, 8:40PM, 9:40PM, 10:40PM,
APAP booking conference NYC Hilton, Morgan Suite, 2 Floor
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019

08:40PM Barynya
09:40PM Moscow Gypsy Army
10:40PM Mazal Tov

MUSICIANS/SINGERS: Yakov Yavno (vocals), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Alexander Menshikov (vocals), Leonid Bruk (bass, balalaika contrabass), Lev Zabeginsky (balalaika), Alexey Efimenko (guitar), Alexandre Tseytlin (violin), Sasha Mogilevich (drums),
DANCERS: Valentina Kvasova, Natalia Ejova, Olga Chpitalnaia, Ksenya Hentisz, Ilia Pankratov, Andrei Kisselev, Andrij Cybyk, Alexander Rudoy.

Association of Performing Arts Presenters Showcase Poster
click to see full size poster

Article about performance in Atlanta - "The BDAA Newsletter"

Article was printed in December 2009 in "The BDAA Newsletter", the official Journal of the Balalaika and Domra Association of America.

click the image to see full size high resolution scan
Article about Barynya performance in Atlanta in the BDAA newsletter
click the image to see full size high resolution scan

01-01-2010. Fox Hills Adult Community, Friday, January 1st, 2010

1209 Hamilton Drive, Rockaway, NJ 07866. Ensemble Barynya cast: Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar), Alexey Klyuchnikov (dancer, costumed characters), Anya Zeenenko (dancer).

Barynya concert in Rockaway, New Jersey, 2010
view all photos from this performance

11-29-2009. Ridgewood Public Library, Ridgewood, New Jersey

Ridgewood, New Jersey, November 29th, 2009
Ridgewood Public Library, photos by Bill Grae

Mikhail Smirnov
view all photos from this performance

11-14-2009. Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, California

Barynya, Los Angeles, California, November 2009
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10-28-2009. Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center, Ada, Oklahoma, Concert with a legendary Russian folk singer Nikolai Massenkoff

Nikolai Massenkoff and Barynya
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10-11-2009. New Providence Public Library, New Providence, New Jersey

Russian music and dance concert in New Jersey
view all photos

10-04-2009. Van Nostrand Theatre, Brentwood, New York

Cast: Mikhail Smirnov (vocals, garmoshka), Alexander Menshikov (vocals), Lev Zabeginsky (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Roman Ivanoff (percussions), Serge Rogozin (balalaika), Yan Khmel (bayan), Irina Zagornova (vocals), Kagarov sisters (vocals), Dancers: Alexey Maltsev, Danila Sherstobitov, Aliaksandr Anatska, Alexander Rudoy, Valentina Kvasova, Olga Chpitalnaia, Ksenya Hentisz, Olga Yeliseyeva.

Barynya concert on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at  Suffolk County Community College, Van Nostrand Theatre, Crooked Hill Road, Brentwood, New York
view all photos

Russian Tongue-Twisters - Русские Скороговорки

View all videos from that performance
"Two guitars" and "Where Are They?" - «Две гитары» и «Кай Ёнэ»

View all videos from that performance
Russian Two-Step Dance «Девочка Надя»

View all videos from that performance

Atlantic City, New Jersey, August 2009

Natasha Gunder (violin) and Mikhail_smirnov (garmoshka), Atlantic City, New Jersey, August 2009
More photos from ensemble Barynya concert in Atlantic City, NJ

09-22-2009. Mexico, Chihuahua, 5th International Festival

5th International Festival in Mexico, Chihuahua, ten days tour with Russian folk dance and music ensemble Barynya. Cast: Valentina Kvasova, Olga Yeliseyeva, Natia Rtveliashvili, Anna Brovkina, Aliaksandr Anatska, Alexey Maltsev, Alexander Rudoy, Lev Zabeginsky, Alexander Menshikov, Mikhail Smirnov.

Barynya Tour 2009 Mexico
view all photos from Barynya Tour 2009 in Mexico

Solo concert of Barynya ensemble at the huge concert hall in Chihuahua City was stopped in the beginning and delayed. Many people outside of the theatre still wanted to get in to see the show. Finally they put sound monitors and projection screens on the street and let some more people inside. That is a very funny funny video. Because they recorded the concert but failed to record the sound, so they just pulled some music off the internet and put the two together. The sound track is fun in its own way too. Our singer Sasha Menshikov did not like it. Actually he hated this video. But maybe he was overreacting.
 
Сольный концерт ансамбля Барыня в огромном концертном зале города Чиуауа Сити (Чивава Сити) был задержан на 30 ИЛИ 40 минут. На улице осталось около 1000 человек, которым не досталось билетов, а люди требовали впустить их посмотреть шоу. На улице поставили большие проэкционные экраны, звуковые колонки, и в концов концов мы начали наше выступление. К сожалению, на видео вместо нашего собственного звука местные видеооператор и режиссер, которые сделали нам это видео в подарок, зачем-то "подложили" записи каких-то других русских ансамблей. Но эти записи тоже довольно прикольные сами по себе. А видео с выступления получилось очень красивое. Саше Меньшикову оно, правда, страшно не понравилось. Очень сильно не понравилось. Саша Меньшиков всё принимает слишком близко к сердцу.

Barynya concert in Chihuahua City, 9-22-2009

watch this video on www.vimeo.com

Festival International des Rythmes du Monde, Chicoutimi (Quebec), Canada, July 2009

Over 10 thousand people attended Barynya performance during Festival in Chicoutimi. Performers: Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Alexander Menshikov, Yan Khmel, Lev Zabeginsky, Valentina Kvasova, Ilia Pankratov.

Barynya at the Festival International des Rythmes du Monde, Chicoutimi (Quebec), Canada July 2009
View more photos from the "Festival International des Rythmes du Monde" - Chicoutimi (Quebec), Canada

05-20-2009. Wayne Elementary School, 651 West Wayne Avenue, Wayne, Pennsylvania

Mikhail Smirnov at Wayne Elementary School, Wayne, PA
click image above to see full size high resolution photo

Recommendation letter from Wayne Elementary School
recommendation letter for Mikhail Smirnov
click to see full size scan of recommendation letter

05-17-2009. Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, New York City

Concert of "Barynya Trio" - Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, balalaika, guitar, vocals), Valentina Kvasova (dancing, vocals), Alexey Maltsev (dancing, costumed characters). Sunday, May 17th, 2009, 2PM. Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021.


Watch this video on YouTube.com website

Great Falls Performing Arts Center, Paterson, New Jersey, April 2009

Cast: Vasily Yankovich (singer, seven-stringed Gypsy guitar), Alexander Menshikov (singer, tambourine), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, vocals), Alex Siniavski (balalaika, Gypsy guitar), Alexandre Tseytlin (violin), Valentina Kvasova (dancer, vocals), Mikhail Nesterenko (dancer, costume characters), Natalia Stolichnaya (dancer).


http://www.youtube.com/R2_xn6KVmeM

March 2009. International Folk Fair Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida

Photos from the International Folk Fair Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida, March 2009
View video and all photos

02-28-2009. Russian Winter Festival in Albany, New York

Russian Winter Festival in Albany, New York
view all photos from Russian Winter Festival in Albany, New York

Barynya performance at the Russian Winter Festival in Albany, New York on February 28, 2009
Watch this video on YouTube
Barynya performance at the Russian Winter Festival in Albany, New York on February 28, 2009
Watch this video on YouTube

02-22-2009. Morristown, New Jersey

video

February 2009. Photos from the Petroushka Ball in New York City

Annual Petroushka Ball 2009 took place at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The Barynya Balalaika Orchestra performed from 9pm until 2:30am in the morning. List of performers: Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Alex Siniavski (balalaika), Lev Zabeginsky (domra), Alexandre Tseytlin (violin), Yan Khmel (bayan), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), singers Alexander Menshikov and Lyudmila Fesenko.

Barynya Balalaika Orchestra at the Petroushka Ball 2009 New York City
Barynya balalaika orchestra at the Petroushka Ball 2009 New York City

February 2009. Slavic Festival in Eugene, Oregon

Mikhail Smirnov, Lev Zabeginsky, Valentina Kvasova, Natalia Ejova, Ksenya Hentisz, Stefan Kuziw, Mikhail Nesterenko, Danila Sherstobitov, and Alexey Maltsev performed three shows during the Fourth Annual Slavic Festival in Eugene, Oregon organized by Slavic Home. On the photo below ensemble Barynya is performing Danila Cooper, the dance of Russian Nobility.

Ensemble Barynya performs the dance of Russian Nobility "Danila Cooper" during Slavic Festival in Eugene, Oregon. February 2009.
more photos on www.myspace.com/barynya

11-22-2008. Brooklyn, New York


view all 16 photos from this concert

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY TOUR 2008

Mikhail Smirnov
Ensemble Barynya Penn State University Tour 2008 (photos)

MIDWEST TOUR 2008

Barynya midwest tour 2008
Barynya midwest tour 2008 album 01
Barynya midwest tour 2008
Barynya midwest tour 2008 album 02

09-11-2008. Colchester Cenior Center, Colchester, Connecticut

Russian Duo CT, Valentina Kvasova, Mikhail Smirnov
Valentina Kvasova, Mikhail Smirnov. Click image above to see all photos from Colchester, CT

08-30-2008. Russian Federation Embassy Estate USA

Barynya at the Russian Federation Embassy Estate USA
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08-14-2008. Russian party in New York City

Russian Party in New York City
view all pictures from the party

05-17-2008. New York Russian Radio Station City Radio 540AM
Festival of Russian music, dance and culture,

Barynya @ Russian Radio concert in New York
click picture above to view more pictures from ensemble Barynya performance in Brooklyn, New York on May 17th, 2008

Windsor Terrace Public Library, Brooklyn, NY, May 2008.

Alexey Maltsev, Valentina Kvasova, Leonid Bruk, Lev Zabeginsky, Mikhail Smirnov
click the photo above to see more photos and videos

Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA April 2008 (VIDEO)

New York City, January 2008.

View all videos from Zhenya Shevchenko and Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya performance in New York City on Saturday, January 26, 2008

Russian folk song "Paranya" (VIDEO)

Valentina Kvasova, Mikhail Smirnov
Ukrainian folk song "Byla Mene Maty"
Mikhail Smirnov
Russian Tongue Twister song "Natalia"
Mikhail Smirnov
Russian folk song Korobushka
Mikhail Smirnov
"Gop So Smykom"

Photos by Dalia Bagdonaite from Zhenya Shevchenko and ensemble Barynya concert and rehearsal on 01-26-2008 in New York City

Zhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photosZhenya and Barynya 2008 photos
View all photos from the concert January 26, 2008 by Dalia Bagdonaite

12-21-2007. Russian Father Frosts and Snow Maidens
Barynya gig for TV Chanel RUSSIA TODAY, New York City

On December 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 2007 from 12PM till 4 PM New York based Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya dancers and musicians were leading a group of Russian Father Frosts and Snow Maidens (Ded Moroz and Snegurochka) to greet New Yorkers and promote new TV Channel "RUSSIA TODAY".

Barynya Russian Father Frosts and Snow Maidens, New York City, December 2007Barynya Russian Father Frosts and Snow Maidens, New York City, December 2007
view all photos by Dalia Bagdonaite

12-13-2007. Barynya in Toronto, Canada, December 2007

Barynya in Toronto, Canada, December 2007

On December 13, 2007 at 8pm Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya performed at the "Guvernment" (Kool Haus Entertainment Complex), 132 Queens Quay East, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3Y5 Canada... view more pictures

09-29-2007. Slavic Cultural Festival, McLean, Virginia

Ensemble Barynya September 29, 2007 McLean, VA
view photos provided by K.P. Vereshchaka

Mikhail Smirnov, Victoria Pichurova, Valentina Kvasova, Olga Chpitalnaia, Natalia Ejova, Mikhail Nesterenko, Stefan Kuziw, and Roman Lewkowicz photos from Slavic Cultural Festival that took place on September 29, 2007 at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA. Ensemble Barynya shared the stage with the Kazak Family Trio of Belarus, the Bandura Tells of Ukraine, and local organization, the Washington Balalaikas Society Orchestra.

10-06-2007. Performance with Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society

Reno, Nevada October 6, 2007 Russian Gypsy singer Alexander Menshikov and Mikhail Smirnov performed as guests artists at the concert with the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society. Concert took place on October 6, 2007 at the Nightingale Hall at the University of Reno. The Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society is based in Reno, Nevada, and is an affiliate of the BDAA (Balalaika and Domra Association of America)...

Folklorama 2007 Russian Pavillion Winnipeg Canada

Mikhail Smirnov at Folklorama 2007

Artistic Director of the Barynya ensemble Mikhail Smirnov was invited to play gusli, balalaika, garmoshka and sing Russian tongue twisters at the FOLKLORAMA 2007 (the largest and longest running multicultural festival of its kind in the world) festival held annualy in Winnipeg, Canada.

July 16-28, 2007. Performance series in Ohio communities

BARYNYA SUMMER 2007 OHIO TOUR

Ensemble Barynya was touring the state of OHIO as part of the Ohio Arts Council’s Summer International Music and Performing Arts in Communities Tour (IMPACT). Barynya performed many shows, Russian & Ukrainian dance workshops from July 17 to July 28, 2007. Performance locations included Lakeside, Warren, Marietta, Jackson and Grandview Heights. All performances were free and open to the public.

Barynya in Ohio 2007 tour DVD
Barynya in Ohio 2007 tour DVD

Performers: Mikhail Smirnov - vocal, garmoshka, guitar, Alex Siniavski - balalaika, Gypsy guitar, Andrij Cybyk - dancer, choreographer, Valentina Kvasova - dance captain, dancer, Leonid Bruk - balalaika contrabass, Alexander Menshikov - singer, tambourine, Victoria Pichurova - singer, Natalia Ejova - dancer, Natia Rtveliashvili - dancer, Stefan Kuziw - dancer, Alex Sizov - dancer... view videos, order full lenght DVD of this concert.

July 9-15 , 2007. The Balalaika and Domra Association of America 2007 Decorah, Iowa

The Balalaika and Domra Association of America 2007

Singer Alexander Menshikov and garmoshka player Mikhail Smirnov were invited as guest artists and teachers of Russian Gypsy traditional music to the Annual conference of The Balalaika and Domra Association of America.

07-03-2007. Lions Clubs International 90th Convention in Chicago, IL

Barynya in Chicagi,IL 2007 ENSEMBLE BARYNYA PERFORMANCE AT THE Lions Clubs International 90th Convention in Chicago, IL at the Hilton Hotel for the Russian Evening Event on Sunday, July 3rd, 2007. On the photo from left to right: dancer Natalia Ejova, Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), Jim Cox (contrabass), Alex Siniavski (balalaika), and dancer Andrij Cybyk...

05-11-2007. Russian Nobility Ball in New York City

Barynya @ Russian Nobility Ball 2007
Ensemble Barynya @ Russian Nobility Ball 2007 photos

The Russian Nobility Association in America annual Spring Russian Nobility Ball took place at the luxurious "Pierre" Hotel on May 11, 2007 in New York City. Musicians and dancers of New York based Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya (full company) provided music for coctail hour and thirty minute music and dance program during the dinner. "Barynya" performed popular Russian Gypsy pieces: "Two Guitars", "Kay One", "Vingerka", "3 lines", Russian favorite balalaika arrangement "The Moon is shining brightly" and Cossack song and dance "Varen'ka".

04-29-2007. Fairmont Chicago Hotel, Chicago, Illinois

Barynya at Fairmont Chicago Hotel Sunday, April 29, 2007 from 8 to 11pm. “Gorodissky & Partners”, Ltd. reception at Fairmont Chicago Hotel, 200 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601. Musicians: M.Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Alex Siniavski (balalaika, Gypsy guitar), Stefan Kuziw (tambourine), and Richard Armandi (contrabass). This was the first time ensemble Barynya performed with Richard Armandi on contrabass and Stefan Kuziw on tambourine. We have got Richard's number twenty hours before the show from our friend MOJO. Our own favorite contrabass-balalaika player L.Bruk was not available.

April 2007. Beck Center for the Arts, Lakewood, Ohio

Gop So SmykomGop So Smykom literally "Hop With A Violin Bow", an untranslatable slang nickname of a criminal character, roughly "High-Spirited Hop". In the opening stanza he introduces himself: "Gop So Smykom happens to be me, Listen well, friends. For my trade I've chosen theft. I am hardly ever out of prison, and when I am, the prison misses me. But whatever prison I may be in, not a minute passes without me singing. I stick my hands in my pockets, And walk around, singing out of boredom... read more

Cleveland Jewish News.com, April 2007

Russian music and dance in Ohio
click image above to view videos and read full article from www.ClevelandJewishNews.com

March 2007. George Washington University, Slavic Spring Festival in Washington, D.C

Ensemble BarynyaEnsemble BarynyaEnsemble Barynya
Slavic Spring Festival in Washington, D.C. pictures, video

February 2007. Embassy of Russia in Washington, DC

Photos from the inside of Russian Embassy Ensemble "Barynya" provided music and dancing for the MASLENITSA at the Embassy of Russia in Washington, DC. It was a long drive from Brooklyn for every BARYNYA member: dancer Vitaly Verterich, singer Victoria Pichurova, musicians Alex Siniavski (balalaika, Gypsy guitar), violinist Alexander Tseytlin and Ruslan Khain (c-bass). Login to YAHOO

Ensemble Barynya Penn State University tour 2007

Penn State University Tour 2007   Penn State University Tour 2007   Penn State University Tour 2007   Penn State University Tour 2007   Penn State University Tour 2007   Penn State University Tour 2007  

KatyushaPopular Russian song "Katyusha" performed on Russian garmoshka and Gypsy guitar during ensemble "Barynya" tour at the Penn State University campuses in January 2007. Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), Alex Siniavski (Gypsy guitar). "Katyusha" is a Russian Soviet wartime song about a girl longing for her beloved, who is away on military service. The music was composed in 1938 by Matvey Blanter, lyrics - Mikhail Isakovski. It was first performed by the celebrated folk singer, Lidiya Rouslanova. "Katyusha" is a tender diminutive from the female name "Ekaterina" (Catherine).

KalinkaPopular Russian folk song and dance "Kalinka" performed on Russian garmoshka, balalaika and Gypsy guitar during ensemble "Barynya" tour at the Penn State University campuses in January 2007. Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), Alex Siniavski (Gypsy guitar, balalaika), and dancers Andrij Cybyk, and Natalia Ejova

2006. Ensemble Barynya in Eugene, Oregon

Ensemble Barynya in Eugene, Oregon
Barynya in Eugene, Oregon

11-13-2006. University of Texas-Pan American

Barynya Barynya Barynya Barynya

October 2006, John Michael Kohler Arts Center

ensemble Barynya promo 2006ensemble Barynya promo 2006ensemble Barynya promo 2006ensemble Barynya promo 2006ensemble Barynya promo 2006ensemble Barynya promo 2006ensemble Barynya promo 2006
videoclips from performance in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Ensemble Barynya performed in Wisconsin with dancers Olga Chpitalnaia, Valentina Kvasova, Ganna Makarova, Andrij Cybyk, Vitaly Verterich, and Mikhail Nesterenko; musicians: Ruslan Khain - contrabass, Mikhail Smirnov - garmoshka, singer Alexander Menshikov, and Alex Siniavski - balalaika... view all videos, photos, listen to MP3, buy DVD and CD.

September 2006. Baltimore, Maryland

Russian Gypsy folk song 2 min 20 sec Russian Gypsy folk song and dance "Those were the days" video. Folk singer Alexander Menshikov and Russian music ensemble "Barynya" showcase at the booking conference on September 29, 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mikhail Smirnov-guitar, Vadim Kolpakov-Russian Gypsy 7-string guitar, Ruslan Khain - balalaika contrabass, Alex Siniavski-balalaika, Gypsy guitar

August 2006. Reno, Nevada

gypsy boys Alexander Menshikov and Mikhail Smirnov are performing as "GYPSY BOYS" at the "Starlight Serenade" concert presented by the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society at the Bartley Ranch Amphitheater, at 7:30 pm on Saturday, September 2nd. The Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society is dedicated to the perpetuation of music written for the balalaika, domra, and related instruments.

July 2006. Akron, Ohio.

BDAA 2006 The annual conference of The Balalaika and Domra Association of America took place in Akron, Ohio. Mikhail Smirnov and singer Alexander Menshikov went there to teach Russian folk singing and Russian folk chorus and also to perform for over 160 attendees of the BDAA conference. view photos

JUNE 2006. WORLD YACHT PRINCESS, NEW YORK CITY

Alex Siniavski, Alexander Menshikov and Mikhail Smirnov Barynya musicians play aboard World Yacht's " Princess" at Pier 81 (West 41st street at the Hudson River) in New York City at the Russian Children's Welfare Society event "Petroushka on the Hudson". Mikhail Smirnov and Maria Vorobieva

MAY 2006. UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION, NEW YORK CITY

ensemble Barynya United Nations Association event in Lighthouse International over on EAST 58th street in New York City. Barynya performes with two dancers, two musicians and singer... read recommendation letter

MARCH 2006. Petroushka Ball at the Waldorf's Astoria Hotel.

Barynya Balalaika Orchestra Barynya musicians are playing at the New York's landmark The Waldorf's Astoria Hotel at the Benefit Concert "Petroushka Ball" for The Annual Fundraiser of the Russian Children’s Welfare Society... more pictures

FEBRUARY 2006. World Champions exhibition and skating event in Locust Valley, New York

Tatyana Navka, Mikhail Smirnov, Roman Kostomarov and Alex Siniavski Barynya performance at the World Champions exhibition and skating event in Locust Valley, New York. On the picture ensemble Barynya musicians with the gold medalists of the 2004 World Figure Skating Championships in Ice Dancing Tatiana Navka and Roman Kostomarov. From left to right: Tatiana Navka, Mikhail Smirnov, Roman Kostomarov and Alex Siniavski

05-13-2005. Russian Nobility Ball

Russian folk dance and music ensemble Barynya 2005 Russian Nobility Ball
Russian folk dance and music ensemble Barynya 2005 Russian Nobility Ball

Ensemble Barynya was invited to perform at the Annual Russian Nobility Ball. The show took place in Grand Ball Room of "The Pierre Hotel", Fifth Avenue at 61st Street, New York City, USA on Friday, May 13th, 2005.
Peasant dance of Ukraine HopakPeasant dance of Ukraine HopakPeasant dance of Ukraine HopakPeasant dance of Ukraine HopakRussian song and dance Sergey Gusarov
videoclips from The Russian Nobility Ball 2005

February 2004. Discovery Channel series "The Party Planner with David Tutera

Discovery Channel series "The Party Planner with David Tutera" Alex Siniavski, David Tutera, Valentina Kvasova and Mikhail Smirnov In February of 2004 ensemble Barynya participated in "Party Planner with David Tutera" on famous Discovery Channel show. It was funny how many people watched that show on TV and complemented us on being a part of it. That is clear now that best in Party Business choose BARYNYA when they are looking for Russian theme entertainment.
BALALAIKA DANCE TRIO VIDEOCLIP: Valentina Kvasova, Alex Siniavski and Mikhail Smirnov
"Party Planner with David Tutera", Discovery Channel
1 minure 30 seconds MPEG videoclip (7,86 MB)

Russian entertainment database

In 1998 I registered and begin to design and promote Russian entertainment database website wich has become the first on-line Russian folk entertainment resouce in the United States. Since 1998 more then 500 venues found and hired Russian folk dancers, musicians, singers and ensembles using this daily updated catalog. Registration is still free! Since 2005 I become a member of many booking conferences for touring artists. There is hope to get even more gigs for performers and groups listed on my website in the United States and all over the world.

Russian America

Being apart from professional performing on the stage with extraordinary musicians and dancers of ensemble Barynya I still go to parties with my friends. Then I take with me my favorite TULSKAYA GARMOSHKA, balalaika or guitar. We will sing and dance chastushki, Moroz-Moroz, Kalina and all our favorite Russian songs.

Russian America
Tall Man Park, New York

Brooklyn Balalaikas Russian folk music trio
Russian folk music and dance ensemble Barynya performance
Russian Heritage Event at Macy's Kings Plaza. Brooklyn, New York
Leonid Bruk, Alex Siniavski, Mikhail Smirnov

In 1994 I have met wonderful musician and balalaika virtuoso Alex Siniavski. As "Russian Balalaika Duo" we performed all over the United States, released two compact disks: Barynya Russian folk songs, Sergey Gusarov and first in the world BALALAIKA TUTORIAL ON DVD.

Misha Smirnov and balalaika 
virtuoso Alyosha Siniavski at Wheaton village concertMisha Smirnov and balalaika virtuoso Alyosha Siniavski at Wheaton village concertMisha Smirnov and balalaika virtuoso Alyosha Siniavski at Wheaton 
village concert
Mikhail Smirnov and balalaika virtuoso Alex Siniavski

In 1992 extremely talented Russian dancer Sasha Anchutin, who was trained and performed with world known Moyseev Dance Company, joined the group as choreographer and dancer. That was the beginning of Russian folk dance and music ensemble Barynya. The first show took place at Russian restaurant "Fyodoroff", Carle Place, Long Island, NY. The show always started with the dance BARYNYA and that also served as a name of our project.

1992, Russian folk music and dance trio Barynya: Natasha Demidova, Sasha Anchutin, Mikhail Smirnov
Russian folk Trio Barynya, 1992

Misha and Natasha from Russia

After a while we started to perform with Natalia Demidova as Russian folk duo Misha and Natasha from Russia. Together we made compact disk "Beyond The Don River Russian Folksongs. That recording was very well recieved by people. It was offered through TOWER RECORDS chain, QVC Television Network and many other venues (by faith at tforge). We did not make millions, but it was great! People recognize us, we were touring the country with various groups, giving interviews to newspapers and signing autographs.

Misha and Natasha from Russia, City Hall, New York CityRussian folk duo "Misha and Natasha from Russia"Russian folk duo "Misha and Natasha from Russia"Russian folk duo "Misha and Natasha from Russia"Russian folk duo "Misha and Natasha from Russia"Russian folk duo "Misha and Natasha from Russia"Russian folk duo "Misha and Natasha from Russia"
Russian folk duo "Misha and Natasha from Russia"

November 1991. Barynya trio - Misha, Sasha and Natasha

Barynya Russian dance and music ensemble "Barynya" was founded back in 1991. Sasha Anchutin, Natasha Demidova and Mikhail Smirnov rehearsed the first few numbers at the Russian restaurant Fyodoroff in Glen Cove, Long Island. Trio always started concert program with traditional dance "Barynya" which later become the name of the group.

05-07-1991. Welcome to America

On May 7th 1991 I arrived in the United States as a part of the "Moscow State Center Russkaya Pesnya (Russian Song)", director Nadezhda Babkina. Our show consisted of Elena Ivanova, Elena Kuz'mich, Marina Gorokhova, Natalia Demidova, Leonid Gorelov and Dmitriy Sharov and myself. We performed at the Russian restaurant "Fyodoroff" in Carle Place, New York.

1991
Mineola, Long Island, New York, 1991

When my student years in Moscow State Academy of Arts were over I was working as singer/actor and choirmaster of Russian folk theatre MATANYA. It was a lot of fun. We were touring Siberia and rehearsing in Central House of Culture of Rail Road Workers. After ensemble "MATANYA" I was working with well known in Russia "Moscow State Center Russkaya Pesnya (Russian Song)", director Nadezhda Babkina. With this group I was lucky to perform in the best concert halls of Russia and touring in Kongo and USA.

Misha Smirnov as a student at Moscow State Institute of Culture and Art
Mikhail Smirnov as a student at Moscow State Institute of Culture and Art

Russian Folklore Expeditions

As a student of Moscow State University of Culture and Arts I went to many different parts of Russia such as Tver, Smolensk and Belgorod to collect Russian folklore. Songs, melodies, lyrics and tunes change from village to village, even those as close as couple of miles apart. In folklore expeditions I have recorded over 100 hours of Russian folk songs, tunes, and lyrics. Many of those songs are used in the program of ensemble "Barynya".

Before graduation Misha (Mikhail Smirnov) was a soloist/choirmaster at vocal semi-professional group "Moskovia" (Moscow, Russia), director Valery Kuzmich Nesterov. He has received his formal education master degree in in Russian folk chorus conducting at the Moscow State Academy of Culture and Arts.

Misha Smirnov, Natasha Demidova, Georgy Krayushkin   Mikhail Smirnov, Natasha Demidova, Vladimir Aban'shin   Irina Vasilievna Shpariychuk
Graduation Day. Natasha Demidova, Georgy Krayushkin, Vladimir Aban'shin, my teacher Irina Vasilievna Shpariychuk

Soviet Army 1984-1986

I was in the Service for two years, from November 1984 to November 1986. It was the most difficult time of my life. I still remeber taste of food and smell of the KAZARMA where soldiers sleep. Among other responsibilities I was director of soldier's ensemble "Impuls" and also playing tuba in Russian Army Military Orchestra.

Pasha, Sasha, Misha Smirnov, Vadim Katashyov, Pavel Kuznetsov   Mikhail Smirnov, Natasha Demidova, Vladimir Aban'shin

Moscow Boys Chorus

Misha Smirnov in front of Moscow school number 122 The Moscow Boys Chorus was my school. It was located in the center of Moscow, next to Pushkin's Square. The Moscow Boys Choir is considered to be one of Russia's most prestigious all-boy a cappella ensembles.

Our teacher and director Ninel Davydovna Kamburg, God bless her soul... has directed The Moscow Boys Choir since 1966. Choir members attend a special school in Moscow, where the boys traditionally begin rigorous training music as early as age 5. Those selected for the touring choir are chosen from all over Russia on the basis of both their talent at singing (choir members are hailed throughout the world for their "angelic" voices) and their discipline. Misha Smirnov in front of Moscow school number 122 "There is a level of honor for these boys to be members of the choir, but there are no life-style advantages. I was thrilled when as a child I was selected to study and perform with this premiere all-male ensemble. In 2001 The moscow Boys Chorus were touring United States and I was lucky to attend their performance in New Jersey. Below you can see two pictures with Ninel Davydovna Kamburg and its current director Mr. Leonid Baklushin

Ninel Davydovna Kamburg   Ninel Davydovna Kamburg, Leonid Baklushin
With Ninel Davydovna Kamburg and Leonid Baklushin, 2001

ARTICLES AND STORIES WRITTEN BY MIKHAIL SMIRNOV

Article "Balalaikas, garmoshkas, vodka and caviar" published in "The BDAA Newsletter" December 2009 , the official Journal of the Balalaika and Domra Association of America.

click images to see full size high resolution scans

Balalaikas, garmoshkas, vodka and caviar. Article written by Mikhail Smirnov for the BDAA newsletter   
Balalaikas, garmoshkas, vodka and caviar. Article written by Mikhail Smirnov for the BDAA newsletter
click the image to see full size high resolution scan

Mikhail Smirnov blog at www.LiveJournal.ru
Folklorama 2007 Russian Pavillion Winnipeg, Canada. 2007
Brooklyn Gypsy Cossacks rehearsal. 2007
Article about Russian dance. 2006
Article in L Magazine, 2006
Review of an album by balalaikist Nikita Siniy. 2006
Open Letter to balalaika player Sasha Ressetar. 2006
Ensemble Barynya in Eugene, Oregon. 2006
Balalaika player's Christmas Diary. 2005
How to buy contrabass balalaika. 2004

IN RUSSIAN

блог Михаила Смирнова на сайте www.LiveJournal.ru
"Pепетиция ансамбля Барыня" в журнале "Сова". 2007
Краткая история русского народного танца. 2006
рецензия на альбом "Ничего себе балалайка"
Славянский фестиваль в городе Юджине, штат Орегон, 2006
Рождественский дневник балалаешника. 2005
Покупаем контрабас-балалайку. 2004
"Как бросить курить". 2000
"Как исполнять русские матерные частушки". 1999
Гороскопчик Миши Смирнова "О Вас без прикрас". 1998

New York based Russian Folk Song and Dance Ensemble Barynya DVD cover
DVD cover
  New York based Russian folk dance and music ensemble "Barynya" DVD. Russian folk dances, tunes, songs, virtuoso performances on balalaika, bass-balalaika, gusli and garmoshka.
Runtime: 1 hour
Cover Art: Anna Nagorskaya
Price: $30 US dollars (first class shipping included)
more info/Order

Mikhail Smirnov recordings, albums and MP3 downloads

Russian garmoshka albumGarmoshka Russian traditional music album in February 2007. Recording was made possible by singers-songwriters, Russian bard musicians Yuriy and Viktor Tenman from New York at their recording studio in Staten Island (Villa Nova Studio). Album contains traditional Russian tunes: "Kalinka", "Moscow nights", "Korobushka" and other Russian favorite songs performed on Russian garmoshka. If you ever attend a Russian party where people are singing, you will be able to recognize all the tunes from this album. The very first song that people will do together after a few drinks at the Russian wedding or Birthday party most likely will be "Moroz-Moroz" or "Gorochka"... read more, MP3 samples

ensemble BarynyaEthnic Russian Music Album recorded with ensemble Barynya in December 2006. Total time 45:46. Album released by AS IZ Recording. Philadelphia, PA. 2006. Favorite Russian melodies and songs performed on garmoshka, balalaika, Gypsy and classic guitars and contrabass... more information, MP3 samples

Barynya 2006Russian folk music, song and dance album. Runtime: 64 minutes. Ensemble Barynya live from Wisconsin. Album released by AS IZ Recording. Philadelphia, PA. 2006. Songs: "The Peddlers", "You stood me up", "Angry mother (bila mene maty)", "Tongue Twister". Dances: "Hopak", "Sailor's Dance", "Barynya", "Kalinka". Balalaika solo: "The Moon is shining", "Chardash"... more info, MP3s, order

Russian Christmas MusicRussian Christmas Music Balalaika Album. Balalaika virtuoso Alex Siniavski, Mikhail Smirnov (guitar). Runtime: 51 minutes. Album released by AS IZ Recording. Philadelphia, PA. 2005. 25 Russian folk songs, dances, tunes, favorite Christmas and Holiday selections such as "Carol of Bells", "Deck The Halls", "Father Frost", "Jingle Bells", "Jolly Old Saint Nicholas", "Joy To The World", "Folk Carol from Smolensk", "Snowstorm", "Snegoorochka"... more information, MP3 samples

Sergey GusarovSergey Gusarov" Russian folk songs and balalaika music album recorded with ensemble Barynya. Album released by AS IZ Recording. Philadelphia, PA. 2004. Russian folk music, tunes, songs and dances including title song Sergey Gusarov. Runtime: 65 minutes... more information, MP3 samples

Barynya Russian folk songsBalalaika music album "Barynya Russian folk songs" recorded with balalaika virtuoso Alex Siniavski. Runtime: 35m 09s, Cover Art: Yury Tarler. Album released by AS IZ Recording. Philadelphia, PA. 2003. There are Russian folk tunes, dances and songs including "Evening bells", "Kalinka", "Katyusha", "Moscow Nights" and "Dark Eyes"... MP3 samples, order

Beyond The Don River"Beyond The Don River" Russian folksongs compact disk with singer Natalia Demidova (Smirnov) as Russian folk duo Misha and Natasha from Russia. Album released by RUSA Records, Philadelphia, PA. 1995. . Cover Art Vladimir Nekrasov. There are Russian folk lymericks, Cossacks ballads and marching songs, popular tunes and chastushki with accompaniment of garmoshka, guitar and balalaika... more info/Order

Question:
- What do you get when you play Russian folk music backwards?
Answer:
- Russian Folk Music!

OLD PHOTOS

My grandfather Mikhail Egorovich Smirnov (killed during WWII), my father Viktor Mikhailovich Smirnov (died in 1998), me in Russian village of Zelentsevo, Valdai, Russia, my mother Nina Vasilievna Smirnova with my sister Svetlana and me in 1972.

My grand father who was killed at WWII My father Viktor Mikhailovich Smirnov (died in 1998) Village of Zelentsevo, Valdai, Russia my mother Nina Vasilievna Smirnova with my sister Svetlana and me in 1972

CONTACT INFORMATION

To get a price quote or to ask any questions, please send an email to msmirnov@yahoo.com or call (201) 981-2497.

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