Musicians of Balalaika Trio performed in all fifty states of the USA, and worldwide (Hong Kong, Russia, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Lithuania, Mexico). Repertoire of the Balalaika Trio includes classical, traditional, popular, and original arrangements. Trio performs in different styles of beautiful concert costumes all handmade in Russia. The trio was invited to play for the most prestigious Russian themed events as well as private parties, libraries, elementary schools, restaurants, performing art centers, clubs, and weddings. Most recently the Balalaika Trio was invited to play during Russia's Week at the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
Brooklyn based Barynya Balalaika Trio led by amazing balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, the best professional Russian balalaika player in the United States of America. Elina was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia. She began her formal training at the Mussorgsky Music College of St. Petersburg and continued her training at N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Saint Petersburg State Conservatory, earning a degree as an Orchestra Soloist. Elina continued her training at the Conservatory, which included a brief residency in Germany. After, she returned to her native St. Petersburg and completed her education, earning a Doctor of Musical Art Degree in the Balalaika. Following her graduation, she began working as a musician, both as a teacher and as a performer, teaching balalaika. Elina Karokhina served in the Russian Army in the Military Ensemble in the Northwest Order of Red Stars. She is a winner of International Music Competition in Cherepovets and a Holder of the First Place in Troyanovsky's Competition for musicians performing of traditional instruments in St. Petersburg, Russia. As a balalaika soloist Elina has toured all over the world. She was a soloist of State Concert Russian Orchestra of Saint Petersburg under direction of Honored Performer of Russia Vladimir Popov (Russian: Государственный Русский концертный оркестр Санкт-Петербурга, Художественный руководитель и главный дирижер – Заслуженный деятель искусств России ВЛАДИМИР ПОПОВ.) When she moved to the United States in 2009 she was hired as a musicial director and soloist with the biggest professional Russian music, song and dance ensemble Barynya (New York). In January 2015 Elina Karokhina was selected to perform the balalaika part with Mariinsky Theatre directed by world-famous conductor Valery Gergiev in Rodion Shchedrin's opera "The Enchanted Wanderer" at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. In May 2016 she was hired to play several concerts at the Carnegie Hall in New York City with symphony orchestra, choir, and opera soloists as a soloist of "The Orchestra Rocks" production.
In September 2016 she appeared at the Carnegie Hall again as a part of "Moscow Gypsy Army" representing rich musical culture of Eastern Europian Roma people. In January 2017 Elina was hired to play Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's "The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh" Suite at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. with the National Symphony Orchestra. All four performances were under direction of world-famous conductor Sir Mark Elder.
Acclaimed New York based contrabass balalaika player Leonid Bruk is the founder of the trio. Leonid Bruk (Russian: Леонид Кимович Брук) was born in Leningrad, Russia. Leonid was graduated from music school as a bass guitarist and performed with many different groups. In 1998 he joined Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya. In 2000 he founded his own Russian folk music trio "BROOKLYN BALALAIKAS". Since 1889 when he arrived to USA, Leonid Bruk was deeply attracted to the bass-balalaika and contrabass balalaika. He has played with variuos folk groups including NYC Klezmer Band, Tamara Volskaia's Russian Souvenir ensemble, Mandalin Orchestra of New York, NYC Russian Band and New York Balalaika Orchestra and soon become known expert in Russian folk music. His specialty is playing balalaika bass and balalaika-contrabass, the biggest balalaika in size.
Mikhail Smirnov plays the garmoshka (Russian folk button accordion), guitar and sings. He has been in the business of Russian folk dance and music for more than 30 years. Mikhail is an artistic director and founder of ensemble Barynya based in New York City, author of many articles about traditional Russian dance, music and instruments in English and Russian.
Mikhail received 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 the direction of Nadezhda Babkina. 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. The show premiered on NBC network.
Balalaika Trio is available for hire in New York (NY), New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), Connecticut (CT), and other states.
The trio often performs with singer Irina Zagornova, and Russian dancers of Barynya.
Photos with singer Irina Zagornova in Queens, NY, October 13, 2018
Emirates-Russian Week, Emirates Palace in 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.
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov performed a program of Russian and Russian-Gypsy traditional music during Svet Ministries Event at the Koinonia Christian Fellowship in Bloomingdale, Canada on Saturday, October 26, 2019 . Performance took place at the Koinonia Christian Fellowship, 850 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0, Canada.
On Monday, December 18th, 2017 Balalaika Trio and folk dancers of Barynya ensemble performed during corporate event in Lithuania. It was high-class New Year's celebration produced by professional team of top people in the industry.
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).
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.
08-28-2022. Show during New York City Radio station Freedom FM 104.7 at Festival on Brighton Beach Ave in Brooklyn
On Sunday, August 28th, 2022 New York City Radio station Freedom FM 104.7 invited musicians of the "Barynya Balalaika Trio" to perform during Brighton Beach Festival. The stage was setup on the corner of Brighton Beach Avenue & Brighton 11th Street in Brooklyn. Cast of musicians: Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov.
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.
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.
10-19-2019. 6th Annual Slavic Heritage Festival, Harford County, Maryland
On Saturday, October 19th, 2019. Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Alisa Egorova, Konstantin Tulinov, Arsentiy Oskin provided several performances during Sixth Annual Slavic Heritage Festival that was held on the grounds of St. Mary's Assumption Eastern Rite Church, 2807 Mountain Road, Joppa, Maryland 21085.
10-02-2019. Kid's Birthday Party in Downtown New York City
On Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019, from 7 to 8pm members of New York Russian Balalaika Trio Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), and and folk singer Irina Zagornova performed during kid's party in downtown Manhattan. The program of performance included Russian dance workshop, interactive games, Russian music and songs.
08-31-2019. Faith Food and Fellowship Festival, East Meadow, New York
On Saturday, August 31st, 2019 Balalaika Trio and folk dancer Alisa performed during Faith Food and Fellowship Festival-2019 at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, 369 Green Ave East Meadow, NY.
08-16-2019. Upper West Side Manhattan. Private party.
On Friday, August 16th, 2019 balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, folk singer Irina Zagornova, garmoshka player Mikhail Smirnov and contrabass balalalaika player Leonid Bruk performed mix of Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, and Gypsy songs during private party in Manhattan's Upper West Side. Exact address: 310 West 72nd Street, apt 2c, New York City, NY.
05-03-2019. Russian restaurant Gambrinus, Brooklyn, New York
Musicians of the Barynya Balalaika Trio led by Elina Karokhina, best Russian balalaika virtuoso in the United States of America, performed three sets of Soviet, Russian, Jewish, and Gypsy songs and music during the Grand Re-Opening of iconic Russian Restaurant Gambrinus located on the corner of Ocean Parkway and Brighton Beach Avenue in the heart of Russian part of Brooklyn, NY on Friday, May 3rd, 2019 from 8pm to midnight. Exact address of the venue: Gambrinus & Co, 3100 Ocean Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11235.
03-09-2019. Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree, Colorado
Russian dancers, singers and musicians of ensemble Barynya performed 90 min concert at the Lone Tree Arts Center in Lone Tree, Colorado on Saturday, March 9th, 2019. Cast of Barynya ensemble included dancers Alexander Rudoy, Konstantin Tulinov, Vladimir Nikitin, Olga Chpitalnaia, Katia Brovkina, Valentina Kvasova, Alisa Egorova, and musicians Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov. Dancers performed Moldavian dance, Sailors' dance, Barynya, Kalinka, Hopak, Danila Cooper, Jewish wedding dances (Bottle dance, Candle dance), Siberian, Gypsy, Cossack, and other selections. Exact address of the venue: Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons Street, Lone Tree CO 80124.
Lone Tree Arts Center, Lone Tree, Colorado
01-26-2019. Performance with Arizona Balalaika Orchestra in Tucson, Arizona
Russian balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, singer/guitar player Mikhail Smirnov, contrabass-balalaika player Leonid Bruk, Arizona Balalaika Orchestra led by conductor Alexander Tentser performed a concert on Saturday, January 26th, 2019 at the Pima Community Center for the Arts in Tucson, Arizona.
11-21-2018. Russian restaurant Mari Vanna New York City, 50th Birthday party
On Sunday, November 11th, 2018 company performed during Russian-Gypsy themed 50th Birthday Celebration at Russian restaurant Mari Vanna in New York City, 41 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003. Cast of musicians and dancers: Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), dancer Alisa Egorova, Andrei Solodenko (accordion), Sasha Tseyitlin (violin). Show included arrival of huge costume character mascot - Russian Bear to dance and take photos with guests.
10-20-2018. Atlanta Balalaika Orchestra 37th Annual Fall Concert
Saturday, October 20th, 2018, 7:30 pm. Balalaika Trio with Atlanta Balalaika Orchestra in Concert titled An Evening of Music and Song From Slavic Lands at the Avondale First Baptist Church, 27 Covington Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002.
10-13-2018. Concert at the Freeport High School in Freeport, New York
On Saturday, October 13th, 2018 Russian Balalaika Trio, folk singer Irina Zagornova, and dancers of Barynya performed 90 min concert sponsored by Freeport Community Concert Association (FCCA) at the Freeport High School, 50 South Brookside Avenue, Freeport, New York.
On Friday, July 27, 2018 (6-11pm), Saturday, July 28, 2018 (1-9pm), and Sunday, July 29, 2018 (1-9pm) Barynya Balalaika Trio provided many shows during the Cleveland Russian Festival 2018 sponsored by St. Sergius Cathedral. Festival was taking place on grounds of German Central, 7863 York Road, Parma, Ohio.
07-16-2018. Valley Forge Casino Resort, King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania
75 min concert during the Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) 40th Anniversary conference on Monday, July 16th, 2018 at the Valley Forge Casino Resort, 1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, PA 19406.
06-28-2018. Long Life Adult Day Care, Cliffside Park, NJ, Bergen County
On Thursday, June 28th, 2018 Russian Balalaika Trio performed one hour concert at the Long Life Adult Day Care Center in Bergen County, New Jersey, USA. Exact address of the venue: Long Life Adult Day Care, 596 Anderson Ave, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010. Program of performance included Waltz "Babochka" (The Butefly) by Vasily Vasilievich Andreyev, "Variations on a Theme of Corelli in the Style of Tartini", composer Fritz Kreisler, arr. for balalaika by P. Necheporenko, "The White Acacia's Fragrant Flakes" by Alexander Shalov and V. Basner, "Sabre Dance" - a movement in the final act of Aram Khachaturian's ballet Gayane, "Barynya" by Yury Shishakov, and other selections.
06-24-2018. Coney Island Cultural Festival, Gravesend, Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, June 24, 2018, 4:05pm. Coney Island Cultural Festival in Gravesend part of Brooklyn. John Dewey High School, 50 Ave X, Brooklyn, New York 11223. Konstantin Tulinov, Vladimir Nikitin, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Alisa Egorova, Leonid Bruk, Irina Zagornova, Simona Zhukovski, Dinara Subaeva, Boulat Moukhametov.
04-29-2018. Queens, Astoria, New York, Steinway Street Fair International Cultural Festival
Sunday, April 29th, 2018, 3:30PM - 3:55PM. Russian Balalaika Trio and Barynya dancers 25 min performance during the Steinway Street Fair International Cultural Festival on Steinway Street between Broadway & 31st Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Cast of performers: Vladimir Nikitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Serhiy Tsyganok, Dinara Subaeva, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Vasily Yankovich.
Queens, New York, Steinway Street Fair International Festival Russian folk song "Saturday Affair" - Subboteya - У нас нонче субботея (video)
01-13-2018. New York Hilton Midtown, New York, NY. APAP showcase
Saturday, January 13th, 2018, 8:40pm. APAP (Association of Performing Arts Professionals) showcase in NYC. New York Hilton Midtown, Regent Parlor 2nd Floor, 1335 Avenue of The Americas, New York, NY 10019. Cast: Vladimir Nikitin, Konstantin Tulinov, Dinara Subaeva, Valentina Kvasova, Alisa Egorova, Elina Karokhina, Irina Zagornova, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk.
Russian themed birthday party on Saturday, October 14th, 2017 at the Noble Nest in White Lake, New York. Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), singer Simona Zhukovsky, balalaika virtuoso Elina Karokhina, singer Valentina Kvasova provided traditional Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, and Gypsy songs during cocktail hour. Dancers of Aria Entertainment have met the guests and performed several dance routines during the dinner.
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, and Mikhail Smirnov provided 45 min school assembly performance on Thursday, September 28th, 2017 at the Rodgers Forge Elementary School in Baltimore, Maryland. Exact address of the school: 250 Dumbarton Road, Baltimore, MD 21212.
09-04-2017. Lakeside Adult Care Center, Brooklyn, New York
Monday, September 4th, 2017, 11am and 4pm. 1 hour concert dedicated to Labor Day Celebration at the Lakeside Adult Health Care Center, 945 East 108th Street, Brooklyn, New York 11236. Program of Jewsh, Russian, Gypsy traditional music and songs, classical music selections.
On Saturday, August 19th, 2017 from 7:30 to 9pm Russian Balalaika Trio and Barynya Dance Ensemble performed free 90 minute public concert at the Untermyer Park, 945 N Broadway, Yonkers, NY 10701. Cast of performers included Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Alisa Egorova, Valentina Kvasova, Simona Zhukovsky, Dinara Subaeva, Vladimir Nikitin, Serhiy Tsyganok, Konstantin Tulinov.
Saturday, July 29th, 2017, 1pm-2pm, 3:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-8:30pm, 9:45-11pm. Sunday, July 30th, 2017, 1-2:30pm, 6:30-8pm. German Central, 7863 York Road, Parma, Ohio. 4th Annual Cleveland Russian Festival presented by St. Sergius Cathedral in Cleveland, Ohio.
07-26-2017. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, Katonah, NY
On Wednesday, July 26, 2017 from 5:20 to 7pm. Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Valentina Kvasova, Elina Karokhina. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, 149 Girdle Ridge Rd, Katonah, NY 10536.
07-20-2017. Holiday Inn Alexandria Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia
Musicians of Barynya Balalaika Trio and Russian dancer Alisa performed 60 min concert during the Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) 39th conference in Virginia, USA. Concert took place on Thursday, July 20th, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Alexandria Old Town, 625 First Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.
Wednesday, July 12th, 2017, 7-11pm. Corporate event at the Siberian Floors NYC, 145 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013. Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), dancer Alisa Egorova, dancer Vladimir Nikitin, dancer Dinara Subaeva, Alex Tseytlin (violin).
Saturday, July 1st, 2017, 9pm. Musicians of Balalaika Trio and ten dancers of Russian folk dance ensemble Barynya provided Gypsy, Cossack, Tatar, Russian and Ukrainian dances and music during private party in New York City.
On Friday, May 26, Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, 2017 (Memorial Day weekend 2017) musicians of Barynya Balalaika Trio and dancers of Barynya ensemble performed several shows during Troika Festival in Erie, Pennsylvania. All performances were taking place on the grounds of Church of the Nativity Community Center, 109 German Street, Erie, PA.
01-31-2017. Muhlenberg South Elementary School, Beechmont, Kentucky
Russian folk music, dance and song trio Barynya - Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), and Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) / - performed a concert on Tuesday, January 31st, 2017 at the Muhlenberg South Elementary School located in Beechmont, Kentucky. A program of the performance included Sabre Dance from "Gayane" by Aram Khachaturian, traditional Russian song "Kalinka" with accompaniment of Russian button accordion garmoshka, World Balalaika Medley, Siberian Nanai Fighting Dance "Wrestling of Nanai Kids" (Russian: "Нанаец"), dance of Russian Bear (Russian: "Танец Медведя"), Russian folk song and dance "The Snowstorm" (Russian: "Метелица"), Jewish Wedding Dance With Candles (Russian: "Танец со свечками"), Russian Romani Roma Gypsy song and dance "Dark Eyes" (Russian: "Очи Чёрные"), Russian folk dance lesson "Barynya" (Russian: "Урок танца"), Ukrainian folk song and dance "Pidmanoola" (Russian: "Украинский"), Russian folk instrument balalaika introduction with folk song Kamarinskaiya (Russian: "Камаринская"), Russian Tongue Twisters Medley ("Скороговорки"), Russian Percussian Orchestra interactive game with students ("Трещётки"), instrumental solo Chardash (Russian: "Чардаш"), and other selections.
01-28-2017. Pima Community College, Tucson, Arizona
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 7-9pm concert with Arizona Balalaika Orchestra at the Pima Community College Proscenium Theater stage, 2202 W. Anklam Rd., Tucson, AZ 85745.
Sunday, August 7th, 2016, 9-11:15am. Performance at The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow in Sleepy Hollow, New York. Exact address: Reformed Church of the Tarrytowns, 42 North Broadway, Tarrytown, New York 10591 (www.reformedchurchtarrytowns.org).
Russian Balalaika music and song trio Barynya performed 45 min program during the Balalaika & Domra Association of America conference 2016 in Bloomington, Indiana on Friday, July 22, 2016 at the Courtyard Bloomington, 310 S. College Avenue, Bloomington, Indiana 47403.
On Thursday, July 21st, 2016 from 5 to 9pm Barynya Balalaika Trio provided free and opened to public performance during an annual Street Music Festival in Illinois. Program of performance included traditional, popular and classical music from Russia and around the world performed on balalaika, balalaika-contrabass, garmoshka, and guitar.
07-20-2016. Ocean City Free Public Library, Ocean City, NJ, Cape May County, NJ
Wednesday, July 20th, 2016, 4pm. Barynya Balalaika Trio at the Ocean City Free Public Library, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226. Cape May County, New Jersey.
07-20-2016. Bankbridge Elementary School, Sewell, NJ, Gloucester County, New Jersey
On Wednesday, July 20th, 2016 starting at 9:30am Barynya Balalaika Trio perormed 45 min concert at the Bankbridge Elem. School in Gloucester County, New Jersey. Exact address of the school: Bankbridge Elementary School, 850 Bankbridge Road, Sewell, NJ 08080.
06-05-2016. Wedding at the Lyndhurst Mansion Castle (Jay Gould Estate), Tarrytown, NY
On Sunday, June 5th, 2016, from 6:30 to 10:30pm Barynya Balalaika Trio performed during cocktail hour and a few fast songs during dancing part of the reception during the wedding at the Lyndhurst Mansion Castle (Jay Gould Estate), 635 S Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591.
05-07-2016. Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony, Ellis Island, NYC
On Saturday, May 7th, 2016 Barynya Balalaika Trio {Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov} performed during Ellis Island Medals of Honor Ceremony on Ellis Island in New York (federally owned island in New York Harbor).
May 2nd, 2016. Wesleyan University, Farm Hill Elementary School, Memorial Chapel, Middletown, CT
Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov performed three concerts in Middletown, Connecticut. First show and workshop took place at the World Music Hall of Wesleyan University. Second performance was a 45 min concert for students and teachers at the Farm Hill Elementary School located at 390 E Ridge Rd, Middletown, CT 06457 on Monday, May 2nd. 2016. School assembly performance started at 2PM. The Balalaika Trio performed Siberian Nanai Wrestling Dance "Нанаец", Russian folk button accordion "Гармошка" introduction with traditional Russian song "Kalinka", The Snowstorm, Russian folk dance ("Метелица"), Kamarinskaiya, Russian folk instrument balalaika introduction ("Камаринская"), Russian Tongue Twisters Medley ("Скороговорки"), Jewish wedding dance "Свечки", Russian Percussian Orchestra interactive game with students ("Трещётки"), Russian Romani Roma Gypsy song and dance ("Цыганский"), Russian folk dance lesson ("Урок танца"), Ukrainian folk song and dance Pidmanoola ("Украинский"), instrumental solo "Чардаш", Russian Bear dance "Медведь", and other selections. Last performance took place at the Memorial Chapel Middletown located at 221 High Street in Middletown, CT.
On Monday, May 2nd, 2016 at 10am Balalaika Trio provided one hour performance at Connecticut Baptist Homes, 292 Thorpe Ave., Meriden, CT 06450. Program included Russian, Cossack, Gypsy, Jewish, Ukrainian songs and dances as well as classical repertoire.
02-12-2016. Steve's Live Music, Sandy Springs, Georgia
Friday, February 12th, 2016, 8-9pm. Barynya Balalaika Trio (Lina, Leonid, Misha) performed one hour concert at the Steve's Live Music, 234 Hilderbrand Dr, Sandy Springs, Georgia 30328.
Thursday, December 17th, 2015, 8pm-2am. Corporate event at the Siberian Floors, 6191 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida 33137. Tel: 305.428.2092, Fax: 212.954.5513. Program of Russian, Jewish, Cossack, Gypsy songs, music and dances.
On Saturday, December 12th, 2015 Barynya Balalaika Trio, singer Irina Zagornova, dancers Olga Chpitalnaia, Valentina Kvasova, A.Lapidas, Iliya Pankratov performed a show at popular Russian restaurant Romanoff in Brooklyn, New York. Exact address: 2670 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235.
10-10-2015. Private party in Greenwich, Connecticut
On Saturday, October 10th, 2015 from 6 to 11pm the Balalaika Trio played for several hours during party at the private house in Greenwich, Connecticut. Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka) and Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass) performed mix of classical, popular, and traditional Russian, Cossack, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Jewish music and songs.
Russian song, dance and music Balalaika trio Barynya performed on Sunday, July 12th, 2015 at house concert and party hosted by Nina and Eugene Tritinichenko in Holland, Michigan. Barynya Balalaika Trio (Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals)) presented 1 hour performance and performed a few songs during the party that followed the concert.
07-09-2015. World Music Concert Series in Downtown Oak Park, Oak Park, Illinois
Russian song, dance and music Balalaika and garmoshka Trio Barynya performed on Thursday, July 09, 2015, from 7 to 9pm at the Downtown Oak Park, 1010 Lake Street, Oak Park, Illinois during the Thursday Night Out World Music Concert Series in Downtown Oak Park, www.downtownoakpark.net. Barynya Balalaika Trio cast: Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina ( balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals) presented two hours performance that included Russian, Cossack, Siberian, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Jewish music and songs, and also classical and popular repertoire.
07-08-2015. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. BDAA-2015.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015. 1 hour concert in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio during 2015 convention of Balalaika and Domra Association of America. Trio performed a mix of Russian, classical, and Gypsy music.
Performance took place at the Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 on Wednesday, July 8, 2015.
02-28-2015. Polish Community Center, Albany New York
Saturday, February 28, 2015, 12:45pm – 1:30pm, 2:45pm – 3:30pm, 4:05pm – 4:50pm. 3 performances at the Polish Community Center, 225 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, New York 12205. New Russia Cultural Center's Russian festival. Cast: Andrei Kisselev (dancer), Yana Volkova (dancer), Irina Zagornova (singer), Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov.
On Saturday, January 10th, 2015 from 7:30 to 9:45pm. Barynya Balalaika Trio performed during Faberge event that was taking place in New York City. Exact address: 26 East 73rd Street, New York, NY 10021. Cast: Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika).
12-21-2014. Walt Whitman Theatre, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
On Sunday, December 21st, 2014 at 3pm Barynya Balalaika Trio (Bruk, Karokhina, Smirnov) performed at Walt Whitman Theatre (Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts) in Brooklyn College during kid's New Year's Musical Fairytail "The Snowmaiden". Exact address of the venue: 2900 Avenue H, Brooklyn, NY 11210
09-21-2014. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & Church of Our Lady of Tikhvin in Howell, NJ
On Sunday, September 21st, 2014 Barynya Balalaika Trio (Leonid Bruk, , Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina) and folk singer Irina Zagornova performed at the Russianfest on the grounds of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral & Church of Our Lady of Tikhvin, 200 Alexander Avenue, Howell, New Jersey 07731.
9-20-2014. North Brunswick, NJ, concert with singer A.Menshikov
On Saturday, September 20th, 2014 starting at 1:45pm musicians of Barynya Balalaika Trio Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina and singer Alexander Menshikov performed one hour concert at the Heritage Day Festival in North Brunswick Community Park, 2053 U.S. 130, North Brunswick, NJ 08902.
02-07-2014. 49th Petroushka Ball at the Plaza Hotel NYC
Friday, February 7th, 2014,7pm-2am. 49th Petroushka Ball at the Plaza Hotel NYC, 768 5th Ave, New York, NY. Grand Ballroom & Terrace Room. Singer Alexander Menshikov, Igor Lutsev (drums), Sergei Gurbel (sax), Vladimir Barskiy (piano), Leonid Bruk (contrabass balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Sergey Ryabtsev (violin), dancers: Valentina Kvasova and Olga Chpitalnaia.
08-30-2013. Kislak Camp, Lakewood, Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Friday, August 30th, 2013. 1 hour performance at the Kislak Camp, 119 Woods Rd, Lakewood, PA 18439. Leonid Bruk, Mikhail Smirnov, Elina Karokhina, Irina Zagornova.
Photo from concert at the Peabody Essex Museum during an exhibition "Faberge Revealed" in Salem, Massachusetts, July 2013. All photos made by Shawn Fitzgerald Photography are available on Barynya website.
Wednesday, July 10th through Sunday, July 14th, 2013 musicians of Barynya Balalaika trio (Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk) and Russian folk singer Irina Zagornova performed during the Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) 35th Annual Convention in Sarasota, Florida.
12-11-2011. Huntington Library, Suffolk County, Long Island
Sunday, December 11, 2011, 2pm. 1 hour performance at Huntington Public Library, 338 Main Street, Huntington, NY 11743. 3 male dancers, 3 musicians: Nick Kobryn, Ilia Pankratov, Petr Tikhonov, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk.
11-05-2011. Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church, South River NJ
On Saturday, November 5th, 2011 Barynya Balalaika Trio performed at the Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Church's special event in South River, New Jersey. Exact address of the venue: 9 Jeffrie AveSouth River, NJ 08882
On Sunday, October 30th, 2011, 5-7pm. performance during Biologique Recherche's cocktail party at the Gansevoort Park Hotel, 420 Park Ave South, New York, NY.
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.
04-04-2011. Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, April 4th, 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.
01-19-2011. Performance during basketball game NJ NETS vs Utah JAZZ at the Prudential Center arena in Newark, New Jersey, USA.
Musicians Alexandre Tseytlin (violin), Leonid Bruk (bass, balalaika-contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar), singer Alexander Menshikov, and singer Irina Zagornova entertained during the New Jersey Nets VIP reception. The guest list included NETS owner (Mikhail Prokhorov), the Russian Ambassador to the UN (H.E. Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin), and the Russian Consul General (Honorable Andrey Konstantinovich Yushmanov).
On Tuesday, December 16th, 2010 Russian dance amd music ensemble Barynya performed during Rusal corporate party at the Russian Consulate NYC - the diplomatic mission of the Russian Federation in New York City. Cast: Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk and singer Irina Zagornova at the RUSAL USA corporate party.
08-14-2010. Public performance in Westchester County, New York
On Saturday, August 14th, 2010, 7:30PM to 9:15PM. Russian Balalaika Trio and dancers of ensemble Barynya provided free public performance in Westchester County, New York. Performers cast: Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals), Alexander Rudoy (dancer), Aliaksandr Anatska (dancer), Olga Yeliseyeva (dancer), Olga Chpitalnaia (dancer), Vldmr Lgnv (bass), and folk singer Irina Zagornova. Exact address: Untermyer Park, 945 North Broadway, Yonkers, New York.
Woolen Boots {Valenki} (video) - 11,364 views on youtube since September 1st, 2010
07-17-2010. 50th Birthday Party - Russian Sailors' Theme, Lake Ozark, Missouri
MC MISHA, singer Sasha Menshikov, Leonid Bruk, Elina Karokhina entertained an exclusive private party on the Lake Ozark in Missouri. The party with the Russian Sailor's theme took place outside just above the beautiful lake. The temperature was above 90 however everyone had a good time. Musicians played live music with garmoshka, guitar, balalaika, bass guitar, and balalaika-contrabass). The team performed American, Russian, Gypsy, Ukrainian, Jewish, and European popular songs and music.
07-14-2010. Sheraton Bloomington Hotel Minneapolis South, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Videos were recorded during the "Gypsy Night" and "Open Microphone Night" at the Balalaika and Domra Association of America conference-2010. The conference took place at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota in July 2010. Performers: Elina Karokhina (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass), singer Alexander Menshikov, Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocals). Camera - Sergey Rogozin, video editing Leonid Bruk.
List of songs performed on video below "Two guitars" (continue) - singer Misha Smirnov, "Kai Yone" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Yablochko - Small Apple" - Lyonya Bruk, Lina Karokhina, "Prikhayape" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Sing it once, sing it twice" - Misha and Sasha, "Hava Nagila, 7:40, Felt Boots" - solo Lina Karokhina
List of songs performed on video below "Hava Nagila, 7:40, Felt Boots" (finale) - solo Lina Karokhina, "Mato" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Faceted Glasses" - singer Sasha Menshikov
List of songs performed on video below "Russian Tongue-Twisters" - solo Mikhail Smirnov, "Caprice #24" by Paganini - solo Elina Karokhina, "Shnitke's Fuga" - solo Leonid Bruk, "Along The Piterskaya" ("Вдоль по Питерской") - singer Sasha Menshikov.
List of songs performed on video below "Styopa The Drunk" (with Judy Sherman's "Big Rock Balalaikas" from Los Angeles, CA), "Burn, Burn, Gypsy Love" (with Judy Sherman's "Big Rock Balalaikas"), "Gypsy Fantasy" (arr. Shalov) - solo Lina Karokhina, "Somewhat sad, let's play the guitar" - singer Sasha Menshikov, "Two guitars" - singer Misha Smirnov
New York Balalaika Folk Music Trio BROOKLYN BALALAIKAS Russian was founded in Brooklyn, New York by acclaimed
contrabass-balalaika player Leonid Bruk in 2000.
Long rehearsals took place in cold garage of Leonid's house in Bay Ridge.
Many Russian residents of Brooklyn still can remember the excitement of Brooklyn Balalaikas
first performance in Kings Plaza Macy's store. Russian "rubashkas" and "kosovorotkas" (outfits) were made for ensemble members by Leonid Bruk's wife, talented Russian folk singer Irina Zagornova. Brooklyn Balalaikas trio musicians Alex Siniavski (balalaika, Gypsy guitar), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka, guitar, vocals) and Leonid Bruk are also performing sometimes as part of Russian dance and music ensemble Barynya from New York.
"Brooklyn Balalaikas" Alex Siniavski, Mikhail Smirnov and Leonid Bruk videos
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".
Russian folk tune "Svetit Mesyats" (The moon is shining brightly) recorded on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at the Beck Center for the Arts. 17801 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio performed by Alex Siniavski (balalaika), Leonid Bruk (balalaika contrabass), Mikhail Smirnov (guitar)
Variations on Russian folk song: "The Moon Is Shining Brightly" (sometimes translated as "The New Moon is Lighting") written by the "Father of Russian Balalaika" Vasily Vasileyevich Andreyev (1861-1918) is so popular it was even mentioned in Michail Bulgakov's book "The heart of a dog":
Someone was hard at work playing a rousing tune on the balalaika two
rooms away and the sound of a series of intricate variations on 'The Moon is
Shining' mingled in Philip Philipovich's head with the words of the
sickening newspaper article. When he had read it he pretended to spit over
his shoulder and hummed absentmindedly through his teeth: ' "The moo-oon is
shining . . . shining bright . . . the moon is shining . . ." God, that
damned tune's on my brain!'... read more
Below is the small translation of the song lyrics into English. Russian original text is included as well for those who can read Russian Cyrillic.
СВЕТИТ МЕСЯЦ
Светит месяц, светит ясный
Светит белая заря.
Осветила путь дорожку
Мне до Сашина двора
THE MOON IS SHINING
The moon is shining, shining brightly
The white nightfall is shining too
My pathway is eliminated
All the way to the Sasha's place
Waltz Daydreams This waltz composed by "father" of Russian balalaika Vasily Vasilievich Andreev (born 186l).
Solo by balalaika virtuoso Alex Siniavski, Mikhail Smirnov-guitar, Leonid Bruk-balalaika-bass.
1,94 MB video mpeg file
I met you - Popular Rusian romance, lyrics by Fedor Tyutchev, music of unknown author.
Solo by balalaika virtuoso Alex Siniavski
Mikhail Smirnov (guitar), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-bass)
Russian Folk Music Trio "Brooklyn Balalaikas" has extended repertoire of Russian, Ukranian, Gypsy
and international folk and popular music.
References, audio and video samples are available upon request. Professional quality own sound system.
Balalaika virtuoso Alex Siniavski
arrived in the United States in 1992
from St.Petersburg, Russia. He was a leading member of The Andreev
State symphonic balalaika orchestra,
one of the most prestigious in former USSR.
Alex Siniavski graduated with honors from the
Leningrad State Musical Conservatory.
He is also master of trombone and euphonium.
New York based Balalaika-contrabass player Leonid Bruk was born in Leningrad, Russia.
He graduated from music school as a bass guitarist and performed with many different groups.
Since 1989 when he arrived to USA, Leonid was deeply attracted to the bass-balalaika.
He has played with variuos folk groups and soon become
known expert in Russian folk music.
His specialty is playing balalaika-bass and balalaika-contrabass.
Russian folk performer, singer and musician Mikhail Smirnov has over fifteen years of experience in
traditional Russian folk singing and music,he plays garmoshka and guitar.
Before graduation Misha (Mikhail) was a soloist/choirmaster at vocal semi-professional group "Moskovia" (director Valery Nesterov).
After graduating from Moscow State Academy of Arts Mikhail Smirnov was performing with
Russian folk Theatre "Matanya" and Moscow State Folk Center "Russkaya Pesnya" (Russian Song, director Nadezhda Babkina).
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 Balalaika Duo - program of Russian, Ukrainian, Gypsy, Cossack, Klezmer, and international music and songs performed on balalaika, garmoshka and guitars. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania. video
Lina Karokhina - balalaika virtuoso from Boston, MA. video
New York Balalaika Orchestra performs at Russian Orthodox weddings, fundraising balls, large scale social events, Doctor Zhivago's style corporate parties. video
RUSSIAN BAND - Gypsy, Ukrainian, Russian music and songs. Instruments: balalaika, domra, drums, garmoshka (Russian button accordion), Gypsy guitar, classic guitar, contrabass balalaika, cello and vocals. video
Kalinka Duo - Sergey Vashchenko-balalaika, Vladimir Kaliazine-bayan from Austin, TX.
Barynya - traditional Russian music and dance ensemble from New York. Artistic director Mikhail Smirnov.
video
Moscow Gypsy Army - Gypsy Roma dance, music, song ensemble New York City.
video
NY Russian Balalaika Trio, Elina Karokhina, Mikhail Smirnov, Leonid Bruk, Garrison, New York, 9-17-2011
.jpg)
