November 21, 2010

It gives me great pleasure to sing the praises of The Barynya Ensemble. I engaged them to provide the entertainment for our annual Opera Ball at Cincinnati Opera. As one who has loved Russian folk music since I was a teenager I have high expectations for a balalaika ensemble. I grew up on the legendary recordings of the Osipov Balalaika Orchestra and made radio programs with one of the most popular American-based balalaika ensembles of the 1980s, the Odessa Balalaikas.

My memories were gratified and new standards of enjoyment were set this past Saturday evening when The Barynya Ensemble serenaded our 450 discerning Cincinnati Opera patrons at Our ‘Night under The Tsars’ Ball. Their choice of repertoire and the vigor and enthusiasm of their performances were terrific. And what was equally gratifying to me as a producer was their ability to adapt their program to our specific needs. They are not only fine musicians, but delightful colleagues. I will work with them again at the earliest opportunity!

Evans Mirageas
The Harry T. Wilks Artistic Director, Cincinnati Opera