Sun 4/27 @ 2PM
Both members of Cleveland’s Duo Balalaika (formerly Russian Duo) have roots in “the old country.” Balalaika player/pianist Oleg Kruglyakov came to the U.S. in the late ’90s from Siberia after performing with various Russian folk groups. Pianist Terry Boyarski, who is also a singer and dancer, is an American of Russian descent.
The two came together 2007 to perform a wide variety of Russian classical and folk music, from Russian peasant folk songs to lively dance tunes to the morose minor-key pieces many associate with the Russian sensibility; their performances draw on bluegrass, ragtime, tango, classical music, gypsy tunes and film scores among other things. They promise that their upcoming performance at Divinity Lutheran Church, 11877 Blossom Avenue in Parma Heights, will include music ranging from “the stately mazurka to the toe-tapping tango, from the Spanish jumping dance “Hota” to a Barcarolle inspired by the gondoliers of Venice, plus stirring Gypsy music and a soulful romance.”
The concert is free and there’s a reception afterwards to meet the musicians.