Orchestra profile

Russian traditional instruments

Historical records mention the musical instruments of Russian folk (the balalaika, domra, gusli, zhaleika) as far back as the Middle Ages. Strolling musicians and jesters (so called skomorokhs) played these instruments at their performances.

An important milestone in the history of the instruments came when Vassili Andreyev established the Grand Russian Orchestra and gave its sensational first concert in 1888. Concerts in Russia were followed by the triumphant concert tours to Western Europe and America. Andreyev brought the Russian folk music to the worldwide scene. He laid the foundation for the establishment of modern schools to trained student the Russian folk instruments.

The Russian Czar Nicholas II played a major role as a committed patron of the Orchestra. Since 1914 the orchestra is titled The Imperial Grand Russian Orchestra. Well known composers worked with the orchestra - including A. K. Glazunov. The famous bass Fjodor Shaljapin sang with Andreyev's orchestra and they became friends.

Andreyev became famous as a conductor, a balalaika virtuoso, and a gifted composer. His compositions became a solid part of the repertoire of any Russian folk instrument player.

Many amateur and professional ensembles of folk instrument performers were established in the Soviet Union. However, in the difficult period after the USSR's collapse, many of them have passed away. Only the most persistent and successful artist have been able to preserve this art form while encouraging a new generation of enthusiasts to carry on the tradition. In Saint-Petersburg, this is a major concern for the Terem-Quartet, "MaGrIgAl," "Metelitsa," and some others, including our Orchestra.

Our Orchestra is based on the following traditional instruments: balalaika, domra, bayan, and gusli.

Balalaika:	Domra: