Standing Rock Cultural Arts’
“Around the World” Music Series
presents
Oleg Kruglyakov, balalaika virtuoso from Siberia
8:00 p.m., Saturday, September 21, 2019
North Water Street Gallery
300 N. Water Street, Suite H
Kent, Ohio
$10 suggested donation (or pay what you can)
preceded by 7:30 p.m. meet-and-greet featuring light food and drinksFor the opening concert of our fifth season, virtuoso performer
Oleg Kruglyakov will present a fascinating and fun-filled program of diverse Russian music on the balalaika, Russia’s distinctive national instrument. In Kruglyakov’s hands its three strings truly sing, in contexts ranging from lively folk songs to expressive classical pieces.
Raised in Siberia, Kruglyakov began playing at the age of 7 and eventually became a protégé of Yevgeny Grigorovich Blinov, the foremost balalaika virtuoso of the Soviet Union. In the 1980s and ’90s he played and toured as soloist with many Russian folk troupes. Now based in Cleveland’s Slavic Village, he has performed since 2007 (along with pianist Terry Boyarsky) as half of the critically acclaimed Russian Duo.
Come listen to dazzling playing, spirited singing, and a unique perspective on culture and history.
About the artist:
Balalaika soloist Oleg Kruglyakov (Олег Кругляков) was born in Omsk, Siberia, Russia in 1966. Many of his early experiences growing up centered around singing together with family members. He has a keen ear for musical styles and a deep respect for cultural tradition. He is fascinated by the history of the Russian people and well-versed in the etymology of the Russian language.
Oleg began playing the balalaika at age 7 and later was educated at the renowned Yekaterinburg Conservatory, studying conducting as well as teaching balalaika. He is a protégé of Yevgeny Grigorovich Blinov (1925-2018), the foremost balalaika virtuoso of the Soviet Union, who performed the world over and added many beautiful pieces of music to the balalaika-piano duo repertoire. While in conservatory Oleg had the opportunity to perform with many types of ensembles, including an ethnic music singing group.
Oleg taught at the Irkutsk School of Music, Perm College of Music, and the Perm Institute of Culture. Since coming to the United States, he has given workshops with “Russian Duo” as part of their mission to share Russian culture and demonstrate the art of collaboration.
Oleg has performed as balalaika soloist with many Russian folk groups. From 1989 to 1991 he toured Moscow, St. Petersburg, Siberia, and Ukraine with the Urals State Folk Choir. For three years Oleg played with the band “Siberian Mosaic” touring the Irkutsk region of Siberia. Between 1993 and 1998 he traveled with the Urals Folk Ensemble “Prikamie” performing in France, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Malta and Turkmenistan. Oleg has also appeared with the Russian folk instrument quartet “Golden Russia.” He has participated in many iInternational festivals, among them the 1997 Folklore du Monde Festival de Bray-Dunes, France. He had the honor of performing at the United Nations soon after his arrival in the U.S.
In addition to his many talents, Oleg has also participated in theatre productions. He took the role of a cello-playing prisoner in the State Tumen Drama Theatre. He had a cameo appearance performing in Chekhov’s “Three Sisters” with the Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy, coaching the cast in Russian folk songs and choreography. Oleg moved to the United States in 1998 to become part of “Moscow Nights,” touring extensively in Canada, Alaska, and 45 states in the continental United States. In 2007 he formed the “Russian Duo” with pianist Terry Boyarsky.
Oleg has been commissioned to create arrangements and compose music for Kulture Kids theater productions as well as Kevin Kammeraad/Cooperfly Puppets’ new album and video. In March 2016 he was invited to perform at Otterbein University’s “Guitar and its Fretted Friends” Festival. Oleg was invited to perform at the “2016 International Day of the Balalaika” in Yekaterinburg, Russia and participated again in 2017. Oleg has four albums to his credit: one with his ensemble in Russia, one with “Moscow Nights,” and two with “Russian Duo.” He is available for balalaika lessons in person and on Skype.
More about the artist:
http://www.russianduo.com/oleg.html
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The North Water Street Gallery is conveniently located just a block north of the intersection of Main and Water Streets in Kent, Ohio, with free street parking on both sides of the street. Seating is limited, so arrive early for the best seats.
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Established in 2015, the “Around the World” Music Series is a concert series presenting outstanding musicians from diverse cultures in an intimate setting.
Concerts are held approximately every other month in the new theater space of the North Water Street Gallery in downtown Kent, Ohio.
The series is an initiative of Standing Rock Cultural Arts, and is curated by ethnomusicologist David Badagnani. The series is made possible by the support of Drs. Terry E. and Sara Stone Miller and the Ohio Arts Council.
Standing Rock Cultural Arts Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/SRCAKent
Standing Rock Cultural Arts official site:
http://www.standingrock.net/AroundWorldConcertSeries.html
http://www.standingrock.net/
