Barynya: Russian Music, Dance, and Song
About
World-renowned folk ensemble Barynya introduces the rich traditions and culture of pre-revolution Russia. Lively songs from Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewish, Roma Gypsy, Tatar, and Siberian traditions are sung and played on traditional instruments like the garmoshka (button accordion) and stringed balalaika. Vivid costumes, athletic dances, and lighthearted humor enhance this memorable performance.
Established in 1991, the ensemble Barynya performs Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Russian Gypsy Roma, and Jewish traditional dancing and music on instruments including the balalaika, balalaika contrabass, guitar, and garmoshka. Barynya has been invited to perform at some of the most prestigious cultural venues in the US, including Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian, the National Constitution Center, the United Nations, and the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC, as well as hundreds of schools. Recent concert tours have included performances in Lithuania, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Canada, Puerto Rico, Australia, and Mexico.
Artist’s website: www.barynya.com
Virtual program options available – contact us for more information.
Russian Music, Dance, and Song
Barynya’s skillful musicians and dancers introduce the rich traditions and culture of pre-revolution Russia. Lively songs from Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewish, Gypsy, Tatar, and Siberian traditions are sung and played on instruments like the bayan and garmoshka (Russian accordions) and guitar-like dorma, balalaika, and very large contrabass balalaika. Performances include songs like “Father Frost” (“Oi, Moroz, Moroz”), “Kalinka,” Khorovod song and dance “Metelitsa” (“The Snowstorm”), Russian Gypsy Roma song and dance “Dark Eyes” (“Очи Черные”), “Tanets Medvedya” (Dance of the Russian Bear), and “Russian Tongue Twisters” (русские скороговорки). Vivid costumes, athletic dances, and lighthearted humor enhance this memorable performance. School and community programs typically feature 3 performers (musicians and dancers), though a larger ensemble option is available (information and pricing by request).
Single $695/Back-to-Back $895
Larger ensemble available – contact us for pricing and information.
Fees are for daytime school programs in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia only.
Evening, weekend, workshop, and non-school fees differ – please contact us.
The level of musicianship and movement was exceptional. We were very pleased and honored that Barynya, through their gifted artistic expression, introduced the previously unfamiliar cultural traditions of Russia to our students.
— The Key School
This was a great assembly! The school mentioned it was a wonderfully different assembly. We have a good number of Russian students in the school, so it was really nice to have this culture represented. The group’s performance was well organized, and they were very skilled at the dances and music. It was nice they taught Russian words throughout and taught the students a dance at the end. Very well done!
– PTA Cultural Arts, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School (MCPS)
| Art Forms | |
|---|---|
| Audience Age | Adults, Children & Families, Elementary School, High School, Middle School, Preschool |
| In-Person or Virtual | |
| Program Type | |
| Theme |