By Marlyn Delk |
When Duo Balalaika performs at Union City’s Arts Depot on Thursday, May 8, joy will fill the room. With their music, Siberian balalaika virtuoso Oleg Kruglyakov and American concert pianist Terry Boyarski weave together a tapestry of sound that merges cultures and styles to create a concert that leaves audiences not only feeling as though they have taken a trip through time, cultures, and genres, but also not wanting the journey to ever end.
Audiences for Darke County Center for the Arts Coffeehouse Series may remember a previous appearance by the talented musicians, when they were known as the Russian Duo. In fact, that is the name under which they are listed in DCCA’s season brochure. I do not know the reason for the name change, but suspect that current actions by Russian leaders override the rich cultural heritage of their nation’s people which has produced great writers and memorable performers as well as the basis for the ever-popular musical, Fiddler on the Roof. But I do know that Oleg and Terry will beautifully perform diverse music from bluegrass to tango to ragtime and beyond, regardless of the name under which they choose to perform.
The duo’s audience will definitely enjoy a unique performance, as they are the only balalaika-piano duo performing in North America; this pleasing combination can be sweet, soothing, energizing, and inspiring, depending upon the piece being played. Duo Balalaika plays music that touches hearts and lifts souls, and obviously has a good time while performing, an attitude that joyously infects their audiences as well.
Oleg Kruglyakov was born in Omsk City, Siberia, Russia, where many of his early experiences centered around singing together with other family members. He began playing the balalaika at age 7, and was educated at the renowned Ekaterinburg Conservatory, where he participated in many different types of ensembles. Performing as balalaika soloist with several Russian folk groups, he toured extensively throughout the vast nation, as well as at many international music festivals before moving to the United States in 1998, where he has toured extensively with “Moscow Nights,” a versatile trio performing music centered on Russian folklore and diversity. He has four albums to his credit, one with his ensemble in Russia, one with “Moscow Nights,” and two with Russian Duo.
Performing on piano with Oleg since 2007, Terry Boyarsky is a movement specialist, singer, and ethnomusicologist who believes that every person is musical; she has collaborated with singers and dancers across four continents and in many genres including chamber music, choral singing, and folk dance. She holds degrees in psychology, eurhythmics, and ethnomusicology, was in the first group of artists selected for the Kennedy Center’s Collaborative Initiatives, and has taught around the world. Additionally, she sings with the Cleveland Orchestra Blossom Festival Chorus as well as with Choral Arts Cleveland. She currently teaches a course in Russian Song for Case Western Reserve University.
Duo Balalaika will play diverse music presenting a global musical experience to set spirits soaring. The fact that the duo may sometimes be accompanied by the sound of a train moving past the Union City Depot only adds to the charm of what will be a delightful experience for all in attendance. As most of you undoubtedly know, the charming building is an original passenger train station that has been remodeled to become the town’s headquarters for art and art experiences.
Tickets for the upcoming performance by Duo Balalaika are $20 and can be purchased on DCCA’s Website www.DarkeCountyArts.org, or at the DCCA office located on the third floor of Greenville Public Library, and, if any remain, will be available at the door the night of the show. The concert begins at 7 p.m. For more information, contact DCCA at 937-547-0908.