 |
IvasiBards
Date of Birth: 01.01.1979
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- The Unofficial Name of a Popular Duo: "Ivasi"
- The Name "Ivasi"
- Political and Musical Theater
- The Self-Made Song Movement
- Rise to Fame and Hiatus
- The Musical "Nord-Ost"
- Tragedy and Return
- Return to Stage and Political Expression
- Creative Style
- Their style has been characterized as follows:
The Unofficial Name of a Popular Duo: "Ivasi"
Early History1976:Georgy Vasilyev and Alexei Ivashchenko met at Moscow State University (MSU), where they were both geography students.
1977:They began singing in a quintet of geography students, similar to the one organized by Sergei Nikitin. The group gradually dwindled to a trio and eventually a duo.
The Name "Ivasi"
The name "Ivasi" emerged in the mid-1980s, when the duo's repertoire included the song "Balanda o selyodke" (Ballad of Herring). The combination of the first letters in the surnames Ivashchenko and Vasilyev evoked associations with the Pacific herring species, also known as ivasi.
Political and Musical Theater
Prior to the mid-1980s, Vasilyev and Ivashchenko composed political songs and created musical theater productions. In 1983, they led the Musical Studio of MSU's Student Theater. Notable alumni included Irina Bogushevskaya, Alexei Kortnev, Valdis Pelsh, and Sergei Chekryzhov.
The Self-Made Song Movement
In the mid-1980s, the duo encountered the self-made song movement (KSP). In 1986, they attended the Grushinsky Festival for the first time. A delayed train prevented them from competing, but campfire performances brought them recognition. They returned the following year as honored guests.
1986:Vasilyev and Ivashchenko won the Grand Prix at the First All-Union Festival of Author's Songs in Saratov for their songs "Musical Automaton" and "Eternal Thinker."
Rise to Fame and Hiatus
As the bard duo of Ivashchenko and Vasilyev, they became one of the most popular acts in the author's song genre. They performed extensively in the Soviet Union, Russia, post-Soviet countries, and abroad, including Germany, the United States, Australia, and Israel.
2000:They announced the end of their concert activities with a double album release, "Pripadki molodosti" (Fits of Youth).
The Musical "Nord-Ost"
2001:Ivashchenko and Vasilyev composed and produced the musical "Nord-Ost" based on Veniamin Kaverin's novel "Two Captains." The premiere was on October 19, 2001, and the musical ran daily for over a year.
Tragedy and Return
October 23, 2002:The musical was terminated due to a terrorist attack.
Return to Stage and Political Expression
September 26, 2022:The duo gave their first major concert since the tragedy, entitled "Unauthorized Concert." They used the opportunity to implicitly express their opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Creative Style
Both members of the duo contribute to lyrics and music. They adapt individually written songs for joint performances, employing distinctive arrangements and staging techniques.
Their style has been characterized as follows:
Alexei Kortnev:"Their level of performance mastery and unconventional approach to bard songs is unparalleled."
Veronika Dolina:"Their performance of 'Musical Automaton' at the Saratov festival was a powerful theater production."
Valery Kichin:"The premiere of 'Nord-Ost' marks the birth of new composers of grand theater."
