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SkomorohiEnsemble
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- The "Skomorokhi" Ensemble: A Living Legacy of Russian Folk Music
- Origin and Inspiration
- Instrument Virtuosity
- Performance Highlights
- Renowned Collaborations
- Geographical Reach
- Media Presence
- Dance and Choreography
- Artistic Leadership
- Distinguished Collaborators
- Zara Lyangholf (Choreographer)
- Svetlana Volkova (Soprano)
- Konstantin Shakhanpov (Guslist)
- Valentin Osipov (Concertin and Xylophone Virtuoso)
The "Skomorokhi" Ensemble: A Living Legacy of Russian Folk Music
Founded in 1969 in St. Petersburg, Russia, the "Skomorokhi" Ensemble has established itself as a leading force in the preservation and perpetuation of Russian folk music traditions.
Origin and Inspiration
The ensemble's repertoire draws heavily from original compositions specifically written for traditional Russian instruments. Renowned composers such as I. Tsvetkov, I. Rogalev, S. Slonimsky, and V. Fadeev have contributed original works to the ensemble's repertoire.
Instrument Virtuosity
The "Skomorokhi" Ensemble features a group of 13-15 instrumentalists who showcase an array of traditional Russian instruments, including the balalaika, domra, and bayan. Each performer masters multiple instruments, allowing the ensemble to present a diverse range of exotic folk instruments such as the flute, жалейка, владимирский рожок, and percussion instruments like spoons, трещотки, бубенцы, and коробочки.
Performance Highlights
The ensemble's instrumental numbers are characterized by their originality, virtuosity, and playful theatricality. These musical depictions often incorporate elements of Russian folk culture and are enthusiastically received by audiences in Russia and abroad, spanning Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Renowned Collaborations
A notable aspect of "Skomorokhi" concerts is their collaborations with renowned soloists and instrumentalists representing the elite of Russian folk music performers. The ensemble has worked with esteemed artists such as Mikhail Danilov (balalaika), Valery Tikhov (gusli), Alexander Tsygankov (domra), Viktor Gridin (bayan), and Valentin Osipov (concertin and xylophone).
Geographical Reach
The "Skomorokhi" Ensemble has performed in numerous regions of Russia, from the Far East and Siberia to the Caspian Sea and Lake Baikal. They have also graced prestigious concert halls in St. Petersburg, including the M. Glinka Academic Capella, the Small Philharmonic Hall, and historic palaces in the city.
Media Presence
The ensemble's artistic endeavors extend beyond live performances. They have produced radio and television broadcasts, music for films, and two compact discs and audio-video cassettes released in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Russia.
Dance and Choreography
An integral part of the "Skomorokhi" Ensemble is its dance group, composed of 8-10 performers. Their choreographic repertoire showcases folk and concert dance pieces inspired by the Russian North and Central regions. Beloved dances like "Smolensky Gusachok," "Pskovskaya Kadril," "Orlovskaya Matanya," and "Kurskaya Chebatukha" have been performed to acclaim by audiences in over 20 countries worldwide.
Artistic Leadership
The "Skomorokhi" Ensemble was founded and is currently directed by Viktor Ilyich Akulovich, an Honored Artist of Russia and Professor at the St. Petersburg University of Culture and Arts.
Distinguished Collaborators
Alexander Abakshohok (Bayanist)Born in 1949, Abakshohok studied at the Mogilev Music College and the Leningrad Institute of Culture before pursuing doctoral studies at the Leningrad Conservatory. As a concertmaster and soloist for the "Skomorokhi" Ensemble since 1989, he has contributed over 100 arrangements to the ensemble's repertoire.
Zara Lyangholf (Choreographer)
Born in 1948, Lyangholf graduated from the Leningrad Institute of Culture and has choreographed for professional dance companies in Russia. She has also worked internationally, including in England and Sweden. Since 1987, she has been the choreographer for the "Skomorokhi" Ensemble, contributing numerous dance numbers.
Svetlana Volkova (Soprano)
Born in 1946, Volkova studied at the Leningrad Conservatory and has performed as a soloist with the Mariinsky Theater, M. Musorgsky Musical Theater, and other leading musical organizations. She has collaborated with the "Skomorokhi" Ensemble since 1988, recording Russian folk songs, romances, and works by Russian and foreign composers.
Konstantin Shakhanpov (Guslist)
Born in 1964, Shakhanpov studied at the Music College and the St. Petersburg Conservatory. He is one of Russia's most promising gusli звончатые players and has composed several works for the instrument. He has collaborated with the "Skomorokhi" Ensemble since 1991 and has performed with them internationally.
Valentin Osipov (Concertin and Xylophone Virtuoso)
Born in 1930, Osipov made his debut as a child performer on eccentric musical instruments. He has toured extensively and is renowned for his virtuoso performances on the concertin and xylophone. He has collaborated with the "Skomorokhi" Ensemble since 1992, performing in Germany, France, Denmark, and South Korea.
