MONROE - Golden Gates, an award-winning Russian singing, dancing and instrumental ensemble will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th Street.
This is a "golden" opportunity to learn about a people and culture located approximately 4,500 miles east of Wisconsin.
With a repertoire centered around masterpieces of Russian and Georgian music and dance, this ensemble's performances range from gently humorous songs to elaborate lyrical suites to pulsating dance numbers. Balalaikas, the Bayan accordion and the Doli drum, combined with superb dances and vocals, create an authentic picture of Russian folk traditions. With each group member attired in spectacular costumes, Golden Gates' performances express their country's national character: outwardly reserved and cool but brimming with vigor, mischievousness and vibrancy inside.
Founded and led by Vitaliy Bezrodnov on Bayan accordion, the group was formed under his direction in Kaluga, Russia, in the late 1980s where he attended Kaluga Music Conservatory. During his conservatory years, Bezrodnov spent considerable time traveling deep into the Russian countryside, interviewing the eldest members of each village in an effort to preserve and resurrect pre‐revolution Russian culture. After completing his conservatory studies, he successfully reorganized the group in the United States in 1996, initially touring the western states and Hawaiian Islands.
The members of Golden Gates research and rehearse behind the scenes in order to preserve the rich traditions of a culture that was almost lost. The result is a carefully crafted program that honors the past but also moves on and develops. The old folk melodies are respected and treated as the raw material for high quality musical performances.
Reserved seat tickets may be purchased at the box office at 1315 11th St., by calling 608-325-5700 or online at monroeartscenter.com.
This concert is supported by season corporate underwriter Colony Brands Inc. and season media underwriter Big Radio. Additional support is provided by Bob and Gaida Vickerman, Dave and Janeen Babler, Mike and Marian Furgal, Pat and Annette Holmstrom, Deb Thompson and Chuck and Chris Wellington.
This is a "golden" opportunity to learn about a people and culture located approximately 4,500 miles east of Wisconsin.
With a repertoire centered around masterpieces of Russian and Georgian music and dance, this ensemble's performances range from gently humorous songs to elaborate lyrical suites to pulsating dance numbers. Balalaikas, the Bayan accordion and the Doli drum, combined with superb dances and vocals, create an authentic picture of Russian folk traditions. With each group member attired in spectacular costumes, Golden Gates' performances express their country's national character: outwardly reserved and cool but brimming with vigor, mischievousness and vibrancy inside.
Founded and led by Vitaliy Bezrodnov on Bayan accordion, the group was formed under his direction in Kaluga, Russia, in the late 1980s where he attended Kaluga Music Conservatory. During his conservatory years, Bezrodnov spent considerable time traveling deep into the Russian countryside, interviewing the eldest members of each village in an effort to preserve and resurrect pre‐revolution Russian culture. After completing his conservatory studies, he successfully reorganized the group in the United States in 1996, initially touring the western states and Hawaiian Islands.
The members of Golden Gates research and rehearse behind the scenes in order to preserve the rich traditions of a culture that was almost lost. The result is a carefully crafted program that honors the past but also moves on and develops. The old folk melodies are respected and treated as the raw material for high quality musical performances.
Reserved seat tickets may be purchased at the box office at 1315 11th St., by calling 608-325-5700 or online at monroeartscenter.com.
This concert is supported by season corporate underwriter Colony Brands Inc. and season media underwriter Big Radio. Additional support is provided by Bob and Gaida Vickerman, Dave and Janeen Babler, Mike and Marian Furgal, Pat and Annette Holmstrom, Deb Thompson and Chuck and Chris Wellington.