The unique octet of balalaikas "Vitebsk Virtuosos" will present A. Borodin's "Polovtsian Dances" for the first time

February 25, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA /. The unique musical ensemble "Vitebsk Virtuosos" will present "Polovtsian Dances" from Alexander Borodin's opera "Prince Igor" to the public for the first time at a concert in the regional philharmonic hall today. This and other details of the performance by the world's only balalaika octet were shared in a conversation with a BELTA correspondent by the artistic director of the Vitebsk Regional Philharmonic, Nelly Matsaberidze. The ensemble prepared the performance of this highly complex musical piece specifically for this concert. The highlight is that "Polovtsian Dances" were written for a large symphony orchestra, and performing this piece requires high performance technique and a grand vision of music. "The ensemble has succeeded very convincingly; in their performance, the piece sounds energetically powerful, the musicians charge with their energy literally from the first notes," shared Nelly Matsaberidze. In the concert program, the musicians will combine works of various genres, demonstrate their adherence to the traditions of the Russian balalaika school, as well as their own vision and timbral solutions for the vibrant compositions of the outstanding Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. The soloist of the regional philharmonic, Leonid Kozharsky, will take part in the concert. "This season, 'Vitebsk Virtuosos' revived the tradition of chamber vocal accompaniment, and the ensemble confidently demonstrates its ability for sensitive accompaniment, the capacity to provide a unique support for a vocal soloist," noted the artistic director of the philharmonic. The balalaika octet "Vitebsk Virtuosos" was formed in 1973, and its founder and permanent leader is Honored Artist of Belarus Tamara Shafranova. The ensemble includes all types of balalaikas, from the smallest piccolo (followed by the prima balalaika, two prima balalaikas, the secunda balalaika, the alto balalaika, the bass balalaika) to the largest contrabass. All instruments in the ensemble are played by women. The uniqueness of the ensemble also lies in its ability to achieve a truly orchestral sound, which is achieved through orchestrations masterfully created by Tamara Shafranova and complex parts for all instruments, as well as thanks to the high performance skill and meticulous daily work of the musicians. -0-