THE ARIZONA BALALAIKA ORCHESTRA WITH MEMBERS OF THE LAJKONIK POLISH FOLK ENSEMBLE

The Arizona Balalaika Orchestra began as a student ensemble in the University of Arizona Russian Department in 1980, led by Mia Bulgarin Gay, who was born in Estonia, and continues to be the Musical Director. The group is a spirited non-profit community folk orchestra, playing Slavic instruments and wearing colorful Russian and Ukrainian costumes. It has performed throughout Arizona and twice in Sonora, Mexico. The instruments include the three-stringed triangular balalaika, the four-stringed domra (similar to a mandolin), accordions, woodwinds, percussion, and the gusli, a unique Russian table harp. Performances also feature accomplished vocalists, singing in both English and various Slavic languages. They have been seen at Tucson Meet Yourself, the Patagonia Fall Festival, the Phoenix Russian festival, and the Tucson Folk Festival. The AZBO is one of only ten Slavic orchestras in the U.S., and is privileged to bring this unique musical tradition to the citizens of Arizona.

The Arizona Balalaika Orchestra welcomes members of the Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble for this joint performance. The Lajkonik Polish Folk Ensemble was founded by Polish emigrant Joanna Schmit, are are currently choreographed by her son Matthew Schmit. They perform authentic Polish and Ukrainian dance and have been on stages from Arizona to Poland, winning several dance competitions.