The concert started with a dynamic dance number from Moldova. It was a fantastic way to warm the audience up. The dancers Lilia Babenko and Youri Nelzine are truly talented professionals. They graduated from the University of Choreography in Moldova and have performed with the Moldovian Academy Ensemble of Folk Dance "Jok" and with the Moldavian National Dance Company "Varta". They have toured extensively in Europe, the former Soviet Union and Australia. In addition to the opening number, I was happy to see them perform three other dances throughout the program. They danced traditional Jewish, Russian and Gypsy dances. Aside from their incredible dancing skills, their beautiful and colorful costumes were an absolute delight to the audience.

Following the dancers, the audience had a chance to be entertained by Alexander Tsygankov. He is one of the most outstanding virtuoso performers on the traditional Russian instrument, the Domra. Mr. Tsygankov, a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music, is a holder of the "Artist of the Russian People" title and a winner of international and whole-Russian competitions, and can be included with the best contemporary performers in Russia. His special mix of a gift of genius from nature, hard working character, advanced education and erudition has allowed him to create the unique style that put the Domra on the same level as other classical instruments. As a composer, Mr. Tsygankov has created a modern repertoire for the Domra, and has written numerous popular arrangements of folk melodies. He captured the audience with his warm and charming persona and incredible performance on the Domra. He presented a wide selection of different music styles ranging from Classical, to Folk Russian tunes, Gypsy music, Hungarian Chardash and even Ragtime music. The audience held their breath while he played a beautiful tune called "Perevoz Dunya Deryala" that he arranged.

Mr. Tsygankov was accompanied by his lovely wife of over 25 years, Inna Shevchenko, a world renowned pianist in her own right. She is also a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music. Ms. Shevchenko serves as soloist as well as accompanist to the music of Tsygankov in his solo concerts. They have toured extensively in Europe, Japan and the United States.

Next we had a chance to enjoy music performed by the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society, a local Russian inspired orchestra made up of stringed folk instruments, which plays primarily music of Russian origin. The Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society was founded in 1992 by Dr.Zeny Ocean. Their mission is to preserve their musical heritage for future generations. The local orchestra members were joined by other musicians from various cities across the United States and Canada. It was a special treat for the audience, as well as the orchestra members, to have Mr. Tsygankov sit in with the orchestra.

It was absolutely delightful to watch and hear our group from Reno. Their colorful costumes and wonderful music selections were very well received. The audience especially enjoyed the popular music "Meadowlands". My personal favorite was the "Tula Samovar" which included a comical skit presenting a tea serving ceremony using a traditional Russian Samovar from the city of Tula. The composition "Romance" of D. Shostakovich needed a little more work, as it didn't seem to flow as smoothly as some of the other numbers.

Also featured were the very talented singers Wally Fullerton with his strong tenor voice, as well as Dawn Humme. Her rendition of the popular song "Those were the Days" had everyone clapping and nearly dancing. We also had a chance to hear Natalya Sheremetyeva and the debut of Zeny Ocean singing "The old Maple Tree". With a few more vocal lessons, Dr. Ocean will be able to enrich his repertoire of old Russian village songs. The very talented Judy Flamer doubled as both a singer and a skillful orchestra conductor.

What would Russian music be without the accordion? Stevan Knezevich, an accomplished accordion player, was gracious enough to join the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society once again. He performed a solo for accordion and was part of the orchestra accompanying the vocalists.

And let us not forget the Master of Ceremonies for these wonderful concerts, Igor Bugulov. With his warm smile, sense of humor and knowledge of Russian culture, he made us feel welcome and at ease during these magnificent concerts.