The Gypsy Balalaikas




Since its inception in 1980, the GYPSY BALALAIKAS has grown in popularity and proficiency, and is now considered one of the finest ensembles of its kind in the United States. These fine musicians have performed from Maine to Georgia, at such functions as Russian formal balls, local church halls,, society functions, weddings and other private parties, club dates, and on the concert stage, including appearances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York. The GYPSY BALALAIKAS play traditional Russian folk and Gypsy music, as well as the folk music of other Eastern European peoples, on authentic Russian folk instruments, the balalaika and the domra. As members of the Balalaika Russe, they can be heard on that group's latest recording, Heart on the Snow, which features 23 popular Russian and East European selections.


The Players:

ALAN ZEMEL (prima domra & prima balalaika) started playing Russian folk music with the Penn (University of Pennsylvania) Balalaika Orchestra while he was still in high school. He has been involved in Eastern European and Balkan music for many years, and plays in numerous folk ensembles in the Philadelphia area. He is a member of the Balalaika & Domra Association of America, as well as a member of the popular Balalaika Russe of New York.


JUDY SHERMAN (alto balalaika and vocals) graduated in music at UCLA and went on to sing, play balalaika, record and tour with the Los Angeles-based Odessa Balalaikas for seven years. She has directed the Penn Balalaika Orchestra, and on numerous occasions was featured vocalist with numerous groups, including the Detroit Balalaika Orchestra. She is a member of the Balalaika & Domra Association of America, and a member of the Balalaika Russe.


STEVE WOLOWNIK (contrabass balalaika), co-founder and long-time Executive Director of the Balalaika and Domra Association of America, has been playing balalaika music since childhood. He was integral in the founding and direction of various balalaika groups around the country, including the Penn Balalaika Orchestra, the UCLA Balalaika Orchestra, the Odessa Balalaikas, and the Houston Balalaika Society. Steve is a member of various Eastern European folk ensembles in the area, including the Balalaika Russe, the Jersey Jipsies, and the Jorgovan Romanian Folk Ensemble.


CONTACT: Steve Wolownik, 609-461-6231. email: wolownik@looksmart.com


Click here for information about the balalaika.

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