Russian music ensembles to perform at Luther
Date 10/1/1998 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & CultureThe longevity of Luther's Balalaika ensemble may be in doubt, but there is no question about its immediate future.
The ensemble and the University of Wisconsin Madison Russian Folk Orchestra will perform a joint concert on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the CFL. The performance is open to the public and is free of charge.
The two Russian music groups will perform several pieces both independently and as a large mixed ensemble. Their repertoire includes a wide range of Russian folk music for instruments such as the domra, balalaika, accordion, tambourine and vocalist.
"There will be plenty of audience participation," said Russian Studies Professor Laurie Iudin-Nelson, director and founder of the Balalaika ensemble. "Spectators should come prepared to clap, sing along and learn a little Russian. The cultural emphasis of the group is evident in their traditional Russian garb and authentic Russian instruments."
Iudin-Nelson looks forward to joining the larger UW Russian Folk Orchestra under the direction of Victor Gorodinsky.
"He brings a lot of energy to the performance," she said of the Russian native who is well-known in balalaika circles. "We will enjoy working with him."
Iudin-Nelson and Balalaika members look forward to an eventful school year. A San Francisco performance at a national educators' convention is scheduled for December, and the group will perform at several local schools and retirement homes throughout the year.
Aaron Judisch ('99), the ensemble's vocalist, finds the experience to be broadening, both musically and linguistically.
"It's a good opportunity to learn more about folk music. Right now I'm learning to read the Cyrillic alphabet used in the Russian lyrics." He also enjoys the sense of camaraderie felt among the group's members.
"It's so much fun getting to know other people with an interest in Russia. The members are there because they want to have fun and experience Russian culture as a community," said Russian Studies major Jennifer Smeby ('99). She also appreciates the rarity of Balalaika ensembles.
"Luther is probably the only institution of its size to claim an ensemble of this kind."
Service in language education is among the group's top priorities. "We do extensive work in schools. Kids often lack exposure to ethnic diversity, and they enjoy the chance to learn about music that is both exciting and accessible," said Iudin-Nelson.
"It's a fun way for students to learn grammar and vocabulary while actively connecting them to Russian culture," said Smeby. "We start with the music and use that to promote discussion of geography, current events, and other relevant cultural issues."
Balalaika's efforts have been well-received. "The ensemble provided an exceptional cultural experience that captured the attention of 500+ fourth graders," wrote Phyllis M. Staplin of the West Des Moines Community School District.
"Their music was beautiful, and their willingness to share the folklore and history of their music and instruments with the audience was commendable," wrote Donna L. Clementi of the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers. "Luther College is well-represented by the Balalaika ensemble."
Yet the future of the group is in question, primarily because Iudin-Nelson, the ensemble's director and founder, also has an unsure future at Luther after being denied a tenure position last year.
"If she isn't here next year, it would be difficult to conceive the group will continue, especially since many of us are graduating this year," said member Chris Rogers ('99).
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Erin Alberty
Chips Staff Writer
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