The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra
Victor Gorodinsky, Music Director / Founder
RFO NEWS
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The Orchestra
Welcome to the website of the UW Russian Folk Orchestra! The Orchestra, now in its 15th season, is a unique ensemble performing Russian and other East-European folk music on authentic Russian instruments, balalaikas and domras. The orchestra was founded and is directed by Victor Gorodinsky.
Read more about the people of the Russian Folk Orchestra.
The Orchestra practices on Tuesday nights in room 1418 Van
Hise Hall, 1220 Linden Drive (UW-Madison Campus).
The Orchestra is sponsored by CREECA (Center for
Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia) at the University of Wisconsin--Madison.
The Orchestra is a proud member of the BDAA, the Balalaika and
Domra Association of America.
Watch our publicity
video clip!
The instruments
The Orchestra is made up of two groups of authentic Russian stringed instruments: balalaikas and domras. The Orchestra also uses accordions, bayans (button accordions), as well as various woodwind and percussion instruments. Read more about the instruments used in performing Russian folk music.
Our instruments are repaired by Spruce Tree Music.
The music
The repertoire consists mainly of Russian and other Slavic folk songs, dances, ballads, etc. The orchestra also plays music of Russian classical composers, such as Tchaikovsky. Occasionally, selections of Western music are introduced. The orchestra conductor and founder, Victor Gorodinsky, has written several original compositions for the ensemble.