The renowned Kauriga Balalaika Orchestra will perform a lively concert of Russian, Ukrainian and Slavic folk music 7:30 p.m., June 27 at the Music Pier auditorium, Boardwalk and Moorlyn Terrace in Ocean City.
Folk dancers and singers will be included in the lively and inspiring program.
Originally known as the Philadelphia Balalaika Orchestra, it was formed in the 1930s by Paul Kauriga, Sr., who passed away last year. It was one of the first orchestras of its kind in the United States.
Kauriga, a master musician, composer, teacher, and conductor, specialized in Eastern European and Middle Eastern music.
He was nominated for a Grammy award in the 1990s. His music has been used by the USA Women’s Gymnastic team and in movies. His compositions and Balalaika Orchestra recordings were recently archived by the Smithsonian Institute.
Preserving Slavic folk music has been a family tradition. Orchestra members include Kauriga’s three sons Gregory, Dimitri and Paul, Jr., daughter-in-laws and grandchildren.
The Kauriga performs a program that includes folk themes adapted from the works of legendary composers such as Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Rachmaninov, and Shostakovich, plus anonymous melodies that have been handed down over generation—melodies that express the joy, grief, and emotions of Slavic peoples.
The music, played on simple instruments, transcends the borders of nations and aims to give the audience a memorable experience.
Tickets are $5, available at City Hall Annex, 901 Asbury Ave., 609-525-9300, or at the door. City Hall Annex is open Mon. through Fri. from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Children 12 and under are free.
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