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About Duo Balalaika

Duo Balalaika story

“. . . explosive talent . . . see these dazzling musicians in action . . .”
Hartford Advocate, Connecticut

Experience the magic of merging cultures!

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When this Siberian balalaika virtuoso (Oleg Kruglyakov) met this American concert pianist (Terry Boyarsky) in 2007, the duo discovered that weaving the music of their different cultures created more than the sum of their cultures. It created a one-world music for diverse audiences. It created experiences of communally uplifting music.

“Audiences love this rare combination of piano, voice, and balalaika; it fills the air with music that touches our hearts, and lifts our souls.”

Listeners experience a musical journey of connection with Duo Balalaika performances – via concerts, intimate performances, festivals, private parties, corporate events, and creative collaborations. Let us help you to attract and enrich your audiences. And our success in delivering impactful arts-educational workshops like school residencies, and assemblies, is evidenced by our top qualifications as members of Arts-in-Education rosters across the U.S. We have trained and been awarded certification of the highest levels, in arts integration, and inclusivity for diverse populations, seniors, and more. Experience a one-world community through music. Let us know the venue that fits your needs and expectations, and let the collaboration begin!

“Duo Balalaika transported us with music from continent to continent. We felt the pull of the balalaika strings, and then our souls lifted. What a journey!” – Concert going friends, M. Hart and S. Kochek

The Vermont Journal writes, "The audience was enthralled as the music slid from exuberance of joy and anger to whispers of love and crying so faint you could have heard a pin drop. 'Beautiful,' 'Incredible,' 'Wow,' and 'He is making the balalaika cry,' were heard as the audience listened intently."

WKSU host and Cuyahoga River Concerts presenter Matt Watroba says, "We loved the way the Duo combined historical information with world-class playing and performance. Our audience was mesmerized! They didn’t want them to leave the stage. The duo provided an excellent retrospective of the music from both the folk and classical traditions. Professional and crowd pleasing...it was a great success."

"For a folk musician to be able to achieve the precision of a classically trained musician is rare, as rare as it is for a classically trained musician to deliver the freedom and spontaneity of a folk musician."
Robert Spano, Music Director, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra