This Russian balalaika folk orchestra has been a highly visible performing group in Tucson since 1980, when it gave its first pubic concert in the SU Celar under the direction of Russian-born Mia Bulgarin Gay. It is a volunteer group of dedicated, largely ametuer musicians drawn to Russian folk music, who consider this their hobby. It grew out of a small student ensemble at the UA Russian Dept. in the mid-'70's, but unable to procure direct support from the university, it incorporated in Aug. 1989, receiving 501(c) (3) designation. The name was retained because of the group's origin. The orchestra maintains a bulletin board at the dept., duplicates music there, and contributes to the Russian Scholarship Fund.

In 1984, the orchestra joined the Balalaika & Domra Assoc. of America (BDAA) whose mission is to promote Slavic folk culture. Annual conventions unite balalaika orchestras throughout the world for study, exchange of music and an annual concert. (In 1989 the BDAA convention was held in Tucson.) The BDAA has facilitated study for their members in Minsk and Kiev, and 2 Volga river concert cruises, which several members from Tucson attended.

The Kalinka Russian Dance Ensemble was started in the fall of 1989 by Richard Holden, drawing dancers from local ballet studios. Their spirited colorful dances have tremendously enhanced the orchestra's performances.

The orchestra consists of all voices (sizes) of balalaikas and domras, accordions, percussion, and the "gusli," an elaborate autoharp. Most of the instruments were purchased in Russia; it has taken years to acquire them. Dancers and musicians are dressed in traditional constumes. The repertoire, increasingly more challenging, has grown to over 100 pieces. To raise the artistic standard still higher, professional guest soloists have performed with the orchestra since 1986. Recent reknowned Russian immigrant to Phoenix, Anatoli Tsadikovsky, has written and arranged music, and performed with them.

The UA Balalaikas have performed their major concerts in Tucson each year, often selling out. They have also been invited throughout Arizona--to Flagstaff, Prescott, Phoenix, Douglas, Green Valley, Ajo, etc. and twice to Mexico. In between they play for folk festivals, in malls, retirement communities, schools, churches, synagogues, THE, ethnic clubs, Downtown Saturday Night, and other public and private functions.