Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra: Roma Rhapsody

• Svetlana Nikonova, conductor

Franz Liszt — Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor, S. 359, No. 2
Georges Bizet — Carmen (selections)
Traditional — Chornaya Shal' ("Black Shawl")
Florian Hermann — Ochi Chernye ("Dark Eyes")

Our Spring Concert, "Roma Rhapsody," celebrates the musical traditions of the Roma people (historically called Gypsies). For centuries, audiences have been captivated by the mesmerizing melodies, scintillating rhythms and haunting ballads that are the heart and soul of the Roma. You will recognize beloved classics such as Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 and selections from Bizet's Carmen. The program also includes less well-known but equally thrilling pieces like Black Shawl and Dark Eyes ("Ochi Chernye"), all part of an exciting program created by our conductor and Artistic Director, Svetlana Nikonova. Experience the music of Roma that has enchanted and thrilled audiences for generations and continues to do so today.

Two performances:
- Saturday, June 15, 7:30pm at Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA
- Sunday, June 16, 3pm at Bradley Hills Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD

About Washington Balalaika Society

The Washington Balalaika Society is a community orchestra of musicians who perform the music of Eastern Europe, Ukraine, Russia, and many other countries, on traditional folk instruments. It is the largest orchestra of its kind in America, and has been performing in the Greater Washington, D.C. area for 36 years. WBS supports the Ukrainian people and provides humanitarian support for displaced Ukrainian refugees.

https://www.balalaika.org/