Generated by All in One SEO v4.9.10, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # BDAA Eastern European Folk Music ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.altbdaa.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Blog](https://www.altbdaa.com/blog/) ## Pages - [About](https://www.altbdaa.com/) - Balalaika and Domra Association of America What is the BDAA? The Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) exists to promote the playing and legacy of Eastern European and Romani folk music in the US. Our goal is to introduce new people to this rich musical tradition and create resources for members to learn more - [2026 Festival Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/2026-festival-concert/) - « Prev1 / 1Next »« Prev1 / 1Next » The BDAA is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our members, donors, and sponsors. We are seeking additional donations and sponsorships for the concert. If you would like to donate and be recognized here and in our concert playbill / - [2026 Convention](https://www.altbdaa.com/convention/2026-convention/) - The larger the instrument, the harder air travel becomes. If you play a large instrument (e.g. bass balalaika) you may be able to borrow one at the convention site. Reach out to the BDAA board to request a loaner instrument and we may be able to accommodate (no guarantees). Accordions / bayans may have to - [Community Events](https://www.altbdaa.com/about/community-events/) - Community Events Upcoming Events See what's going on with BDAA members. Who is having a performance? What are local orchestras up to these days? Check the calendar below to find out! If you would like to add an event to the BDAA calendar, send your event's information (day, time, location, event description, etc.) and - [Convention](https://www.altbdaa.com/convention/) - « Prev1 / 1Next »« Prev1 / 1Next » Although the week is packed with lessons and workshops, the convention is really about meeting people and sharing the rich cultural history of this music with each other. Social facebook.com/balalaikadomra membership (at) bdaa.com instagram.com/balalaikadomra - [Directory](https://www.altbdaa.com/about/directory/) - Directory Orchestras and Ensembles The BDAA has hundreds of members throughout the US, Canada, and other countries. Many participate in local orchestras and ensembles. Use this page to view a list of Slavic folk orchestras and ensembles in your area. And check out their upcoming events on the community events page. If you would like - [History of the BDAA](https://www.altbdaa.com/history-of-the-bdaa/) - History of the BDAA Steve Wolownik (left) and Charley Rappaport (right). The list of American musicians interested in Russian and East European folk music continued to grow. There were “old timers” with memories to share, and young people forming trios and touring the country. - [Instruments](https://www.altbdaa.com/about/instruments-new/) - Eastern European Folk Instruments The folk instruments unique to Eastern Europe include the balalaika, domra, bayan, gusli, and traditional wind & percussion instruments. The balalaika is the most well-known string instrument of the region, with its characteristic triangular shape. It has a wooden hollow body, a fretted neck and three strings. Two strings are usually - [2025 Convention](https://www.altbdaa.com/convention/2025-convention/) - The larger the instrument, the harder air travel becomes. If you play a large instrument (e.g. bass balalaika) you may be able to borrow one at the convention site. Reach out to the BDAA board to request a loaner instrument and we may be able to accommodate (no guarantees). Accordions / bayans may have to - [2025 Festival Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/2025-festival-concert/) - « Prev1 / 1Next »« Prev1 / 1Next » The BDAA is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our members, donors, and sponsors. We are seeking additional donations and sponsorships for the concert. If you would like to donate and be recognized here and in our concert playbill / - [Membership](https://www.altbdaa.com/membership/) - Become a Member Interested in Joining the BDAA? The Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) welcomes people of all backgrounds and skill levels who want to learn, play, or simply enjoy the music of balalaika, domra, bayan, accordion, and Slavic / Eastern European folk music, singing, and dance. While our focus is on - [Charley Rappaport](https://www.altbdaa.com/about/charley-rappaport/) - BDAA Founder - Charley Rappaport When Charley Rappaport sat down with Steve Wolownik to put together the first BDAA membership list, Charley had no trouble coming up with names. Not only did he add names of musicians he'd played with over the years, but legendary names from the heyday of the balalaika in America … - [Steve Wolownik](https://www.altbdaa.com/about/steve-wolownik/) - BDAA Founder - Steve Wolownik Back in 1982, Steve Wolownik had, he estimated, taught over 300 people to play various balalaikas and domras. This is probably a modest estimate, and given Steve's ability to engage in numerous activities - musical and otherwise - concurrently, this is no surprise. Steve Wolownik was the person who, - [Lynn McConnell](https://www.altbdaa.com/about/lynn-mcconnell/) - BDAA Founder - Lynn Carpenter-McConnell Lynn Carpenter grew up in southern California, and studied and played piano from an early age. She studied music at the University of California, Santa Barbara campus and it was there that Lynn first became interested in ethnomusicology, when she heard an African drum troupe. Lynn first encountered the - [Victor Gorodinsky](https://www.altbdaa.com/victor-gorodinsky/) - At the 2023 convention, Victor will conduct the BDAA Orchestra at the Festival Concert Finale 2023 Convention Page - [Alexander Tentser](https://www.altbdaa.com/alexander-tentser/) - He is also an engaging music lecturer and accomplished composer, presenting informative preconcert talks for Interpreti Veneziani Baroque Ensemble from Italy and the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields from England. He has served as co‐chair, guest lecturer and piano soloist at Symposiums on Music and Medicine at both the University of Arizona and - [Tetiana Khomenko](https://www.altbdaa.com/tetiana-khomenko/) - At the 2022 convention, Tetiana will teach balalaika technique, direct the balalaika choir, and perform a mini-concert for convention guests and at the Festival Concert Finale 2022 Convention Page - [Angelina Galashenkova](https://www.altbdaa.com/angelina-galashenkova/) - At the 2023 convention, Angelina will teach domra technique and perform a mini-concert for convention guests and at the Festival Concert Finale 2023 Convention Page - [Alexandrov-Skliar Duo](https://www.altbdaa.com/alexandrov-skliar-duo/) - Ekaterina Skliar Domrist, Mandolinist, and 2019 Astral National Auditions Winner, Ekaterina Skliar made her debut at age 11 with the Russian Folk Instrument Orchestra of the Buryatia Republic. Her large repertoire includes transcriptions of classical music, original works for domra and mandolin, contemporary and jazz music. Ekaterina is a prizewinner of national, international and all-Russian - [Nicolas Kedroff](https://www.altbdaa.com/convention/2023-convention/nicolas-kedroff/) - At the 2023 convention, Nicolas will teach balalaika technique and perform a mini-concert for convention guests and at the Festival Concert Finale 2023 Convention Page - [2022 Convention](https://www.altbdaa.com/convention/2022-convention/) - 2022 Convention: Asheville, NC The 42nd Annual BDAA Convention: July 12-16, 2022 Asheville, NC Updates - 7/7/2022 We have added a song to the festival orchestra repertoire (Anthem of Ukraine) - please print this along with your other sheet music. The first orchestra rehearsal - [2024 Convention](https://www.altbdaa.com/convention/2024-convention/) - 2024 Convention: Charlotte, NC The 44th Annual BDAA Convention: July 9-13, 2024 Charlotte, NC Guest Artists This year we are featuring all new BDAA guest artists, including: Denis Zhukov - Prima Balalaika Guzel Safiullina - Prima Domra Alexander Veprinskiy - Festival - [2024 Festival Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/2024-festival-concert/) - « Prev1 / 1Next »« Prev1 / 1Next » The BDAA is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our members, donors, and sponsors. We are seeking additional donations and sponsorships for the concert. If you would like to donate and be recognized here and in our concert playbill / - [2023 Convention](https://www.altbdaa.com/convention/2023-convention/) - 2023 Convention: Milwaukee, WI The 43rd Annual BDAA Convention: July 25-29, 2023 Milwaukee, WI Guest Artists This year we are featuring new and familiar guest artists from France, Russia, and America, including: Nicolas Kedroff - Prima Balalaika Angelina Galashenkova - Prima ## Events - [Atlanta Balalaika Society - Annual Fall Concert 2026](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/atlanta-balalaika-society-annual-fall-concert-2026/) - Atlanta Balalaika Society (ABS) Annual Fall Concert in Atlanta, GA The Atlanta Balalaika Society (ABS) will play in their yearly fall concert gala at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. - [St. Nicholas Balalaika Orchestra in Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/st-nicholas-balalaika-orchestra-in-concert/) - St. Nicholas Balalaika Orchestra in Concert in Cuyahoga Falls, OH Join us for an afternoon of vibrant Slavic folk music, featuring melodies and traditions from across Eastern Europe—including Moldova, Poland, Hungary, the Balkan nations, Ukraine, Russia, and Romani cultures. St. Luke Lutheran Church - ECLA 2121 6th Street, Cuyahoga Falls FREE OF CHARGE Link to - [Vancouver Russian Community Centre Balalaika Orchestra - Annual Festival Concert 2026](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/vancouver-russian-community-centre-balalaika-orchestra-annual-festival-concert-2026/) - Russian Community Centre Balalaika Orchestra in Vancouver, BC The Russian Community Centre Balalaika Orchestra, RCC Yablochko Dancers, and RCC Pushkin School Choir & Dancers will perform in a spectacular show. Ticket Prices: At the door: $20.00Students/Seniors: $18.00Children 12 and under: FREE Early bird discount: $15.00 before April 25th. E-Transfer to treasurer@rccvancouver.com with name and number - [UW-RFO - Annual Holiday Concert 2026](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/uw-rfo-annual-holiday-concert-2026/) - UW-RFO Performance at Grace Presents in Madison, WI The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra (UW-RFO) will play in their annual holiday concert at Grace Episcopal Church. Admission is free! - [Washington Balalaika Society - Rockville, MD](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/washington-balalaika-society-rockville-md/) - Washington Balalaika Society - F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater in Rockville, MD The Washington Balalaika Society (WBS) will play at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater in Rockville, MD - [Arizona Balalaika Orchestra - Annual Slavic Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/arizona-balalaika-orchestra-spring-concert/) - Arizona Balalaika Orchestra - Annual Slavic Concert in Tucson, AZ Featuring Peter Omelchenko, Domra Virtuoso Conducted by Dr Alexander Tenster Including the Lajkonik Polish Folk Dance Ensemble Tickets $20.00/$10.00 Students cash or check at the door or @tucsonfolkshop in advance - [Washington Balalaika Society - Manassas, VA](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/washington-balalaika-society-manassas-va/) - Washington Balalaika Society - Harris Pavilion in Manassas, VA The Washington Balalaika Society (WBS) will play at the Harris Pavilion, Manassas, VA - [Washington Balalaika Society - Annandale, VA](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/washington-balalaika-society-annandale-va/) - Washington Balalaika Society - Mason District Park in Annandale, VA The Washington Balalaika Society (WBS) will play at the Mason District Park in Annandale, VA - [Washington Balalaika Society - Burtonsville, MD](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/washington-balalaika-society-burtonsville-md/) - Washington Balalaika Society - Resurrection Catholic Church in Burtonsville, MD The Washington Balalaika Society (WBS) will play night #1 of their annual spring concert at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Burtonsville, MD. Purchase tickets here - [UW-RFO - Annual Spring Concert 2026](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/uw-rfo-annual-spring-concert-2026/) - UW-RFO Performance at the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra (UW-RFO) will play in their annual spring concert at the Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI. - [Washington Balalaika Society - Fairfax, VA](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/washington-balalaika-society-fairfax-va/) - Washington Balalaika Society - Stacey Sherwood Center in Fairfax, VA The Washington Balalaika Society (WBS) will play a concert at the Stacey Sherwood Center in Fairfax, VA. Open to the public. - [BDAA Festival Orchestra Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/bdaa-festival-orchestra-concert/) - BDAA Festival Orchestra Performance in Herndon, VA The BDAA will host their annual gala concert in the Ballroom of the Dulles Hyatt Regency in Herndon, VA. For tickets and more info please visit our festival concert webpage. - [Washington Balalaika Society - Tysons, VA](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/washington-balalaika-society-tysons-va/) - Washington Balalaika Society - Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA The Washington Balalaika Society (WBS) will play night #2 of their annual spring concert at the Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA Tickets on sale soon! - [Houston Balalaika Society Orchestra - St. Valentine's Day Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/houston-balalaika-society-orchestra-st-valentines-day-concert/) - Houston Balalaika Society Orchestra - St. Valentine's Day Concert in Houston, TX Join us for a beautiful musical journey through Eastern Europe & cultures beyond! St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Family Center Doors open 6:30 pm Donations at the door!(suggested $20) For more information:713-299-5251pam@houstonbalalaikasociety.org - [UW-RFO - International Festival 2026](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/uw-rfo-international-festival-2026/) - UW-RFO Performance at International Festival in Madison, WI The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra (UW-RFO) will play a concert at the International Festival at the Overture Center for the Arts. Admission is free! The UW-RFO will play alongside 30 other international performances in this yearly celebration of international cultural heritage. - [Atlanta Balalaika Society - Fall Concert](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/atlanta-balalaika-society-fall-concert/) - Atlanta Balalaika Society (ABS) Fall Concert in Atlanta, GA The Atlanta Balalaika Society (ABS) will play in their yearly fall concert gala at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. - [UW-RFO - Lawrence University](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/uw-rfo-lawrence-university/) - UW-RFO Performance at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra (UW-RFO) will play a concert at Lawrence University. - [UW-RFO - International Festival](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/uw-rfo/) - UW-RFO Performance at International Festival in Madison, WI The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra (UW-RFO) will play a concert at the International Festival at the Overture Center for the Arts. Admission is free! The UW-RFO will play alongside 30 other international performances in this yearly celebration of international cultural heritage. - [UW-RFO - Dubuque University](https://www.altbdaa.com/events/uw-rfo-at-dubuque-university/) - UW-RFO Performance at Dubuque University in Dubuque, IA The University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra (UW-RFO) will play a concert at Dubuque University ## Projects - [Classic Collection](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/classic-collection/) - [Vintage Collection](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/vintage-collection/) - [Classic Watch](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/classic-watch/) - [Mac Product](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/mac-product/) - [Old Gadget](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/old-gadget/) - [iPhone Showcase](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/iphone-showcase/) - [Vintage Watch](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/vintage-watch/) - [Story Book](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio/story-book/) ## Posts - [Attribution](https://www.altbdaa.com/attribution/) - This site has been created with the help of many different people and companies. This site was built on a powerful, Inspirations based web builder called BoldGrid. It is running on WordPress, the most popular content management software online today. Web hosting support is provided by DreamHost. Additional functionality provided by: WP Canvas - Gallery ## Block Library - [concert paragraph](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/concert-paragraph/) - The annual BDAA Festival Concert will be held on Saturday, July 11th, 2026 at 7:30 pm in the Luray Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Dulles in Herndon, VA. The concert brings together musicians from around the world performing Eastern European folk music and is the culmination of the BDAA’s annual convention. The performance will feature - [Next Convention](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/next-convention/) - Next In-Person Convention: Washington, DC July 7-11, 2026 2026 Convention Page - [guests](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/guests-2/) - With Special Guests Olga Vlasova Bandura Soloist In 1998, Galina Ohanian created the ensemble "Golden Domes of Russia." Over the years, "Golden Domes of Russia" has hosted many Russian festivals, New Year's Balls, Christmas parties for children, and "Family Day" celebrations in the park. Since 2006, they have been regular participants in the Russian Festival - [banner](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/banner/) - Balalaika and Domra Association of America - [socials](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/socials/) - Social facebook.com/balalaikadomra membership (at) bdaa.com Instagram coming soon! - [donors](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/donors/) - 2023 Sponsors / Donors The BDAA is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of our members, donors, and sponsors. We are seeking additional donations and sponsorships for the concert. If you would like to donate and be recognized here and in our concert playbill / program booklet as an individual or as an - [guests](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/guests/) - With Special Guest Artists Polina DeCarlo is a Russian-born solo pianist and rigorously trained accompanist for vocal and instrumental groups and ensembles. She has accompanied numerous artists at prestigious international instrumental competitions and serves as a piano educator at the Art of Piano School. - [artists](https://www.altbdaa.com/bg-block/artists/) - Guest Artists This year we are featuring new and familiar guest artists from France, Russia, and America, including: Nicolas Kedroff - Prima Balalaika Angelina Galashenkova - Prima Domra Victor Gorodinsky - Festival Orchestra Conductor Nicolas is a world-renowned balalaika virtuoso from Paris, France. Kedroff lives up to his nickname: "The Paganini of Balalaika." He earned ## Event Location - [Overture Center for the Arts](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/overture-center/) - [Dubuque University](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/dubuque-university/) - [Lawrence University](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/lawrence-university/) - [Roswell Cultural Arts Center](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/roswell-cultural-arts-center/) - [Hyatt Regency Dulles](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/hyatt-regency-dulles/) - Luray Ballroom - [St. Cyril of Alexandria Nicholson Hall](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/st-cyril-of-alexandria-nicholson-hall/) - [St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/st-andrews-presbyterian-church/) - [Stacey Sherwood Center](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/stacey-sherwood-center/) - [Resurrection Catholic Church](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/resurrection-catholic-church/) - [Capital One Hall](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/capital-one-hall/) - [Mason District Park](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/mason-district-park/) - [Harris Pavilion](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/harris-pavilion/) - [F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/f-scott-fitzgerald-theater/) - [Holy Wisdom Monastery](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/holy-wisdom-monastery/) - [Grace Episcopal Church](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/grace-episcopal-church/) - [Russian Community Centre](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/russian-community-centre/) - [St. Luke Lutheran Church](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-location/st-luke-lutheran-church/) ## Event Organizer - [Balalaika and Domra Association of America](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-organizer/balalaika-and-domra-association-of-america/) - [Washington Balalaika Society](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-organizer/washington-balalaika-society/) - [University of Wisconsin Russian Folk Orchestra](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-organizer/university-of-wisconsin-russian-folk-orchestra/) - [Atlanta Balalaika Society](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-organizer/atlanta-balalaika-society/) - [Arizona Balalaika Orchestra](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-organizer/arizona-balalaika-orchestra/) - [Vancouver Russian Community Centre Balalaika Orchestra](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-organizer/vancouver-russian-community-centre-balalaika-orchestra/) - [St. Nicholas Balalaika Orchestra](https://www.altbdaa.com/event-organizer/st-nicholas-balalaika-orchestra/) ## Project Categories - [portfolio](https://www.altbdaa.com/portfolio-category/portfolio/)