Orchestra Conductor: Victor Gorodinsky

Victor Gorodinsky is a Slavic languages librarian emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Libraries. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Victor immigrated to the United States in 1982. He holds a Master’s Degree in Music (classical guitar and orchestral conducting) from Gnesin College of Music in Moscow. Before moving to Madison in 1995, he worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where, in addition to being a Slavic Studies Librarian, he was Assistant Director (under the late Professor John Garvey) and later, Music Director of the University of Illinois Russian Folk Orchestra. Under Victor’s baton, the 40-piece orchestra was
performing several times a year and touring around the Midwest.

After moving to Madison, WI, with the generous financial help from the Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA), Victor was able to purchase authentic Russian folk instruments, domras and balalaikas, and founded the UW-Russian Folk Orchestra (RFO) in 1997. The ensemble has since grown to over 30 members, played with world-renowned soloists and has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.

When Victor happens to have free time, he likes reading, listening to other music, traveling, trying new foods, and performing magic. He is also a talented arranger and composer, often writing pieces for the RFO.

And he also enjoys doing rather goofy things: