KALINKA

A Grammy Award contender for “Best Traditional World Music” in 2003 and 2008, Kalinka has thrilled audiences in Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, Spain, and the US in 5 different languages.

Vladimir Kaliazine on bayan (Russian accordion) and Sergey Vashchenko on balalaika met in Spain where they were professors at a conservatory.  After performing throughout Russia and Europe, the duo moved to Texas. As Kalinka, they perform Old World melodies as well as Classical and Jazz Favorites, dazzling audiences with their mastery and wit, while crossing musical frontiers and styles.
Kalinka has been the star of many festivals, including the Russian Winter Annual Festival of Dallas, Classical 101 Radio Anniversary Series, Montage Annual Festival, and International Museum of Cultures Artistic Festival. Also they have participated in several music series throughout Texas and with Pop Symphonies, creating a unique interpretation while blending Russian folk instruments with American orchestral music.

Kalinka offers concerts, educational programs, workshops, as well as collaborates with other musical groups and orchestras.

Whether performing spectacular classical and traditional Russian works, or international favorites, Kalinka's charm and virtuosity is evident.

Vladimir Kaliazine, Classical, Jazz, and Folk Bayan Master

At the age of five in his native Latvia, Vladimir Kaliazine began studying the Russian, five-row chromatic button accordion, know as the bayan. He received a high honours degree from St. Petersburg Conservatory.

His own improvisations revealed such a mastery of the accordion that he went on tour as a featured performer with the famous Dance Ensemble of Siberia. Mr. Kaliazine performs, arranges, and composes music for Café Noir, one of the most popular Jazz and Synthesizer Pop Band in the country.

Sergey Vashchenko, the Jimi Hendrix of Russian Balalaika

Ukrainian born Sergey Vashchenko began his musical training as a child on the bayan and balalaika. He earned a Master’s Degree in Music from the Ural Conservatory in 1985, in performance and conducting, and then served as Musical Instructor and Dean for Balalaika at the Perm Cultural Institute for Arts.

Mr. Vashchenko toured with several groups, including “Lira” and “Bubliky” throughout Europe. Now residing in Austin, Texas, he performs regularly as a solo artist as well with “Kalinka” and “The Flying Balalaika Brothers.” He also has been conductor of the Houston Balalaika and Domra Association.