The Washington Balalaika Orchestra to Perform at Mason District Park on Sunday

The Washington Balalaika Orchestra will return to the Mason District Park Amphitheater on Sunday, Jun. 19 for an evening of Russian folk music. The orchestra's performance is part of the Spotlight by Starlight summer concert series. The WBS was founded in 1988 by a group of local musicians interested in studying and performing the music of Russia, Ukraine and eastern Europe on traditional Russian folk instruments.

Learn more about Sunday's performance in this Q&A with WBS President Janet Bohm, who also plays prima balalaika in the orchestra.

What can local concert goers expect from your performance on Sunday?

They can expect to hear beautiful melodies to carry with them, lively music that will have toes tapping; and I would expect them to leave very happy that they decided to spend their Sunday evening with us.

Has the WBS orchestra performed at Spotlight by Starlight before?

We enjoy our annual appearance at Mason District Park.  We always have large, enthusiastic audiences and the setting is beautiful.  We have played these summer concerts for many years

How long have you been playing prima balalaika in the orchestra? What has that experience been like?

I started playing with the Washington Balalaika Society in 1993. I had never played a stringed instrument before but had always wanted to play this one, so I consider this a work in progress. You’re never too old to learn something new as long as you are willing to put some effort into making it happen. It has enriched my life immeasurably.

When did you become the president of the WBS? What would you say sets you apart from other folk orchestras in the area? 

I became president of WBS in 2001. Our instruments are traditional Russian folk instruments and our repertoire ranges from folk to classic to modern and includes some surprises as well. WBS is the largest Russian folk orchestra outside of the countries of the former Soviet Union. The fact that we have a graduate of the Rimsky-Korsakov conservatory as our conductor further contributes to our unique status. Sveltlana Nikonova is an incredibly gifted conductor, arranger and musician in her own right.

Additionally, our bayan player, concert mistress and prima balalaika soloist are also conservatory trained and are among the foremost exponents of their respective instruments in the United States.

What is your favorite part of being in the WBS?

I came because I loved the music. Imagine my surprise to find incredible friendship and support among our members. We are a community orchestra and welcome newcomers and can offer instruments and lessons.

Who would you recommend Sunday's concert to? Do you think the WBS has a sound that any music lover can enjoy or is it more of an acquired taste?

People come to their first WBS concert not knowing quite what to expect.  Our music is beautiful, uplifting and infectious. We like to say that if you come to a concert, you will be hooked.

Outdoor lawn concert; cancelled by 3:30 p.m. day of the show if inclement weather. Click here for more information on the Washington Balalaika Orchestra.

Sunday, June 19, 7:30 p.m.; Free
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA; (703) 324-SHOW