Russian Folkloric Ensemble Brisbane Samotsvety
The Russian Folkloric Ensemble Samotsvety was established in February 2000. Since then the ensemble has matured and now performs more than 70 Russian folkloric songs, Cossacks songs, Ukrainian, and Gipsy songs. Samotsvety means semi-precious jewels. It is registered with the Brisbane Ethnic Multicultural Art Centre (BEMAC). The ensemble performs in a very sensual and inspiring manner.
More than ten sets of traditional Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian and Gipsy costumes and some musical instruments members of the ensemble made themselves.
In its 9.5-year history Samotsvety gave about 100 concerts at ethnic centres and clubs, folk festivals in Queensland and interstate, at nursing homes and retirement villages, mid-day and Christmas concerts in Brisbane City Hall. The ensemble performed at the following festivals: Australian National Folk Festival in Canberra, Woodford Folk Festival, Mullumbimby Festival, Roma Street Festival, Harvest Festival, Refugee Festival, Festival of the Russian movies in Brisbane and Cultivat Festival.
The founder of the Samotsvety and its artistic director Mrs Alla Ekzarkho holds Bachelor of Art Degree (Theory and history of world culture) form Charkov Academy of Culture, Ukraine, and she is also a piano teacher.
The ensemble includes 15 members (12 singers and 3 musicians). Traditional Russian musical instruments are: button accordion, 7-string guitar (Russian guitar) and domra (similar to mandolin). For large concert an invited violinist joins the ensemble.
Participants of the ensemble represent several waves of the Russian immigration from republics of former USSR and China (Harbin area). There is a member of the ensemble with Anglo-Saxon origin that speaks perfect Russian. But what unites all ensemble members – their love to the Russian cultural heritage and dedication to preserve it in Australia.
General Information:
- The Russian Folkloric Ensemble Samotsvety was established in February 2000. And now performs more than 70 Russian folkloric songs, Cossacks songs, Ukrainian, and Gipsy songs. The ensemble performs in a very sensual and inspiring manner.
- Lots of performance experience at the following festivals: Australian National Folk Festival in Canberra, Woodford Folk Festival, Mullumbimby Festival, Roma Street Festival, Harvest Festival, Refugee Festival, Festival of the Russian movies in Brisbane and Cultivat Festival.
Band Members:
- 15 members (12 singers and 3 musicians).
