Fall Concert 2026
Saturday, Nov 21
8:00 PM
F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre · Rockville, MD
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Sunday, Nov 22
3:00 PM
Kenmore Middle School Auditorium · Arlington, VA
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Winter is Coming!
The Washington Balalaika Orchestra, conducted by Svetlana Nikonova, with soloists Andrei Saveliev on prima balalaika and Ekaterina Skliar on prima domra.
The program
Music from every corner of the season
Our 55-piece orchestra brings you music from many eras and genres: Myroslav Skoryk's hauntingly beautiful Melody in A Minor, Ivanovici's Waves of the Danube, selections from Fiddler on the Roof, Nino Rota's Speak Softly, Love from The Godfather, and highlights from Tchaikovsky's beloved Nutcracker Suite — all arranged for us by Artistic Director and Conductor Svetlana Nikonova.
Andrei SavelievPrima balalaika
Ekaterina SkliarPrima domra
Welcome
Are you a musician looking for an orchestra?
We are a community orchestra of more than 50 musicians who love to play music together, performing a wide variety of music from around the world on authentic folk instruments.
If you know the violin or mandolin, you'll find an easy transition to the domra. If you play guitar, the balalaika is a fun change! We also have flutes, oboes, clarinets, accordions, bayans, and a gusli (similar to a zither or psaltery). We have folk instruments to lend and conservatory-trained teachers to teach.
We are also a community of friends. Members enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the group, and we encourage people of all ages to join the fun.
“We don't stop playing because we grow old — we grow old because we stop playing.”
Hope to see you soon! For information, email balalaika@balalaika.org.
Follow the orchestra
Concert news, rehearsal photos and videos.