Russian Festival at St. Sergius of Radonezh Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Russian Festival St. Sergius of Radonezh Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Parma, Ohio July 31, 2011
The first Russian Festival was held on July 30 and 31st at St. Sergius of Radonezh Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma. The parish is very proud of its frescoed cathedral and provided tours letting people know its history.
In addition to tours of the beautiful cathedral there were musical performances. World renown domra player Charley Rappaport performed with the Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra
Charley Rappaport
A Balalaika is a three stringed instrument which comes from Russia. It is triangular in shape with a beveled back and a long neck.
The contra bass balalaika is the largest of the instruments. It is rested on the floor and supported with an end pin.
Mathew Keim of Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra with contra bass balalaika
The musician plays the contra bass balalaika standing up. The three strings of this largest balalaika are D, A, and E and provide deep, rich sounds.
In the video below, the Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra performs a classic balalaika song called Brightly Shines the Moon.
Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra
The band passed out instruments to let the audience join in.
In the video below, Charley Rappaport, co-founder of the Balalaika and Domra Society of America, performs a Domra duet with his 16 year old student Gordon Neidinger.
Charley Rappaport and Gordon Neidinger
Dasha Nesterenko and Katya Lavrenteva couldn't help but dance to the music.
Dasha Nesterenko
Katya Lavrenteva
Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra
The Greater Cleveland Men's Russian Chorus also performed.
Greater Cleveland Men's Russian Chorus
There were also plenty of Russian foods to be found including blini (Russian crepes), stuffed cabbage, bigus (sauerkraut and kielbasi), pelmeni (Russian ravioli) and much more. There was also a fine array of salads and pastries.
Misha (Michael) making filling for blini
Luda Rodzianko and Natalie Marzev
Russian artifacts and an arts and crafts sale were also available as well as a children's activity center. Many people dressed in authentic costumes.
Lydia Karkut said she dresses like this because she loves being Russian
Lora
Mary Ann and Ken Kovach with Rev. Fr. Ilia Marvez
Rounding off the event were a flavored Russian vodka tasting and Russian beer. We can't wail till next year's Festival!Back to Top
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