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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.

St. Sergius of Radonezh Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Parma


See more of St. Sergius Cathedral.

In addition to tours of the beautiful cathedral there were musical performances. World renown domra player Charley Rappaport performed with the Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra

Domra artist Charley Rappaport

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.

Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra

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

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

Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra





The band passed out instruments to let the audience join in.

Playing with the Balalaika band at festival

Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra

Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra


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 play domras

Charley Rappaport and Gordon Neidinger




Dasha Nesterenko and Katya Lavrenteva couldn't help but dance to the music.



Dasha Nesterenko

Dasha Nesterenko

Katya Lavrenteva

Katya Lavrenteva

Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra

Mogadore Balalaika Orchestra



The Greater Cleveland Men's Russian Chorus also performed.

Greater Cleveland Men's Russian Chorus

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

Misha (Michael) making filling for blini

Luda Rodzianko and wife of pastor Natalie Marzev

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 - dresses like this because she loves being Russian

Lydia Karkut said she dresses like this because
she loves being Russian


Lora

Lora

Mary Ann and Ken Kovach with Rev. Fr. Ilia Marvez

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!


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