Samovar Russian Folk Music Ensemble - Washington, DC

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS

			Michael Nazaretz (ACCORDION) first performed in a Russian folk music group in Cleveland, Ohio in the early 1960s. In Washington, DC he was an original member of the "Dunav" Balkan and "Lox and Vodka" Jewish/klezmer bands and has played with the Washington Balalaika Society Orchestra.				Ilhan Izmirli (ALTO BALALAIKA/GUITAR) has been playing folk, jazz, and blues since the early 1980s. He is interested in the relationship between music and mathematics, a subject on which he has presented papers at professional conferences.

			Yelena Rector (PRIMA DOMRA) graduated from the Saratov Music Conservatory in Russia, has played with the Russian Ensemble "Souvenir," and is a soloist in the National Balalaika Orchestra. Yelena is very fond of caviar.				Anya Titova (VOCALIST) has sung and played with the Washington Balalaika Society since 1991. Previously, she performed professionally for many years with her late husband, balalaika virtuoso Grisha Titov. Anya also makes terrific borscht.

			Rick Netherton (CONTRABASS BALALAIKA) is a classically trained bassist and native of Washington, DC. Rick plays in the "American Balalaika Symphony" and a variety of other local musical groups, from jazz to folk to rock to classical. When he's not making music, Rick uses forensic science to solve crimes.				Olga Rines (VOCALIST) has participated in folklore expeditions from St Petersburg University to northern Russia. She teaches Russian culture and language at the World Bank and at George Washington University. Olga also specializes in teaching Russian song and dance to young children.