Barynya presents Russian, Cossack, Siberian, Nanai, Ukrainian, Roma Gypsy Tsyganskiy, music, songs, and virtuoso performances on instruments including the balalaika, balalaika-contrabass, garmoshka (Russian folk button accordion).

Barynya has been invited to perform at some of the most prestigious cultural venues in the United States, including Carnegie Hall in New York City, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the Smithsonian Institute of America in Washington D.C., the United Nations in New York, and the Russian Embassy in Washington D.C.

Members of the ensemble have performed for private events hosted by Barbara Walters, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Most recently, Mikhail Smirnov, the founder and Artistic Director of Barynya, was invited as one of the eight judges on NBC’s hit dance show, "Superstars of Dance".

Here is a video of the ensemble performing a Kalinka dance on The Today Show in New York City!!

Solomia Gorokhivska

Dr. Solomia G o rokhivska has established her musical career as both a successful performer and an experienced instructor in violin, viola and piano. She is an International Laureate Award recipient in classical and folk music performance. Dr. Gorokhivska toured internationally, including Ukraine,

lGermany, Russia, Poland, Serbia, China, and the USA. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree from Ternopil State College of Music and her Master Degree at Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine. She holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. In addition, Dr. Solomia Gorokhivska received her Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees in Cultural Studies from the National University of ”Kyiv-Mohyla Academy”, Ukraine.

Alex Lagoda & Michael Feifer

Alex Lagoda has been a popular performer at the Slavic Heritage Festival for the last few years. He plays the bandura, a Ukrainian instrument that combines the musical characteristics of the lute and the harp. He will be joined by Michael Feifer is a percussionist and drummer of Ukrainian heritage from Kent Island, Maryland. Michael is a guitar craftsman making both acoustic and electronic instruments, and is a scholar of ancient Ukrainian culture and folklore.

TKO Band

Established since 1994, TKO Band is based out of Baltimore, Maryland and has performed songs from a variety of artists. TKO performs songs from different genres, including Big Band, Country, Classic Rock, Jazz, Latin or Ballroom Tunes, and more.

Körgyűrű Banditák

Körgyűrű Banditák is a Washington DC based acoustic band bringing Hungarian folk dance music to the Nation’s Capital. Members of the band are all current or former employees of firms providing services to the government, known colloquially in the DC area as “Beltway Bandits.”

The Bulgarian Cultural Center

Bulgarian Cultural Center aims to unite Bulgarian communities in the tri-state region and all those who have special interests in Bulgarian culture. Our vision is rooted in a broad understanding of the Bulgarian cultural heritage that includes both traditional and contemporary art forms, customs and traditions, language, history, social and ceremonial practices.