Ensemble Barynya at the University of Texas-Pan American

Photos from ensemble "Barynya" concert at The University of Texas-Pan American on November 13, 2006.
Valentina Kvasova is performing "Valenki" (Felt Boots)

The University of Texas-Pan American kicked off International Week 2006 Monday, November 13 with a performance by the Barynya: Russian Folk Dance and Music Ensemble in the Student Union Theater.
As always, ensemble Barynya opened its concert with traditional Russian folk song and dance "Barynya"

UTPA celebrates its sixth annual International Week, Nov. 13-17, with speakers, workshops and discussion sessions that highlight a week of education and culture from all continents.
Ensemble Barynya is performing Russian Cossack song and dance "Varen'ka"

International Week, a designated week each year in November, was created by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education for universities to promote international education and awareness of cultural issues.
Barynya dancers are performing Russian Gypsy songs and dances "Two Guitars" and "Dark Eyes".

Hosted by the Office of International Programs, International Week at UTPA offers not only the University community but also the public a series of free academic and cultural activities.
Ensemble Barynya dancers are performing traditional Ukrainian dance "Hopak"

The events continue Thursday, November 16, 2006 with a visit from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cameroon Dion Ngute at noon in the University Library Auditorium.
Russian folk dance and song "Kalinka" is one of the most requested numbers of the program

For a complete list of the week's events, visit www.utpa.edu/dept/internationalprograms
Valentina Kvasova and Natalia Ejova are dancing "Metelitsa" (The Snowstorm)

Ethnic Russian songs and tongue twisters from different regions of Russia performed by Mikhail Smirnov, artistic director and founder of the ensemble

Ensemble "Barynya" musicians and singers: Mikhail Smirnov (guitar, garmoshka, vocal), Alexander Menshikov (Russian Gypsy singer), Alex Siniavski (Gypsy guitar, balalaika, musical director), Leonid Bruk (balalaika-contrabass)

Folk dancers and singer Valentina Kvasova, singer and garmoshka (Russian folk diatonic accordion) player Mikhail Smirnov, Ukrainian folk dancer Andrij Cybyk, singer Alexander Menshikov and balalaika player Alex Siniavski are performing Ukrainian folk songs and dances "Maty" and "Pidmanula"

Dance of Russian Sailors performed by the full company: Alex Siniavski (balalaika), Mikhail Smirnov (garmoshka), singer Alexander Menshikov, Leonid Bruk (contrabass balalaika) and dancers Valentina Kvasova, Olga Chpitalnaia, Natalia Ejova, Vitaly Verterich, Mikhail Nesterenko, and Andrij Cybyk

Courtesy of The University of Texas-Pan American
Photo courtesy of The University of Texas-Pan American
Photo credit: The University of Texas-Pan American
1201 W. University Drive, Edinburg, Texas 78541

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