Artistic On-Site Review of
MOSCOW NIGHTS
For Ohio Arts Presenters Network and Ohio Arts Council

(in Adobe Acrobat )

Description of activity attended:

I attended a performance presented by the 3-member folk group Moscow Nights on Wednesday, July 19, 8 PM, at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering. The performance was part of the Fraze summer series.

Evaluation, (Music) Instrumentation/Singing - Moscow Nights consists of three traditional folk instrumentalist-singers who play the bass and treble balalaika and the Russian folk accordion. They are natives of St. Petersburg, Russia, now residing in US since 1994. All three of the performers are highly skilled musicians, each a virtuoso on his chosen instrument. Each is featured in a solo during the performance that serves to display both the quality and the versatility of the instrument and the performer. They quality of their singing is in keeping-with a traditional folk music sound that is strong and produced in such a manner that it can be projected, if need by, without amplification.

Program Selection -The program that I heard included two 45-minute sets separated by an intermission. Vitaliy Bezrodnov, who serves as spokesman and leader of the group, has chosen a program that is weJI balanced with ballads as well as up-tempo dance tunes. He takes time to give a bit of historical perspective for each selection, and he interjects humor throughout the program. It is very well paced and extremely entertaining and educational.

Costumes -The group has new costuming that is bright and colorful, well-constructed, and is in keeping with the various Russia cultures they share through their vocal and Instrumental musical selections.

Venue size - The Fraze Pavilion is a very large venue that seats approximately 4000.

Audience Response -Audience was response to the Moscow Nights performance was overwhelmingly positive. The group seeks audience participation throughout their performance, and Vitaliy has a charming way of getting people involved in his show, even speaking to those in attendance who are Russian in their native tongue. During one segment, audience several audience members are invited to the stage to accompany the group on original folk instruments. At other times, couples are invited to dance to their music. And in their second act they take requests from the audience. Throughout the program, the audience is very engaged in the performance.

Strengths/Weaknesses of Performance-This group has many strengths, including a program that is lively, informative, well balanced, colorful, and intriguing to listen to.

J. Chris Moore Executive Director
Executive Director
Springfield Arts Council
Springfield, OH 45501
Phone: 937-324-2712
Fax: 937-324-3170
director@springfieldartscouncil.org
www. springfieldartscouncil. org