Group to stage Russian festival

The Houston Hall auditorium will be the site of song, dance and delicacies Saturday night when the Penn Balalaika Orchestra stages a Russian folk festival called a verchinka, which roughly translates to "winter party." The orchestra performs traditional Russian and Eastern European folk music on string instruments, including the balalaikas from which the group takes it name. The instruments originated in sixteenth century Russia, according to Andrew Kaslow, a College senior and president of the orchestra. The festivities will begin with a concert of music from Russia, Serbia and the Ukraine. It will consist primarily of folk songs but include some modern Russian tunes such as "Midnight in Moscow." Vocalist Judy Sherman will perform a gypsy-style vocal accompaniment to three songs throughout the performance. According to Kaslow, listeners who are unfamiliar with this type of music may recognize many of the tunes from the video game Tetris, in which the songs are often used for background music. Also during the event, the Israeli folk dance troupe Ayalah will perform, and a selection of traditional Russian and Ukrainian food will be served. Featured food will include pirozhki, a type of Russian pastry filled with meat. After the meal a dance instructor will then teach the musicians and audience Eastern European dance. The Penn Balalaika Orchestra was begun in 1966 and consists of about 20 students and alumni. Some of them joined to nurture an interest in Russian and Eastern European culture, but others first got involved after seeing the group perform and deciding that Balalaika-playing looked like fun, according to Kaslow. The vecherinka and concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for non-students and can be purchased on Locust Walk today or at the door Saturday night.