The State Vocal-Choreographic Ensemble Rus was founded in 1974 in Vladimir. The city is located 118 miles northeast of Moscow and is part of the Golden Ring of old Russian cities. For the better part of two centuries Vladimir, which is celebrating its millennium this year, was the capital of ancient Rus’.

Ensemble Rus was created to promote folk music and dance. Rus is in fact the only group in Russia whose members do it all. They each dance, sing, and play instruments. They also are especially noted for reviving the tradition of the Vladimir Pipers. Their performances are colorful, fast-paced and enjoyable.

In 1986 Michael Firsov was appointed the group's new Artistic Director. He expanded the group's repertoire and in 1990 was awarded the State Prize of Russia for his program, Fragments of the Russian Calendar. This program depicts through song, dance, and instrumental music traditional Russian folk rites such as those taking place at Shrovetide and Christmas.

In addition to the main group of performers who combine dance, song, and instruments eight professional musicians play a variety of instruments, including a Russian version of the accordion, balalaika, zaleika (a small wind instrument), ocarina (a bird-shaped flute), the wheel lyre, reed instruments, horns, and the special Vladimir pipes.

The complete group numbers 40 artists, but because almost everyone can perform multiple roles, Rus can tour with as few as 28 people. They have performed throughout Russia, the Baltic states, Cyprus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Switz erland, Holland and Libya. They have made a number of trips to Germany and will be returning there in October 1995.

Videos, photos, and reviews of Ensemble Rus performances are available from Dr. Ronald Pope of Serendipity: Russian Consulting and Development, Ltd.

Contact information:

Dr. Ronald Pope, President
Serendipity: Russian Consulting and Development
1403 Kingsridge Dr.
Normal, IL 61761
Tel.: (309) 454-2364
Fax: (309) 452-6332
E-mail: 73123,[email protected]

For more information or to order a subscription, see our publications page.

The URL for this page is: http://solar.rtd.utk.edu/~ccsi/csew/95-02/rus.htm
Last updated: March 28 1996

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