Chicago Cossacks

About

Chicago Cossacks Russian folk music group was established in 1993 in Chicago IL and since then successfully performed in Chicagoland area and since then has been entertaining people of the Greater Chicago area and beyond.

Historically Cossacks were members of multinational communities living in Ukraine and southern Russia. Often these communities were named after a river they lived near by (such as Dnieper, Kuban, Don etc). We chose the name "Chicago Cossacks" because we live along Chicago river and play multinational music.

Current members of the group:

Natasha Bodansky - vocals.
Is a native of Kharkov, Ukraine. Singing has been her passion since early years. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from Kharkov State Institute of Arts (1995). She received her Master of Music in Vocal Performance Degree form University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where she studied voice with Frances Crawford. While in Urbana-Champaign, Natasha performed with the UIUC Russian Folk Orchestra. Natasha currently teaches voice and piano at Elkin School of Music in Highland Park, and performing extensively in Chicago area. Her repertory includes a variety of music form opera and operetta to international music. Natasha is a member of Music Academy International Community Chorus of Northwestern University. She has also been a Cantorial Soloist with UIC Hillel Foundation for five years.

Alexander Kaminsky - double bass.
Graduated from Kharkov (Ukraine) Institute of Arts in 1979 with major in double-bass. Played in different music assembles and orchestras including Kiev Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. Playing in different styles: classical, jazz and folk music.

Arkady Pevchin - bayan (Russian button accordion).
BA in Music at Kiev (Ukraine) Music College . Worked in Kiev Concert Association as an accompanist/ Russian accordion player. Performed solo and also in many different orchestras and bands in the Ukraine and Chicago area, including Kiev Military Ensemble. The winner of the USSR Competition of accompanists.

Gennady Sergienko - domra, balalaika, mandolin (band leader).
BA in Music at Kiev (Ukraine) Institute of Performing Arts, member of Balalaika & Domra Association of America. Performed in the following orchestras and bands: Russian Folk Orchestra at October Palace of Culture in Kiev, Souvenir, Tum-balalaika, The Internationals, The Russian Folk Orchestra of University of Illinois etc.

Galina Shogan - dancer.
Has danced in Modern Dance Ensemble "Festival'ny" at Sumy State University in Sumy, Ukraine for 5 years. In 2005-2009 at Ballroom and Folk Dance School at Mazurdance. In 2007-2008 - ballroom dances at Masterica School, choreographer Gintaras Grinkevichus. Since 2008 she is a member of dance group at Atrium Theater. Currently takes lessons at McNulty Irish Dance School.

Natalya Vernovsky - dancer.
Has danced in Children Folk Dance Ensemble "Rovesnik" in Minsk, Belorus for 6 years. In 2006-2009 - at Mazurdance Folk Dance School. Since 2007 takes ballroom dance lessons at Masterica School, choreographer Gintaras Grinkevichus.

Personnel

Gennady Sergienko: The group leader

Influences

Russian and Ukrainian Folk orchestras and bands, Russian and Ukrainian dance ensembles.

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 15 - 180 minutes

We present 2 types of a program:
1. Russian, Ukrainian and Gypsy songs, dances and tunes.
The English translation of the lyrics is included.

2. Music from around the World (same as 1 plus songs in English, French, Spanish, Italian etc).

Stage/Setup Requirements:
2 armless chairs
one vocal microphone
two-three instrumental microphones

Additional Notes:
If dancers are invited, the minimum required performing space is 9'x 12'

Set/Song/Sequence List:
Russian and Gypsy songs and tunes:
1.Korobushka(Peddlers)
2.Kazatchok
3.Moscow Nights
4.Danube Waves
5.Those Were the Days (By the Long Road)
6.Two Guitars
7.Dark Eyes

Ukrainian songs:
1.Rozpryahajte, hloptsi, koni (Unsaddle your horses, young lads)
2.Hutsulka Ksenya
3.Ty zh mene pidmanula (You tricked me)
4.Oj, na hori (Oh, on the mountain)
5.Kolomyjka
6.Karapet (Two-step)

Performance Schedule

Past Booked Dates:

04-28-2013 — Westmont Public Library, Westmont IL
04-20-2013 — Art Gallery Kafe, 127 Front St Wood Dale, IL 60191 (630) 766-7425

Available for Your

Birthday Party, Corporate Event, Ethnic Celebration, Festival, Holiday Party, Private Party, Restaurant, Wedding Reception

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