Event

Music from Belarus: Centuries of Belarusian Singing Tradition

Saturday, September 30, 2017
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Petty Auditorium

Visiting from the Republic of Belarus, Siarhei Douhushau and Aliaxsandr Yasinski will immerse you in the centuries-old music traditions of the Belarusian people.

The songs, collected in the countryside of the Palessie region, touch all aspects of life. The duo will also play authentic Belarusian instruments: kolavaia lira (hurdy-gurdy), parnaia dudka (double bagpipe), Belarusian dudka (fife), akaryna (okarina), zhaleika, and sapilka. 

Siarhei Douhushau is a singer, musician, ethnographer, and a manager of cultural projects. He was born in Novaye Tarchylava village, Vorsha district, Belarus. In 2010 Siarhei graduated from Belarusian State Academy of Music majoring in singing. Currently he is a soloist with Belarusian State Philarmony. He actively and relentlessly promotes Belarusian ethnic songs, organizes ethnographic expeditions, and collects Belarusian folklore. Siarhei plays guitar, Belarusian woodwind instruments, and kolavaya lira (hurdy-gurdy).

Aliaksandr Yasinski is an accordionist, composer, and music teacher born in Baranavichy, Belarus. He graduated with distinction from the Belarusian State Academy of Music in Minsk majoring in accordion and conducting. Since 2011, he has been living, studying, and working in Prague. In 2013 he graduated with distinction from Prague Conservatory as an accordion player. Aliaksandr performs in various music styles, from classical to experimental rock music.