Zolotoj Plyos Present Russian Music Concert at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater, 8/3

They met twenty years ago in music school in the Russian town of Saratov. In the years since, they've toured the globe, sharing the excitement and passion of Russian folk music. Zolotoj Plyos takes the stage at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Friday, August 3.

"This group gave the most exciting concert I've ever seen at Town Hall Theater, playing dozens of instruments, singing amazing harmonies and even dancing," says executive director Douglas Anderson. "The trouble is only students in the Russian School were able to see it." THT hosts a number of concerts and events each summer for the Middlebury College Language Schools. "It drove me crazy that this amazing trio was in town and nobody could hear them, so we worked out a special agreement to present a performance for the entire community."

Alexander Solovov, Elena Sadina, and Sergeui Gratchev make up the talented trio. They perform authentic Russian folk music from the villages in costume, both a cappella and with instrumental accompaniment on over 20 authentic folk instruments (dutki, treshchetki, lozhki, balalaiki, and garmoshki, to name just a few.)

"There is so much energy here, and the musicianship is jaw-dropping," says Anderson.

The name of the group refers to a stretch on the Volga River. Happily, the group speaks English very well, and will introduce the songs and instruments in a way the local audience will understand and enjoy.

Zolotoj Plyos will perform at Middlebury's Town Hall Theater on Friday, August 3, at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.townhalltheater.org, 802 382-9222, at the THT Box Office (Mon-Sat, Noon – 5 pm) and at the door.