The Nizhny Novgorod Governorate Orchestra of Folk Instruments celebrated its 25th anniversary on at the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Philharmonic. Founded in February 2001, the orchestra has become a cornerstone of the region’s cultural landscape, evolving through three distinct artistic phases under the leadership of Viktor Babanov, Vitaly Belyaev, and currently, Artem Belov.
The orchestra’s origins lie in a desire to establish a professional ensemble dedicated to folk music within the Nizhny Novgorod Philharmonic. Viktor Grigorievich Babanov, a pedagogue, musician, and conductor deeply committed to preserving and promoting Russian folk traditions, spearheaded the initiative. Many of the orchestra’s initial members were Babanov’s students, forging a strong foundation of shared artistic vision and dedication.
“Viktor Grigorievich laid the academic folk foundation,” explained Yulia Balashov, Artistic Director of the Philharmonic and a member of the orchestra. “Then Vitaly Belyaev, who led the orchestra for 18 years, expanded our repertoire with modern pop arrangements. Now, under the direction of Artem Belov, we are reaching new heights, incorporating elements like beatboxing, anime music, and ethno-folk into our programs.” Balashov highlighted the orchestra’s extensive touring history, having performed across Russia, from the Stavropol Territory and Siberia to the Canary Islands.
The anniversary concert featured the premiere of “Novgorod Overture-Fantasy,” a new composition by Artem Belov specifically created for the occasion. Belov drew inspiration from a vast collection of over 500 traditional Novgorod melodies gathered during Soviet-era expeditions throughout the region. This research, a significant undertaking in itself, served as the core of the new work.
“A folk orchestra can do anything,” Belov stated. “Maintaining the traditional direction and popularizing Russian music – the original purpose of the orchestra – remains our primary focus. Arrangements of classical pieces are also essential for cultivating a new generation of listeners and for the professional growth of the musicians themselves. As a composer, I encourage the orchestra to explore new directions, and ‘Novgorod Overture-Fantasy’ blends traditional motifs with rock and pop elements, featuring a rock setup and bass guitar. I am confident it will make an impression.”
A special tribute was paid to the orchestra’s founder, Viktor Babanov, with a performance of Vera Gorodovskaya’s “Russian Winter” arranged by Babanov himself. During the performance, archival materials – handwritten musical scores by Babanov – were displayed on a multimedia screen, offering a poignant glimpse into the master’s creative process.
Elena Kirillova, Deputy Governor of the Novgorod Region, emphasized the lasting legacy of Viktor Babanov. “The name of the orchestra’s founder, Viktor Grigorievich Babanov, will forever be etched in the history of Russian culture,” she said. “Three generations of musicians have been educated in his traditions, and those who knew him personally continue to attend concerts, demonstrating the profound impact of his music. The ensemble, under the leadership of Artem Belov, continues to thrive, evolve, and uphold the values of our culture, representing the Novgorod Region with distinction throughout Russia and beyond. Thank you for your dedication to music, your talent, and your ambition!”
The anniversary concert also featured performances by invited guests, including Honored Artist of Russia Galina Shabrova, opera soloist Pavel Shnipov from the Mikhailovsky Theatre, the folk ensemble “Soroka,” the string trio “Lege Artis,” and soloists Lyubov Makukha, Daniil Shabrov, and Gleb Avdeev, as well as the “Promenade” dance studio.
The orchestra’s next performance is scheduled for as part of the oldest art festival in Novgorod, “Russian Music,” at the Novgorod Philharmonic Hall named after Arensky.
Further insights into the orchestra and its musicians can be found in interviews published in the newspaper “NV” on and .
