| About Sierra Balalaika Orchestra | Music profoundly affects the life of everyone, and the presence of fine live musical performances can be one of a city's treasures. Since its founding by Dr. Zeny Ocean in 1992, the Sierra Nevada Balalaika Society (SNBS) has provided quality music to the Reno area, and thus has become one of the region's richest cultural resources. The SNBS features an orchestra with vocalists and occasional dancers. The balalaika, domra and guzli are featured stringed folk instruments of Russian origin, and are popular throughout Eastern Europe. The orchestra has performed at numerous civic events, schools, public concerts, and private occasions. In 1994, the SNBS organized and hosted the first annual International Music Festival held in Reno, as a part of that year's annual convention of the Balalaika and Domra Association of America. Over 100 musicians from the United States, Russia, the Ukraine, and other parts of the globe attended. A number of internationally renowned guest artists also participated in the week-long celebration. The festival was one of Reno's most supported special events, and was a great addition to Northern Nevada. In July 2008, the Sierra Nevada Balalaika again hosted the BDAA convention to great acclaim. The SNBS is an affiliate of the Balalaika and Domra Association of America. It is a multi-ethnic, non-political organization and is a 501(c)3 non-profit, tax-exempt corporation in Nevada. |
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