Sirbalalaïka – A Vibrant Journey to the Heart of Eastern Europe

Born from the Sirba Orchestra! project—recorded with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Liège under the direction of Christian Arming for the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label—Sirbalalaïka distills that orchestral adventure into a more intimate format: nine musicians gathered for a joyful concert combining virtuosity and heartfelt feeling.

This journey explores the many faces of Eastern European music: dazzling rhythms, nostalgic melodies, and tempos that range from slow and tender to wild and exhilarating—each piece revealing the passion and richness of this vast and diverse musical landscape.

True musical gems, reimagined with the flair and sensitivity of the Sirba Octet, follow one another: iconic Russian tunes—Otchi Tchornye (Dark Eyes), Ya Vstretil Vas (I Met You), Katioucha—alongside traditional Romanian and Moldavian dances such as Tata Vine Pastele (Father, Easter Is Coming!), the Suite de Moldavie, and medleys of Doinas and Sirbas, pastoral songs that originated among shepherds.

Together with the Sirba Octet, balalaika virtuoso Alexeï Birioukov brings his energy and artistry to a spirited dialogue where Gypsy, Russian, and Balkan music intertwine. Together, they revive these popular tunes once carried from fêtes to cabarets, offering a concert brimming with vitality, emotion… and freedom.

“Music is pure energy. In this program, it feeds on itself.”Richard Schmoucler, Artistic Director

A few highlights from our musical journey:
*La Folle Journée de Nantes
*La Folle Journée de Tokyo
*Le Grand Théâtre de Provence
*Scène Nationale La Coursive
*Scène Nationale L’Archipel
*Théâtre de la Ville, Paris
*La Scala, Paris
*Festival de Musique de Toulon
*Les Flâneries Musicales de Reims
*Festival International de Piano de La Roque d’Anthéron
*Abbaye de Sylvanès
*Festival Classique au Vert…