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Do you want to present your TV & Radio programs, films, artistic presentations, theatrical and other performances in Canada?

Do you want to present your TV & Radio programs, films, artistic presentations, theatrical and other performances in Russia and former Soviet Republics?

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Our goal is "to bring a vision of diversity, respect, and inclusiveness to our global world community by celebrating our differences".

We are glad to present:

``Bayan-Mix " is a unique duo of,world leaders of innovative bayan (a type of accordion) music. Their music makes the audience want to dance; its energizing, cheerful and jolly. The duo is well-known in Europe for their breathtaking live performance style. Videos are up & below.

Trio ``Badabum`` an extraordinary show that includes ingenious play of musical instruments and a scintillating presentation. People do not believe that this could be done using what looks like two basic sticks! Even musical aficionados say: Nobody has seen anything like that! Video is below.

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The Russian House Sochi 2014 was the first place in Canada the “Bayan MIX” project performed at. Russian Sochi 2014, located in Science World, was very successful with Vancouverites and the guests of the Olympics. “Bayan MIX” participated in the Cultural Olympics, and the musicians presented a unique and energetic style of Bayan play. The duet made the guests get up and dance; the pure fun atmosphere refreshed the show with lively energy.
This is an interview with the world champion of Bayan, a member of “Bayan MIX”, the producer, the president of the international festival “Vivat, Bayan!” Sergey Voytenko.

- Is the bayan a national Russian instrument?
Bayan is a Russian instrument entirely. Maybe many people heard good Bayan before we ever came around, but it was dreary. We decided to play in a way completely different from what is traditional. And our concerts prove every time that bayan is a very energetic instrument.

- How old is the bayan?
Bayan is a very young instrument; we celebrated its 100th birthday not too long ago. In 1907, master Sterligov copyrighted the make of this musical instrument. Right now, Bayan is popular in Europe, China and even Africa. In France, every second person plays it.

- You mentioned that Bayan was invented in Russia. Then why is it called a ‘bayan’?
It is named after a traditional folklore singer Bayan (Boyan).

- How do you select a program and what to you base your program on?
We created our own virtuosi style of playing the bayan. We use classics and popular techno and pop remixes. We also play our own compositions. We want to show that bayan can do just about anything: classical, jazz, rock, pop, ethno, and techno. Bayan can and should be popular again!

- How many of your own compositions and remixes do you have in your program?
The ratio is about fifty-fifty. Among the remixes, we have popular classical melodies that we perform in our own remake and modern interpretation. For example, Vivaldi that we play is two parts from the same concert on two pianos. That’s why we are called “Bayan MIX”: a MIX is a mix, like a cocktail.

- One of your numerous titles and rankings that you have, you are called World Champions in Bayan. Where are these championships?
World Cup is the name of the bayan championships, they are held in Europe for over fifty years now. They happen every year in different countries; it’s a sort of a relay – a right to hold it in your country is a very high honour.

- Who was the creator organize this festival in Russia?
I had the idea to organize and host this festival in Russia for a long time.

- How would a country get the hosting rights?
That is not easy at all; the right needs to be earned. Russia, especially Samara, is famous for its bayan musicians, and their victories are known way outside of Russia. And so, in 2007 the organizational committee sent us a 57th world championship invitation to host this festival in Russian in Samara.

- How are these championships organized?
The organization is a little bit like the Olympics – it is planned five years ahead and the strongest bayan and accordion players come to the host country from Europe, Asia and Australia. This is the only contest where the president of the International Bayan and Accordion Association is present. He personally gives the title and ranking of a champion to the winner. This title is given to the musician permanently, and he/she is not allowed to participate in the World Cup of bayan again. And so both of us received this honorary title in different years.

- Where did the idea to host the world championships first came about?
Actually, the world championships of bayan are also called “World Trophy.” The idea was born in France 60 years ago. Since then, it evolved from the back-door contest into an international championship.

- What do Olympics and World Championships have in common?
The common parts of it are the international competition and the international fans! It is a competition for the title of the best of the best!

- How are these championships judged?
The judging system for the bayan is almost identical to figure skating one. There is a mandatory and free program. All international music competitions are like the sports competitions.

- It is hard not to notice that the events related to the culture as a whole are not broadcasted as widely as the sport events. Do you agree with this?
Yes, I agree, and when it comes to the bayan, it was this way for a while. I’m a little bit sad for my own instrument. This is why Dmintri Khramkov and I tried to do draw enormous attention to bayan in Russia and the world! This is why we created our playful, dance-like style – and we received amazing results! In Russia, our solo concerts are composed of 60% of young people. Isn’t that great?!

- That sounds very encouraging! I came to your concert on the main stage or Russia in Kremlin Palace where you held ‘Vivat, Bayan!’ Who initiated that project?
The sole inspiration of that event was Bayan MIX: Sergey Voytenko and Dmitri Khramkov. We made it our goal to prove to everyone that a person who plays the bayan stands proud and sounds proud as he plays his instrument. And performing to 6000 people in the Kremlin Palace was a big achievement.

- What was the main idea behind ‘Vivat, Bayan!’?
The concert in the Kremlin Palace was dedicated to the 100th birthday of the bayan, and we went for a bright modern show. The goal of it was to show the capabilities of bayan in all musical genres, and we succeeded in the full.

- What world competitions and countries to you visit in your tours?
It’s easier to say where were didn’t visit. We came to almost every European country, and now even in Vancouver. It is a big honour to participate in two programs at the same time: in Cultural Olympics 2010 and Sochi 2014, because Sochi 2014 is the next in the Winter Olympics rally.

- You performed at five (five!) summits of former President Putin; this includes the Summit of the Big Eight in St. Petersburg (the J8 Summit). How did it go? Tell us secrets – did anything unusual happen?
You know, it’s always hard to answer a question like this, because any summit for any artist comes with a very large responsibility. You represent the honour of your country!

- You were awarded an Ordain of Arts Service. What did you feel when you received this medal?
I felt proud for our instrument and myself!! It’s a very good feeling to know that artistic projects are valued by the society!

- Sergey, what sport did your group cheer for?
I loved hockey since childhood. Here in Canada, people still remember the names of the hockey players the whole world sighs at: Makarov, Kasatonov, Krutov, Lerionov, Fetisov, and of course Tretyak – the goalie of the team for many years! So yes, we cheer for hockey…

- Did you like Vancouver?
Vancouver is a wonderful city; it’s very beautiful and comfortable. We’d love to stay here for another two months or so, but the concert schedule won’t allow for it.

- Hey Sergey, why not organize a World Bayan Championship on Vancouver? Do you like this idea?
You know, there is nothing impossible. All you need is people in Canada who would be truly interested in this kind of event – you need the enthusiasts and fans. And then, you can move any mountains!

- Thank you very much, Sergey! Thank you for finding time to do this interview in your very busy schedule! I, and the whole Vancouver, too – we wish you great artistic success!
Thank you for the good wishes, Tatiana. Let me wish you luck and success in presenting interesting artistic projects from Russia.
-Thank you, Sergey.

With this, our meeting (that went as lively and fun as the Bayan MIX& Friends concert) came on end.