Today, on May 19, the assembly hall of the educational building No. 11a of the Belarusian National Technical University turned into a concert platform for classical and modern music – the folk ensemble of violinists of the Department of Culture of the BNTU celebrated its 50th anniversary with a festive program.
The founder of the team – a musician, teacher, artistic director and conductor for 30 years – Grigory Glaykhenauz, in 1976, created the only amateur violin ensemble in the republic on the basis of a technical university. The ensemble quickly gained popularity. In 1981, the ensemble successfully performed at the All-Union Student Festival of Classical and Folk Music in Yerevan, and became a laureate and diplomat of the 1st and 2nd degrees of the All-Union Review of Amateur Artistic Creativity. In 1985, the ensemble was awarded the title of "People's Ensemble," and received a Diploma from the Bolshoi Theater of the USSR. The ensemble embarked on numerous tours, performing in various cities across the country and beyond.
Today, the folk violin ensemble successfully continues the work started by Grigory Borisovich Gleichengauz. Olga Krivokhizha, the leading master of the stage of the State Academic Symphony Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus, a talented teacher, continues this high standard.
She not only does a lot of work on carefully practicing her violin playing skills, but also puts a piece of her soul into the team. Most of the ensemble's works are performed in her own, original arrangements, which give the music a unique author's sound.
Under the leadership of Olga Krivokhizh, the collective proudly bears the honorary title of "People's", successfully confirming it at the city festival of folk art "Suzor'e", is a multiple winner of many republican and international competitions and festivals.
The program of the Jubilee concert was a real musical journey through the eras and genres. The evening opened with the piece "Storm" by Antonio Vivaldi, setting the solemn mood for the whole action.
The audience also heard the overture by Isaac Dunaevsky from the movie "Captain Grant's Children" — a fast-paced, adventurous spirit that seemed to take them on a sea voyage. This was followed by the famous "Moon Waltz", which was accompanied by a video sequence of the moments of the ensemble's creative journey.
The mood change was set by the works of Evgeny Glebov: a soulful adagio from the ballet The Little Prince and a fervent, rhythmic dance from the Polesskaya Suite. Joachim Jochow's "Lazy Cats" sounded like a contrasting chord. The audience was then immersed in the elegant waltz by Franz Lehár from the operetta "Count Luxembourg," where the violins sounded sweet and solemn in a Viennese style.
The audience was particularly interested in the performances that showcased the versatility of violin sound. The Chinese song "The Moon Speaks for Me" enveloped the audience with a melancholic atmosphere that was as transparent as silk. This was followed by the cheerful "Syncopated Clock" by Leroy Anderson.
Elvis Presley’s soulful ballad “Can’t Help Falling in Love” performed by BNTU student Alina Pechnikova was breathtaking. And Vladimir Kosma’s suite from the film “Boom” added a touch of French charm to the evening.
The highlight of the evening was the works of Astor Piazzolla – “Oblivion” and “Libertango” performed by the ensemble and student of the Minsk State Energy College Yuri Belozyorov.
Next, the famous Hans Zimmer soundtrack for the movie "Gladiator" and the song "Luna tu" from the repertoire of Alessandro Safina were performed. The final piece of the concert program was the composition "Palladio" by Carl Jenkins. The ensemble's director, Olga Krivokhizh, and the ensemble's teacher, Yulia Romanyuk, performed solo.
At the end of the concert, an award ceremony was held. Natalia Penyaz, the head of the Department of Culture at BNTU, was invited to the stage to congratulate the ensemble members. Natalia Andreevna presented the musicians with certificates of appreciation, noting the invaluable contribution of the collective to the cultural life of the university and the country.
Half a century is a serious date, but looking at the burning eyes of the participants and their inspired leader, we can confidently say that the history of the ensemble is just getting started. Ahead are new projects, programs, and many more years on the main stage of their alma mater.
