Arizona Balalaika Orchestra

The Arizona Balalaika Orchestra is a community orchestra that performs traditional folk music and songs from Ukraine, Poland, Russia, and other Slavic countries. The orchestra plays on classic folk instruments including the balalaika, domra, accordion, woodwinds and the gusli. Prior to covid, it gave annual concerts and performances, often joining with Tucson choral and folkdance groups. It has been a part of the Tucson’s diverse cultural scene for 43 years. The orchestra was founded by Estonian-born Mia Bulgarin Gay. The orchestra members are from diverse ethnic backgrounds who enjoy sharing this folk music.