Story and Photos by Ricky Talbot
Silence and applause filled Maier Performance Hall as the Russian quartet shared cultual songs and stories.
Kirill Sokolov, leader of the Ensemble, began each song with an explanation. He would also pull a tuning fork from his pocket and hold it to his ear to make sure the group sang in the right pitch
They included a fun song called “The Tula Harmonica,” with a story about two men who bought boats with holes in them.
Kirill said they come to America not only for the Music, but also for the “possibility to be in contact with American folk.”
He and the rest of the group see building relationships and cultural exchanges the most important part of their visits.
In previous years, the ensemble met at Holy Lutheran Church in Port Angeles. This year on their return to the Peninsula, they performed on the Peninsula College Campus.
The group invited Joel Yelland, from Bremerton to sing with them as they wrapped up the concert.
