Balalaika Experience
Balalaika Experience is a musical project that merges the sound of traditional Eastern European folk instruments with modern audio technology.
Hailed by the press as “virtuosic, stunning musicians”, Denis Zhukov (balalaika) and Guzel Safiullina (domra/keyboards) perform classical and folk repertoire, as well as original interpretations. Preserving the acoustic authenticity of the instruments, the duo also pushes the sonic boundaries, crafting an atmosphere deeply rooted in indigenous traditions. The duo experiments with genres such as Fusion, World, and Eastern European, blending the traditional sounds with contemporary audio processing. The result is a distinctive style where heritage and innovation come together, creating new musical landscapes and capturing the spirit of time through the timeless voice of traditional instruments.
Denis Zhukov is a balalaika performer, teacher, laureate of prestigious international competitions, founder of the children’s orchestra of Russian folk instruments, as well as several musical projects, including Bryatz Guys– The new age of balalaika. He is originally from the Ukrainian city of Yevpatoria and was educated at the Gnesin’s Russian Academy of Music. Denis participated in many recording sessions, live broadcasts and concert performances as a soloist and artist of various orchestras and ensembles. He is active in touring and educational activities, and he came to the USA to participate in the educational program “Sight and Sound of Traditional Russian Music”. In 2022, his EB1A (extraordinary ability) petition was approved by the US Immigration Service, and he moved to California, where he continues his career as a musician.
Guzel Safiullina, domra, is a virtuoso musician, performer, and dedicated teacher with over 19 years of experience. She graduated from the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow, where she studied domra. A laureate of all-Russian and international competitions, she is also the Grand Prix winner of the international festival “Mediterranean Legend” in Spain. Currently Guzel is a guest artist of the BDAA (Balalaika and Domra Association of America) festival, where she shares her expertise and passion for music. Her performances captivate audiences with virtuosity, emotional depth, and refined interpretation. Now based in Los Angeles, she continues to perform and teach piano and domra, inspiring students and listeners while promoting classical and folk music on stage.