Tamara Volskaya is considered to be one of the leading contemporary performers on the domra. She is a Merited Artist of Russia, a Laureate of the USSR competition, and a Professor at the Mussorgsky Ural State Conservatory of Yekaterinburg, Russia.
Anatoly Trofimov is a bayan (button accordion) virtuoso, music teacher, and prolific composer. He has composed and arranged many works for domra and bayan, folk ensembles, and orchestras. His compositions were published and performed throughout Russia. Anatoly Trofimov has won major international competition in Vienna, and has appeared as guest artist in France, Germany, Hungary, and Finland. He taught bayan and accordion master classes at folk music conventions throughout USA and Canada. One of the greatest bayan accompanists in the world, Anatoly creates a serene yet powerful musical atmosphere in each of his performances.
Together, Tamara Volskaya and Anatoliy Trofimov comprise one of the most remarkable and inspiring musical duos to be found anywhere in the world. Winners of international and national competitions they have toured throughout Russia, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, and have recorded several CDs.
The family ties of these musicians have a direct influence on the duo’s performances. Their collaboration is that of the soul. The harmony of the duo’s sound mesmerizes audiences by the total musical understanding of the two. Emotion and professionalism are the building blocks of “The Russian Duo’s” success.
The Duo is a subject of a popular book, Tamara Volskaya and Anatoliy Trofimov Perform. Anatoily Trofimov is also a talented arranger of a great number of the duo’s pieces. The wonderful compilation “Reminiscence”, dedicated to Tamara and Anatoliy’s parents, is a great example of the duo’s spiritual collaboration, and of Anatoliy’s thoughtful arrangements.
“The Russian Duo” has gained a prominent place in American musical scene. In 1999 and 2005 the duo was featured on NPR's nationally syndicated program "All Things Considered" and “Performance Today”, and on WMAR-ABC TV. The most recent of “Russian Duo’s” achievements was a performance at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in February 2005.
While in America, Tamara and Anatoliy established the “Russian Carnival” ensemble in New York, which has gained great popularity, not only in the Russian community, but among music lovers of all genres. The ensemble performs regularly in New York area and has released two outstanding recordings. In October 2004 “The Russian Carnival” Ensemble performed at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center as a part of “Russian Splendor” concert.
The 2005-2006 season was marked by the “Russian Duo’s” performances as guest-soloists with Charlotte Symphony Orchestra under Janite Hauk, as well as the “Russian Carnival’s” performance at a prestigious Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall in February. In 2007 - 2008 the "Russian Duo" extensively toured in Spain, Israel, twice in Russia, and twice in Japan. Recently, they performed at the Russian Mission of United Nations in New York City, and Kostyushko Foundation Hall as part of Lyric Society concert.
