The Band

BALALAIKA

Balalaika is a five-piece group specialising in both Russian and Jewish music. The group play on traditional acoustic instruments, but amplification, fixed or mobile, is provided where necessary. This is especially recommended for receptions, parties and dinners of more than 60 people, outdoor events, and for dancing. Performances can be entirely Russian, entirely Jewish, or a mixture of the two traditions.
The line-up consists of:

Justin Bateman
Balalaika, Mandolin, Some Vocals

As first Balalaika for the long-running Russian Group of Musicians and Dancers, 'Troika', he subsequently went on to found Balalaika. He plays a number of other stringed instruments, and regularly participates as a musician in theatrical productions. He has appeared in the West End and on Television as a balalaika player.

Nigel Austen
Bayan

An accomplished pianist, Nigel subsequently moved to the Accordion before concentrating on the Russian Bayan, which he studied under the virtuoso recitalist, Nicholai Rischkoff. With a long background of playing in duos, bands and theatrical productions, Nigel is also a highly competent arranger.

Adam Gaiman
Guitar

From a Jewish background, Adam has a growing interest in the music of old Russia and the Jewish music of eastern Europe. Performing earlier in a number of rock bands, he has moved away from the electric scene to focus on the intricacies of acoustic music. Adam has skills in the technologies of amplification and recording.

Lucie Holden
Trumpet, Percussion

The youngest member of the group, Lucie takes a prominent part in the Jewish numbers through her espousal of the Klezmer trumpet. Within the Russian numbers, she contributes rhythmic colour through the use of tambourine, wood block and other hand-held percussion. Lucie works professionally within the music industry.

Michael Prendergast
Bass Balalaika, Double Bass

Michael began playing folk music during the folk revival in the late sixties; he then moved onto jazz and through these two routes came to develop his interest in Eastern European Music and Klezmer. In addition to regular professional work, Michael has a keen interest in teaching and runs a variety of musical workshops.