RENSSELAER — “The mission of the Center is to celebrate, share, and promote Russian culture to the general public through educational and cultural activities,” said Tanya Deptola, president of the New Russia Cultural Center, located at 1550 Broadway in Rensselaer.
Since it was established as a nonprofit in 2005, the center has provided hundreds of educational and cultural programs, such as art exhibits, film screenings, music competitions, theatrical shows, fundraisers, Russian language classes and festivals.
Just a year ago, the center acquired its own facility in Rensselaer, which has allowed it to provide year-round educational and cultural programs on site. The facility includes a concert hall, exhibition/banquet hall/ballroom, meeting room, kitchen, and three classrooms. The facility is available for rent for weddings, business gatherings and private parties. (More information on rentals is available at www.newrussiacenter.org/rentals.)
One of the center’s signature events is the month-long annual Russian Winter Festival. Thousands of people have attended the festivals for the last nine years, enjoying traditional Russian art and culture. The 10th Annual Festival in 2018 features a series of Russian-themed events: the Tchaikovsky Music Competition, a Russian Poetry Recital Contest, a Russian arias and songs concert, all culminating with the Grand Finale — two days of music, dance, costumes, food, crafts, contests and performances.
Russian Folk Trio, Moscow Nights, will headline the festival, performing on both Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 24 and Feb. 25.
“Their repertoire is centered on masterpieces of Russian folklore,” said Deptola. “Lilting Balalaikas, dynamic Bayan (Russian Bottom Accordion), unique Trashotky & Loshky combine for an exhilarating and educational performance for audiences of all ages!”