© Stas Venglevski 2021
Web Design by Brian Leahy
About
The Artist
His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have
brought Stanislav, "Stas," Venglevski, a native of the Republic of
Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a
virtuoso of the Bayan. A two-time first prize winner of Bayan
competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the
Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his
Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian
Bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United
States.
Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer
and a Teacher. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions,
a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He has
toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet
Union, Canada, Europe, and the United States, including numerous
performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen and with Garrison
Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion Show. Additionally, he has
performed with symphony orchestras throughout the United
States. He performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by
Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and
Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitts.
He is a regular participant the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's
Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with
the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony
Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in
theater productions; produced 15 acclaimed albums including a
transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well
as one of original compositions. He has published several books
of original compositions.
Stas founded Accordion XXI Century Series in 2010 so that the
Midwest audiences can experience the amazing range of the
Accordion and Bayan by bringing gifted artists from all over the
world. In a concert setting, these gifted musicians share their
skills and cultures to provide the audience with a unique musical
experience. The performances feature the Accordion or Bayan in
solo presentation and, when possible, in concert with other
instruments.
The brilliant artistry and musical virtuosity of Stas afford an
expanded dimension in music and an innovative musical
adventure to the audience. Beyond his artistry he is a consumate
entertainer capable of engaging any audience.
The Instrument
The accordion is one of the most widely played instruments
in the world. Popular, it seems, everywhere except the United
States.
The accordion is generally made of wood, metals like
aluminum and steel, plastic and cellulose. Some accordions
have over six thousand individual parts, making them one of
the most complex musical instruments manufactured.
The accordion makes its music when air from the bellows is
forced through metal reeds causing the reeds to vibrate.
In the accordion class of instruments are the piano
accordion, bayan, concertina, bandoneon, button box, et al.
The concept is universal and each culture has adapted the
instrument to its own requirements. The genesis of the
accordion is thought to be the Chinese Sheng, which dates
back to around the 13th century B.C.
The Bayan is an accordion that was developed in Russia in the
very late eighteen hundreds. It differs from most accordions
developed in western Europe primarily in the detail of its
construction. These details make the Bayan a richer sounding
instrument with a wider range of notes. It shines its best in
the classic repertoire, often sounding like a cathedral pipe
organ.
In classical genres Stas Venglevski performs on the Petosa
Concert Series Cathedral Bayan SV developed by Petosa
Accordions in Seattle, WA, and custom crafted specifically for
Stas. It has 61 treble notes and bass converter for either 120
Stradella bass or 55 free bass.
The Cathedral Bayan SV has fifteen treble registers giving it
incredible range and large spectrum of sounds. The left hand
is a specially designed Russian system offering the sound
quality of a Cathedral Organ pedal tone.