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. Podcast Interview with Allison Em: From Russian Education to Navigating the Milwaukee Music Scene - The Musician's Venture

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. 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. Specs here. 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.