Harp ensemble "Magic Strings"

Gusli (russian traditional harp) have been known and well loved in Russia since ancient times. Their Divine sound calmed people and could even reconcile the worst enemies. The ensemble “Magic Strings” began concert activity in 1996, but with a different name. The name "Magic Strings" was given to the harp ensemble in 2001. For 19 years, Alisa Dunaevskaya, a composer, author of many works written specifically for the ensemble, has been the permanent leader of the “Magic Strings” harp ensemble.

Since 2016, the group has been directed by Marina Afanasyeva, a leading harp player and author of a large number of instrumentations for the ensemble. Laureate of an international competition, both russian and international festivals, the ensemble "Magic Strings" is truly a unique team. First of all, the ensemble has a unique composition of musical instruments. It contains 3 types of harp: voiced harp - helmet-shaped, recreated according to ancient drawings, plucked harp and keyboard harp, as well as a full set of noise and melodic percussion instruments, including beats (flat bells). The repertoire of “Magic Strings” is rich and varied. It includes ancient Russian, spiritual, classical music, arrangements of folk melodies and original author's compositions. The repertoire is constantly expanding, many and many new compositions that have never been played on a harp before, becoming part of “Magic Strings” repertoire. Ensemble soloist Olga Kuznetsova is known for being a laureate of many Russian national competitions as well as having a folk voice. The ensemble also collaborates with a large number of soloists - vocalists, such as many People's Artists of Russia: Nadezhda Krygina and Vasily Ovsyannikov, Honored Artists of Russia: Valentina Voronina and Yan Osin, Honored Artist of Chuvashia Irina Shorkina, Laureates of All-Russian and International Competitions Ilya Ushullu, Irina Sukhanova, Valentin Sukhodolets, Sergey Borzov, Marina Agafonova, Sergey Taranenko, Dmitry Shved and many others. The ensemble “Magic Strings” consist of : Marina Afanasyeva - artistic director, sonorous helmet-shaped first harp, flute, ocarina. Eduard Kozyrev - sonorous helmet-shaped second harp, balalaika, ocarina. Elizaveta Velesova - plucked harp, Alexey Pankratov - keyboards harp, melodica, Grigory Schwartz - percussion instruments (noise and melodica), beats. During the existence of “Magic Strings”, this unique team has found their audience, and is constantly working hard to ensure that more and more listeners become their loyal admirers.