The grand prize winner of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance’s 2017 M-Prize competition, Russian Renaissance presents “high caliber traditional folk music through a modern lens.”

With their professional debut in October 2015, the quartet — which includes balalaika (a Russian stringed instrument with a unique triangular body), domra (a long-necked Russian instrument from the lute family), button accordion, and contrabass balalaika — brings together tradition and modernity in unique crossover and fusion styles. Their M-Prize appearance featured works ranging from tango to Russian folksongs to Duke Ellington, creating a fun, yet soulful approach.