About V.V. Andreev

Vasily Vasilyevich Andreev (1861–1918) was a remarkable Russian patriot, founder and conductor of the first Great Russian orchestra, a reformer of Russian folk instruments, a public personality, a teacher, a composer, a conductor, and a virtuoso accordion and balalaika player.

1861 year

Born on January 3 (January 15, new style) 1861 in Bezhetsk, Tver province, V.V. Andreev was the son of Vasily Andreevich Andreev, the first guild merchant, and Sofya Mikhailovna (née Veselago), a member of the aristocracy.

The folklore element captivated V.V. Andreev from a young age, and he learned himself to play a variety of instruments. During his final years at the school, he studied violin under Professor N.V. Galkin of the St. Petersburg Conservatory.

1883 year

Having heard the performance of the self-taught balalaika player Antip in the summer of 1883 at his estate Maryino in the Tver province, Andreev was amazed by the rich possibilities of the primitive instrument and became inspired by the idea of improving it.

Even the next year, V.V. Andreev dared to play solo balalaika at a Samara charity event.

1886 year

He made his debut with a new, acoustically enhanced balalaika in the Hall of the Assembly of Nobility in St. Petersburg in 1886. Extraordinary talent and charm, combined with aristocratic gloss, quickly turned Andreev into an idol of high society salons and a trendsetter.

1887 year

In 1887, based on his designs, the chromatic balalaika and its varieties were created: piccolo, prima, alto, and bass, the first «School for Balalaika» was published, classes for playing it were opened in Solyanoy Gorodok in St. Petersburg, and the «Circle of Balalaika Lovers» was organized.

1888 year

The performance of this Circle in the hall of the City Credit Society in St. Petersburg on March 20, 1888 was the first in the history of the Andreevsky Orchestra.

1896 year

In 1896, balalaikas were joined by domras, gusli and other folk instruments, recreated through historical research.

Balalaikas and domras were popular throughout Russia as a consequence of Andreev's dedicated and unrelenting teaching efforts in the army, railway schools, and rural teacher training programs. Folk songs also made a comeback along with the instruments.

Thanks to the triumphant tours of the Circle, and then the Great Russian Orchestra in Europe and the USA, Russian instruments gained popularity far beyond the borders of Russia and penetrated into all layers of society. These victories, along with the backing of the Imperial family and notable peers, enabled Andreev to persevere through a resolute battle against those who wished him harm.

1892 year

The French Academy of Arts made him an honorary member in 1892 «for introducing a new element into music.»

1900 year

In 1900, at the World Exhibition in Paris, V.V. Andreev was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor and the Grand Gold Medal of the Exhibition.

1913 year

In 1913 he was granted the title of Court Councillor.

1914 year

In 1914, he received the title of «Soloist of His Imperial Majesty».

The reason for the revival of traditional instruments V.V. Andreev donated his entire life in addition to his entire riches.

1918 year

V.V. Andreev died on December 25, 1918. Northern Front soldiers were his last audience. V.V. Andreev is buried in the Alexander Nevsky Lavra.

“...Three strings!.. Only three strings and a small triangular instrument! But this our pride. Our native, national pride…”

"Review of the theatres", 1909

State Academic Russian Orchestra named after V. V. Andreev

The State Academic Russian Orchestra named after V. V. Andreev is the first professional group in world history in which national instruments were united according to the principle of a symphony orchestra. The idea belongs to its founder, the outstanding Russian musician, composer and public figure Vasily Vasilyevich Andreev. Since its first concert performance on March 20, 1888, the Andreevsky Orchestra has been the pride and glory of Russian art and the pearl of world musical culture.