Stas Venglevski

His artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought 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, Venglevski 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.

Venglevski is an accordionist, an arranger, an entertainer and a teacher. His repertoire includes 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 A Prairie Home Companion. 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 the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawits.

He is a regular participant with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra’s Arts in Community Education Program, has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. He’s played on television commercials and performed in theater productions. He has recorded more than 20 albums, including a transcription of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite for bayan. He has also published several books of his original compositions.