Accordionist Stas Venglevski and His Loyal Maryland Audiences

November 1st 2024
Dan Grauman

While Stas Venglevski generally performs in front of large audiences, there’s something very special about his appearances in front of smaller audiences. During his recent short visit to Maryland, four of the five concerts took place at some of the state’s largest retirement communities’ concert series, and each concert represented Stas’s second or third appearance at that location.

Stas Venglevski

What is the reason for these repeated appearances? The main reason is that Stas has a special way of engaging with his audiences. He talks to individuals during his performances, tells an occasional short life experience, plays a nice variety of classical, traditional, and folk music, and takes requests. The comment by the concert organizer at the end of each performance is always the same, “Please be sure to let me know when is Stas coming back.”

The fifth, and last, Maryland concert was unique. It was sponsored by a Ukrainian couple, who invited 60 of their Russian and Ukrainian friends to their beautiful farm located just south of the Pennsylvania border and north of Baltimore. The performance took place in a barn that was decorated for the occasion by a friend, who was previously involved with stage decoration at the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia.

The hosts requested, and the audience appreciated, a fair amount of classical music for the daytime concert that lasted 75 minutes. Following the concert everyone enjoyed lots of food and wine that was provided by the guests.

Russians & Ukrainians singing their folk songs
Russians & Ukrainians singing their folk songs

Apparently, some people asked Stas if he could play some of their Russian and Ukrainian folk music. Stas complied, and we wound up with another hour of singing, dancing and merry-making.

What an end to an action-packed five days! Bravo, Stas!