East-West International Project delivers eclectic music to Polson and eastern Montana this month. Coming from different parts of the world, each of them brings their own musical background, traditions and beauty to the collaboration.
The group received the gold medal at the 2017 International Accordion Competition in Victoria, Canada.
East-West International was founded in 2016 by accordion virtuoso Sergei Teleshev, who has been touring around the world with different groups for the past 20 years. Bassist and composer Sean Peterson, based in Eugene, Ore., performs jazz, baroque, funk, Gypsy-grass and salsa with a variety of groups. Vocalists Galina Light of Kyrgyzstan and Viktoria Hewitt of Russia are part of Juliana and PAVA, a vocal ensemble that performs ancient Russian folk songs. This charming quartet promises a smooth and soulful delivery that transports listeners with sweet, imaginative escape.
Accomplished at a variety of styles, from classical to jazz and tango to pop, the group delivers nuanced performances with finesse. Melody is buoyed with lush harmonies, and rhythm is awash with wide chordal counterpoint.
Classically trained at the Academy of Music in Voronezh, Russia, Teleshev has won many regional and international accordion competitions. As accordion player of Trio Voronezh and the Valinor Quartet, he collaborates with many acclaimed artists, ensembles, and orchestras, including London Philharmonic Orchestra, Doc Severinsen, Halie Loren, and many others.
In 2013 he won the National V-Accordion Competition. As the U.S. champion, Teleshev represented the United States at the seventh Roland International V-Accordion Festival in Rome, Italy, where he received a special prize for most online votes on the festival’s webcast.
East West International Project’s Montana tour
Polson: 7 p.m. Feb. 9, Polson High School Auditorium; call 887-2739 or visit Mission Valley Live.
Billings: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the Mayflower Congregational Church; call 406-656-2744.
Eastern Montana: Malta High School, Feb. 12; Glasgow High School, Feb. 13; and Mondak Heritage Center in Sidney, Feb. 15. These concerts are presented by the Northeastern Arts Network; call 406-443-3403 for details.