Victor Gorodinsky
Music Director / Founder

Victor Gorodinsky is a Slavic Studies Librarian at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Library.

Originally from Russia, he immigrated to the United States in 1982. He holds a Master's Degree in Music (classical guitar and orchestral conducting) from Gnesin College of Music in Moscow. Before moving to Madison in 1995, he worked at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where, in addition to being a Slavic Studies Librarian, he was Assistant Director (under the late Professor John Garvey) and later, Music Director of the University of the Illinois Russian Folk Orchestra, the official School of Music performing and touring ensemble. Under Victor's baton, the 40-piece orchestra was performing several times a year at the University of Illinois' Krannert Center for the Performing Arts and toured around the Midwest.

In 1996, with the generous financial help from CREECA, Victor was able to purchase authentic Russian folk instruments, domras and balalaikas, and rehearsals began in the fall of 1997.

Check out the Orchestra concert schedule.

When he happens to have some free time, Victor likes spending it with his lovely cat Asya, reading, listening to other music, traveling, and performing magic. He also participates in other Russian folk music festivals. And, sometimes he enjoys doing rather goofy things (see photo below).

Quartet for certain folk instruments and a lawn mower

Victor Gorodinsky Music Director / Founder

Victor Gorodinsky
Music Director / Founder