Contemporary Russian Romances

by Yaffa Borukhova / Gregory Nisnevich

Gregory Nisnevich began his music studies in St. Petersburg, Russia at the age of four. He studied with Vladimir Denisov, Yevgeniya Riabokon and Ilya Permiakov. He continued his education with Joseph Urshalmi at the Jerusalem Rubin Academy of Music in Israel, where he later became a faculty member. In 2001, Gregory became the first guitarist to receive a prestigious Artist Diploma from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, Colorado, where he studied with Maestro Ricardo Iznaola. Gregory is a winner of the 1998 International Classical Guitar Competition in Portland, Oregon, a first place winner of the 1995 International Israeli Radio Competition and a first place winner of the 1992 Contemporary Music Competition in Israel. He is a winner of special grants from American-Israel Cultural Foundation, Chamber Music America, and a three-time winner of the grant from Colorado Council of the Arts. Gregory's repertoire as a soloist includes not only music by Israeli and Russian composers, but also an extended 'standard' repertoire of a performing guitarist that includes Baroque, classical, Spanish and 20th century music. This Russian-born musician interprets Russian, Spanish, South American and other world classical and folk melodies with an impeccable sense of style and affection, showing the lyrical beauty and color of the music. Gregory's unique artistic abilities and highly successful concerts and recitals earned him the honor of the first performance of works by famous contemporary composers Jan Freidlin, Emanuel Val, Daniel Akiva and others. In 2001, Gregory encountered passionate music of Argentine Tango and it has become a part of his repertoire not only as a musician, but as a dancer as well. It has opened for him a new, endless path of creative exploration. As a dancer, Gregory performs in tango shows and teaches group and private dance classes. Currently, Gregory maintains an active touring schedule, both as a soloist and as a chamber musician. He performs regularly with the Jerusalem Chamber Orchestra, Golden Strings Quartet in Israel and Europe, and the Mercury Ensemble and Extasis Tango Orchestra in the United States. Yaffa Borukhova received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music in Vocal Performance where she studied with Sara Bardill. Her awards include two first place awards in the NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) competition in 2000, and 2002, Recital of Distinction Award in 2002, and the coveted Partner in scholarship award in 2002. Ms. Borukhova has performed for international audiences and throughout the United States. Her repertoire consists of music from all over the world, contemporary Russian romances, traditional classical repertoire, and especially the; forgotten; Sephardic music which she has researched and performed in order to keep it alive. In addition to her many annual solo recitals, she has performed with the Lamont Opera in performances of Leonard Bernstein's Candide and others including multiple roles in many scene programs. She performed the title role of Charlotte in Werther, Third Lady in Mozart's Magic Flute, Carmen in Bizet's Carmen, and many other roles all of which demonstrated Miss Borukhova's dramatic stage presence. She has never failed to command the attention of her audience with her crystal clear ringing tone, which has touched and continues to touch her many fans.