On January 15, at the Russian House in Brussels, the folk music ensemble “Zolotoy Plyos” will present a traditional New Year’s concert filled with the live sound of folk instruments and the beauty of Russian song traditions.
The Old New Year entered our culture as a reminder of the time when the country lived according to a different calendar — the Julian calendar, or the “old style.” For centuries, it determined the cycle of holidays and rituals in Russia, while most European countries had long since switched to the Gregorian calendar.
Thus arose an unusual calendar gap: when Europe was celebrating the New Year, Russia still had almost two weeks to go. This time shift gave us a unique tradition — two New Years, two winter holidays, and two reasons for joy and family warmth.
The transition to the Western European calendar was carried out by decree and came into force on February 14, 1918, reducing the difference between the old and new styles. Yet the people’s affection for the special date — the night of January 13 to 14 — endured. To this day, the Old New Year remains part of our cultural memory, a warm winter tradition that unites past and present.
The program includes songs from various regions of Russia, including dances, Cossack songs, round dances, calendar songs, and instrumental arrangements of popular songs.
Our group will present over 30 musical instruments, including unique, ancient instruments and instruments crafted by master craftsmen in one-of-a-kind pieces. We will also perform ancient songs in the traditions and dialects of their respective regions.
