Russian ensemble created in 1888 by = Vasily Andreyev. The Andreyev Russian Folk Orchestra was a symphony orchestra built around Russian folk instruments such as the balalaika, domra, and gusli, and dedicated to playing Russian folk music.
In 1896, the orchestra was renamed the Great Russian Orchestra (Великорусскій оркестръ) and became an international phenomenon, successfully touring Europe and America. At its 25th anniversary in 1913, the Tzar granted it the title Imperial Great Russian Orchestra. After more than 130 years, the orchestra is still active, now under the name "State Academic Russian Orchestra named after V. V. Andreyev".
Conductors:
= Nikolay Fomin - 1919 (the closest associate of V. Andreyev since 1889)
= Theodor Niemann - 1919 to 1933
= Eduard Grikurov - 1936 to 1938
= Nikolai Selitsky - 1945 to 1948
= Sergei Eltsin - 1948 to1951
= Pavel Necheporenko - 1951
= Avenir Mikhailov - 1951 to 1955
= Daniil Pohitonov - mid-1950s
= Georgy Donijah - 1959 to 1971
= Karl Eliasberg - mid-1950s to 1978