Esperanza
Esperanza stands for hope. The trio Esperanza consists of Arkady Gankin, Natalya Shevchenko and Konstantin Sysoyev. They play intermezzos during performances by the Alphens Cossack Choir. They also accompany the choir in various folk songs and authentic Cossack songs.
Arkadi Gankin
Arkady Gankin graduated cum laude on classical accordion both as a teaching and performing musician. He specialized in Russian Folk Music and graduated in both orchestral and choral conducting. He is a virtuoso and passionate bajan player. In addition to being a soloist, Arkadi is also a very good accompanist. He leads the trio Esperanza and also writes the arrangements for it
Natalja Shevchenko
Natalya Shevchenko plays the prima balalaika and graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory. She has won several international music competitions. Since 2017 she has lived in the Netherlands, teaches music and supports various professional and amateur bands.
Konstantin Sysoyev
Konstantin Sysoyev played in various bands until the year 2000. Now that he lives in the Netherlands, he got the opportunity to play the double bass balalaika in the trio Esperanza