Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin - Foolin' Around with Stas and Misha
Program Date: April 1, 2026
Stas Vanlevski and Misha Litvin of "Stas and Misha" are both musically stunning performers with a wonderful stage presence and incredible audience rapport. Their music ranges from classical to folk to traditional, and Stas plays the Bayan, a Russian version of the accordion.
Stas is an Accordionist, a Musician, an Arranger, an Entertainer and a Teacher. Stas' repertoire includes his original compositions, a broad range of classical, contemporary and ethnic music. He performed the world premiere of Concerto No. 2 by Anthony Galla-Rini and also the world premiere of Bayan and Beyond, composed for Stas by Dan Lawitt. He has toured extensively as a soloist throughout the former Soviet Union, Canada, Europe, and the U.S., including numerous performances with Doc Severinsen, Steve Allen, Garrison Keillor on the Prairie Home Companion show and symphony orchestras throughout the U.S.
Misha is an incredible mandolinist and a master of the Domra, the Russian mandolin. He has soloed with chamber orchestras in Russa, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, France, and the U.S., and is a professor of mandolin at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Misha holds a Master’s Degree in Orchestra Conducting and Music Education.
Artistry, dazzling technical command, and sensitivity have brought Stanislav, "Stas," Venglevski, a native of the Republic of Moldova, part of the former Soviet Union, increasing acclaim as a virtuoso of the Bayan. A two-time first prize winner of Bayan competition in the Republic of Moldova, Stas is a graduate of the Russian Academy of Music in Moscow where he received his Masters Degree in Music under the tutelage of the famed Russian Bayanist, Friedrich Lips. In 1992 he immigrated to the United States.
He is a regular participant the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Arts in Community Education Program (ACE); has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra; has done television commercials and performed in theater productions; produced 15 acclaimed albums including a transcription of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite for Bayan as well as one of original compositions. He has published several books of original compositions. Stas founded Accordion XXI Century Series in 2010 so that the Midwest audiences can experience the amazing range of the Accordion and Bayan by bringing gifted artists from all over the world. In a concert setting, these gifted musicians share their skills and cultures to provide the audience with a unique musical experience. The performances feature the Accordion or Bayan in solo presentation and, when possible, in concert with other instruments. The brilliant artistry and musical virtuosity of Stas afford an expanded dimension in music and an innovative musical adventure to the audience. Beyond his artistry he is a consummate entertainer capable of engaging any audience.