Zolotoe Koltso

Fronted by Nadezhda Kadisheva, Zolotoe Koltso are one of Russia's most popular folk groups. Maintaining a traditional approach to the music, with just a nod towards the mainstream keeps them at the forefront. Any of their albums is a good introduction to both the band and to the wealth of Russian folk songs. Many of the tunes will be familiar to non-Russian ears, particularly those on the earlier albums. Oddly difficult to find much on the band - there does not appear to be an official page, and MP3s are scarce. There was a discography by Viktor Nadymov which is now defunct. I have been unable to contact him, but have used his page here as the only reasonably full guide. I have added two recent albums and there have been a number of releases since the last update.

A recent video cartoon which features Nadezhda Kadisheva in cartoon form.

Russia-in-US: Here is a short biography and some streamed audio tracks. Also, other folk artists.